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

SOLID MAPLE BODY AND NECK:  The NS Viola is crafted of solid maple, with an elegant flame maple face.  This lightweight solid-body design transfers the full spectrum of sound to the pickup without feedback, and is very stable even with changes in temperature and humidity.  The ergonomic shoulder and chin rest provide comfortable, stable support, and a removable treble side bout is included for left hand position reference.  The solid ebony fingerboard is hand graduated for consistent string articulation.

 POLAR PICKUP SYSTEM™:  The NS Viola features the Polar TM bridge-mounted piezo pickup system.  The Polar pickups can sense either vertical or lateral string vibration.  Set in the vertical mode, plucked notes are remarkably even and sustained.  In the lateral mode, the pickup has unparalleled sensitivity in the direction of the bow, with more attack when plucked. Attack and decay can be effectively controlled with the Polar pickup system

 ACTIVE ELECTRONICS:  The player can choose between two very distinct and important tone qualities.  The first position delivers the extended frequency response of modern low impedance electronics, for full-blown “electric” sound.  The alternate position activates electronic filters to replicate the frequency response of the traditional viola, 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 and treble EQ controls.

 PRECISION TUNING HARDWARE:  Remarkably precise and stable tuning is accomplished entirely behind the bridge, in the manner similar to the fine tuners of an acoustic instrument.  Standard viola strings are clamped securely as the string is tuned.  No headstock scroll or tuners are required, so the balance point of the instrument is back toward the shoulder for optimum playing comfort.