NS Design NXTa 5-string Electric Violin

The NXTa 5-string violin, standard or fretted– opens up a new horizon for the serious musician seeking to play a world-class electric violin on a limited budget. These instruments, crafted in the Czech Republic by the makers of NS Design’s renowned CR series, exemplify flawless workmanship at an incredible value.

Light weight and perfect balance are critical performance factors for any electric violin, and the NXTa Series tops the charts as one of the lightest electric violins on the market. Weighing in at 585 grams, the NXTa pioneers 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, easy string changes, and keep the balance point of the instrument close to the shoulder for maximum comfort.

Additional weight is saved by advanced piezo technology that eliminates the need for heavy on-board batteries and circuitry. The self-powered Polar™ electromechanical transducer, technically referred to as a passive pickup, is anything but passive, with higher output than most active systems. The result is unsurpassed dynamic range, clarity, and sheer power. The dual mode Polar pickup responds to both lateral string vibration for bowing, and vertical vibration for pizzicato playing. (A body-mounted two-way switch lets the player change modes easily.) The resulting sound retains the essential timbres of a fine acoustic violin, but is easily modified—via on-board controls or post-processing—to suit almost any sonic palette.

As adaptable as it is powerful, the NXTa adjusts easily to any violinist’s style. It comes equipped with the Custom Shoulder Rest which can be formed by the player to fit the body perfectly. The NXTa can also attach to NS Design’s revolutionary Balanced Shoulder Rest, which secures it effortlessly in optimal playing position. 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 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.

The NXTa violin brings world-class design and craftsmanship to a surprisingly affordable price range. With a visual appearance as striking as its sound, the roadworthy NXTa is an exciting and reliable partner for the most demanding performance career.

Violin Features

Solid, straight grain maple, with maple face (Black model) or flame maple face (Sunburst model) on body.

Body Reference Bout: Black-dyed maple bout on treble side provides standard violin reference. Easily removable for unrestricted neck access.

Fingerboard: Hand-graduated, asymmetric relief. NXTa Violins are available with Fretted Fingerboards

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

Strings: NS Electric strings standard. Compatible with standard violin strings.

Perfection Tuning Hardware: 40:1 fine tuners are mounted on the body behind the bridge for precise, stable tuning. Automatic string clamping allows for quick, easy string changes.

Pickup: The Polar™ directional piezo pickup system responds selectively to either lateral string vibration (for dynamic bowing) or vertical string vibration (for remarkably even and sustained plucked/pizzicato sound, like a mandolin). A switch allows the player to choose the desired response.

Electronics and Controls: Passive circuit with high impedance output, no batteries required. Volume control and Tone control (treble roll off).

Chin & Shoulder Rest: Ergonomically designed to support the instrument securely without the left hand. The padded shoulder rest is fully adjustable for height and angle. Knobs are located within easy reach of the right hand so adjustments can be made with the instrument in playing position.

Case Features

Hardshell Case: Fabric covered hard foam core, 81cm (32″) long, 21cm (8.5″) wide, 14 cm (5.5″) high, 2.7 kg (6 lb) loaded weight. Padded, form fitting interior. Holds 2 bows, shoulder rest, output cable, and extra gear.

Measurements:
Length: 540 MM (21.25″)
Width: 110 MM (4 5/16″)
Thickness: 65 MM (2 9/16″)
Scale Length: 330 MM (13″)
Weight: 4 String: 585g,   5 String: 610g