Who knew?! the hands of a 190 cm/6.2 ft are too big for a violin.

I will stick to double bass, then, and you get to buy a barely used, second hand violin for a discount :-) along with two sets of original D'Addario strings (the 5th has been bought separately and inserted in the boxes).

[Check the sister listings for the bows and the balanced shoulder rest! I will apply a shipping discount.]

It is a fantastic, great sounding instrument to play live, including in low light conditions thanks to the frets.

• 5-String fretted model
• Fretted ebony fingerboard (Diospyros melanoxylon)
• Looks gorgeous
• Dual Mode Output - Battery-free concept
• Polar pickup system with pizzicato / arco switch
• Passive or Active modes
• Sounds fantastic
• Adjustable bridge
• Scale: 330 mm
• Weight : 610 g / 1.34 lbs
• Colour: Sunburst
• Includes chinrest, standard shoulder rest and case (total weight 3.2kg / 7lb)
• Made in Europe

The NXTa Violin 5 string fretted opens up a brand new horizon for the serious musician seeking to play a world-class electric violin on a limited budget.

The NS Design's NXTa range combines world-class design and craftsmanship at a surprisingly affordable price point. With a visual appearance as beautiful as their sound, these roadworthy instruments are exciting and reliable partners for the most demanding performance career.

Light weight and perfect balance are critical performance factors for any electric violin and the NXTa Series boasts some of the lightest models on the market. Weighing in at 610 g, NS Design has pioneered special carving techniques to reduce the weight of the maple body, while preserving extraordinary rigidity and striking good looks. Ultralight tail-mounted tuners allow precise adjustment and easy string changes, whilst keeping the balance point of the instrument close to the shoulder for maximum comfort.

Using set screws, the rock-maple bridge can be readily adjusted to the desired action height — high and powerful, low and fast, or anywhere in between. NS/D'Addario custom electric strings and all other traditional violin strings fit NS violins, allowing the player to select from many different string options, each with a unique sound and feel.

NS PATENTED TUNING SYSTEM

Accurate, stable tuners are the key to in-tune performance. The patented self-clamping tuning mechanism automatically grips the string ever more tightly as tension is applied, and the 40:1 micrometer fine tuning is smooth and precise. This "set-it and forget-it" tuning is light-years ahead of the friction tuners found on traditional instruments.

NS POLAR PICKUP SYSTEM

Advanced NS Polar piezo technology, based around a self-powered, bridge-mounted electro-mechanical transducer, eliminates the need for heavy on-board batteries and circuitry. Although technically a passive pickup, it has a higher output than many active systems, providing unsurpassed dynamic range, clarity, and sheer power.

The directional pickup responds selectively to either lateral string vibration (for dynamic bowing), or vertical vibration (for remarkably even and sustained plucked/pizzicato sound, like a mandolin). A switch allows the player to choose the desired response. The resulting sound retains the essential timbres of a fine acoustic violin, but can be easily and endlessly modified — via on-board controls or post-processing — to suit any sonic palette.

DUAL MODE PREAMP

All NXTa series instruments feature battery-free, high performance active electronics with new capacitor-powered custom circuitry designed by Mi-Si Electronics Design, taking convenience, versatility and performance capability to an even higher level.

Active Mode

Using the supplied charger, the NXTa connects into any AC outlet for 60 seconds, powering the capacitor powered active circuit for up to 16 hours of performance time. The instrument can then be plugged straight into any low or high impedance device, no direct box necessary.

Since there is no signal loss over the full frequency spectrum of the instrument, the fundamentals of every note remain clear and strong, even with extra-long cables.

Passive Mode

The NXTa can be played in this mode when using a direct box or an amplifier with high impedance input. This mode provides performance capabilities identical to the original NXT.

Eco-Friendly Operation

NXTa instruments are battery-free, eliminating the hassle and cost of batteries while helping protect our environment.

HARDSHELL FITTED CASE INCLUDED

All NS Violins and Violas are supplied complete with a Cordura covered, form-fitting custom hardshell case with handle and shoulder strap, separate compartments for shoulder rest and accessories, a bow compartment, and an exterior zipper pouch (Loaded weight: approx. 3.2kg / 7lb).

I will get the viola a spin, though :-)