NS Design CR4 Viola - Amber

The 4 string NS Viola completes the NS Design family of electric concert stringed instruments. With a remarkable tonal range due to its innovative pickup system, the NS Viola is able to selectively capture the stringvibration favored for both bow and pizzicato technique with stunningbrilliance and sensitivity. Now the violist can shed the constraints ofthe acoustic instrument, and enjoy full, rich, powerful sound from aninstrument that is very comfortable to play.

Features

SOLID MAPLE BODY AND NECK: The NS Viola is craftedof solid maple, with an elegant flame maple face. This lightweightsolid-body design transfers the full spectrum of sound to the pickupwithout feedback, and is very stable even with changes in temperatureand humidity. The ergonomic shoulder and chin rest provide comfortable,stable support, and a removable treble side bout is included for lefthand position reference. The solid ebony fingerboard is hand graduatedfor consistent string articulation.

SUPPORT SYSTEMS: The CR Viola comes equipped with the which can be formed by the player to fit the body perfectly. Theergonomically contoured ebony chinrest is designed to work in tandemwith the Custom Shoulder Rest for control, comfort and security. The is optional, offering a range of positions for individual fit, styleand comfort, providing entirely new levels of ergonomic support. Theviola can also attach to NS Design's revolutionary, which secures it effortlessly in optimal playing position.

BRIDGE PICKUP: The NS Viola features the Polarbridge-mounted piezo pickup system which responds selectively to eithervertical vibration (for the sustained plucked sound, like a mandolin),or lateral vibration (for dynamic bowing, and a percussive pluckedsound).

ACTIVE ELECTRONICS: The dual mode preamp allows theplayer to choose between two very distinct tone qualities. The firstmode delivers the full frequency response of modern low impedanceelectronics, for a rich, full-blown "electric" sound. The second isbalanced to produce the frequency response of the traditional viola, fora more "acoustic" sound. A three-way toggle switch allows the player toselect the desired pickup and electronics options. Additional controlsinclude volume and individual bass EQ & treble EQ controls.

PRECISION TUNING HARDWARE: With the ,remarkably precise and stable tuning is accomplished entirely behindthe bridge, in the manner similar to the fine tuners of an acousticinstrument. With the elimination of the traditional scroll and pegs,weight is shifted in towards the body of the player for optimum comfort.Although specially formulated from D'Addario ž ¢ are recommended, any standard solid or stranded coreviola string will fit the NS Viola. We do not recommend nylon (Perlon)core or gut core strings.

Specifications

LENGTH: 585 mm (23")

WIDTH: 116.8 mm (4.6")

THICKNESS: 51 mm (2")

WEIGHT: 775 grams

SCALE LENGTH: 366 mm (14.4")

STRING SPACING: Bridge 18 mm (0.7") Nut 38 mm (1.5")

CONSTRUCTION: Straight grain quarter-sawn solid European maple body and neck, with a flame maple face.

FINISH: Traditional amber stain with polymer topcoat. Custom finish options are available for the CR Viola includingSlate Gray, Quilted Maple, Poplar Burl and Zebrawood.

BODY REFERENCE BOUT: Black-dyed maple bout on treble side provides standard viola reference. Easily removable for unrestricted neck access.

FINGERBOARD: Hand-graduated ebony.

BRIDGE: Black-dyed maple, height adjustable via screws on back of body.

STRINGS: by D'Addario ž ¢ are standard.  Compatible with solid and stranded coreviola strings.  Synthetic core strings are not recommended.

PRECISION TUNING HARDWARE: Fine tuners are mountedon the body behind the bridge for precise, stable tuning. Automaticstring clamping allows for quick, easy string changes.

BRIDGE PICKUP: The Polar directional piezo pickupsystem responds selectively to either vertical vibration  (forremarkably even and sustained plucked/pizzicato sound, like a mandolin),or lateral vibration (for dynamic bowing, and a percussive pluckedsound).

ACTIVE ELECTRONICS: Dual mode preamp allows theplayer to choose between two distinct tone qualities: (1) the extendedfrequency response of modern low impedance electronics, for full-blown"electric" sound, and (2) active electronic shaping to replicate thefrequency response of the traditional viola, for a more "acoustic"sound. A three-way toggle switch allows the player to select the desiredpickup and electronics options.

CONTROLS:

• Volume
• Treble EQ
• Bass EQ
• 3-way Switch for Polar pickup:
  • forward - vertical string vibration (for sustained pizzicato)
  • center - lateral string vibration, full frequency for arco
  • back - lateral string vibration, "acoustic" timbre for arco

HEADPHONE JACK: 1/8" headphone jack for silent practice and self-monitoring.

PERFORMANCE SUPPORT SYSTEMS

SHOULDER AND CHIN REST OPTIONS: The is a standard with the CR Viola and can be formed by the player to fitthe body perfectly.  As an option, the violin can also attach to NSDesign's revolutionary, which floats the instrument in the desired playing position without being clamped between the jaw and the shoulder.

The contoured ebony chin rest supplied with the instrument isdesigned to work comfortably in tandem with the Custom Shoulder Rest.The optional is also available for players wanting a more extensive range of position adjustments for more customized fit and comfort.

TRANSPORT

NS VIOLA CASE: Customized for the NS Violin, thisstandard hardshell case with handle and shoulder strap includes separatecompartments for shoulder rest and accessories, a bow compartment andexterior zipper pouch.  Made with durable Cordura fabric, 3.2 kg (7 lb)loaded weight.

(optional): Aluminum edged plywood. Outside Dimensions: 88 cm (34.5?)long; 28 cm (11.5?) wide; 20 cm (7.75?) high. Inside Dimensions (fromfoam edge to foam edge) : 32.25? long; 9.95? wide; 5.5? height(including top cover recess).  Loaded weight is approximately 13 kg (30lbs.).