NS Designs - CR 5 String Electric Cello

The NS Cello, Designed by Ned Steinberger
This remarkable instrument, available with 4, 5 or 6 strings, is able to produce the delicate and precise tones of its acoustic parent as well as to create exciting new sounds through the tone shaping geometry of its innovative Polar piezo pickup system.

The use of standard cello strings and scale length establishes a familiar starting point for the cellist's journey to the electric world. From there anything goes. The energetic response of the NS Cello can be tamed to deliver a traditional cello tone, or set loose to explore new territory.

Solid Maple Body and Neck
The CR Cello is crafted of European maple, with a flame maple face. This solid-body design develops a rich multi-dimensional tone free from the constraints inherent in an acoustic instrument. The traditional cello scale length and neck shape have a familiar feel, while the small body allows full access to the upper register. Brass escutcheon pin on the rear of the neck serves as a reference point corresponding to the heel of an acoustic cello. Solid construction provides structural stability to resist changes in temperature and humidity.

Fingerboard
The fingerboard is expertly graduated with an asymmetric profile to insure that each note is even and buzz free. An adjustable truss rod allows for precise relief adjustment for different strings and playing style. A cascading dot pattern across the neck provides an accurate reference for position.

Bridge Pickup
The Polar bridge-mounted piezo pickup system responds selectively to either vertical vibration (for the sustained plucked sound, like an electric bass guitar), or lateral vibration (for dynamic bowing, and a percussive plucked sound).

Active Electronics
The dual mode preamp allows the player to choose between two very distinct tone qualities. The first mode delivers the full frequency response of modern low impedance electronics, for a rich, full-blown "electric" sound. The second is balanced to produce the frequency response of the traditional cello, for a more "acoustic" sound. A three-way toggle switch allows the player to select the desired pickup and electronics options. Additional controls include volume and individual bass EQ & treble EQ controls.

Polar Pickup System
As a player, you may not think about the direction your strings are vibrating, or even be aware that string vibrations on a musical instrument are polarized in relation to the fingerboard and the motion of the plectrum and bow. Yet direction is one of the most significant factors influencing the tone and response of a stringed instrument. In fact, instruments from the violin family are different from the lute or guitar in large part due to the effects of string polarization.

Specifications
LENGTH: 94 cm (37")
WIDTH: 14 cm (5.5")
THICKNESS: 9.5 cm (3.75")
WEIGHT: 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs.)
SCALE LENGTH: 69.5 cm (27.36")
STRING SPACING (Bridge/Nut): 7.1 cm (2.8") / 3.3 cm ( 1.3")
CONSTRUCTION: Straight grain rock maple neck, body, and peg head. Hand graduated fingerboard. Flame maple face on body and peghead.
FINISH: Traditional amber stain with polymer top coat.
BRIDGE PICKUP: The Polar directional piezo pickup system responds selectively to either vertical vibration (for the sustained plucked sound, like an electric bass guitar), or lateral vibration (for dynamic bowing, and a percussive plucked sound).
ELECTRONICS: Volume, balance control for pickup selection, toggle switch for Polar system, bass and treble controls. 18-volt active circuit by EMG with an internal headphone amp / circuit. Mono output.
CONTROLS: (top to bottom)
• Volume
• Treble EQ
• Switch for Polar pickup:
- up - pizzicato (vertical vibration)
- center - Pure Preamp Arco - Electric tone
- down - arco (lateral vibration)
• Bass EQ
HEADPHONE JACK: 1/8" headphone jack for silent practice and self-monitoring.
TRUSS ROD: Neck relief is adjustable above the nut located with hex wrench.
TUNING MACHINES: Premium grade, fully encased worm gear tuners; black finish.
STRING TUNING: F C G D A
STRINGS: NS Electric Cello Strings supplied; the NS is designed to fit and is compatible with most standard strings.