Available with 4, 5 or 6 strings, the NS Design CR Series Cello is a truly remarkable instrument capable of producing the delicate and precise tones of its acoustic parent, as well as creating exciting new sounds through the endlessly versatile tone shaping geometry of its innovative NS Polar™ piezo pickup system and powerful EMG™ active preamp.
The CR Cello is crafted from European maple, with a sumptuous flame maple face. This solid-body design provides structural stability and resistance to changes in temperature and humidity and 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 compact body allows full access to the upper register. A brass escutcheon pin on the rear of the neck serves as a reference point corresponding to the heel of an acoustic cello.
The fingerboard is hand graduated for ideal playing action, with cascading dot markers providing an attractive and precise reference for fingering and intonation.
For customers who desire something even more special, all CR Series instruments are also available to special order with a choice of gorgeous exotic wood tops or a striking Slate Grey flame maple finish.
Pizzicato and arco techniques have almost unlimited expressive potential, thanks to the NS Design Polar™ Pickup System... Two separate mounted transducers beneath the bridge offer unlimited expressive potential and powerful dynamics. With each pickup specialized for a specific task, a convenient switch gives you the choice to select a traditional arco mode for percussive attack and a dynamic bowed response, or the pizzicato mode for a smooth, sustained tone.
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 3-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.
In addition, the NS Cello features an internal headphone amp circuit with mini-jack output, allowing for silent practice or self-monitoring.
Designed in partnership with Ned Steinberger, D'Addario NS electric Cello strings are designed to enhance the expressive range of tone for even the most discerning player. In combination with the easy adjustment of basic set-up parameters, the NXTa Series Cello is adaptable to a nearly limitless range of music styles.
4 String — C-G-D-A / 5 String — F-C-G-D-A (C-G-D-A-E available by request) / 6 string — F-C-G-D-A-E
CR Cello Tripod StandLightweight black painted tubular steel construction. Fully adjustable for a wide range of playing styles, this cello specific variant is shorter than the equivalent WAV/NXT Double Bass stand to better facilitate seated performance. Folds for easy storage and fits into the supplied gig bag (weight is 2.7kg/6lb).
Padded Gig BagPremium nylon gig bag, with carry handle and shoulder strap, a padded inner case for the instrument and a zipper pouch for the tripod stand as well as a bow compartment and storage pocket with room for charger and accessories.
Dimensions: 99cm (39") long x 18cm (7") in diameter. Loaded weight is 5kg (11lb) including stand. The compact gig bag fits in the overhead luggage compartment of most commercial aircraft.
Traditional Cello End Pin StandProvides the traditional cello points of contact and position and is the best choice for cellists who have an animated style of playing while seated, or who play the instrument at a more horizontal angle.
CR End Pin StandOffers full freedom of movement. Height, tilt and "right bout" angle are fully adjustable providing a more conventional feel.
End Pin Conversion KitAttaches the NS CR End Pin Stand to the CR Series Tripod Stand to hold the instrument upright for on-stand performance or when not in use.
Frame Strap SystemAllows the cellist to stand up with full mobility for a new experience of freedom and expression.
Cello ThumbstopProvides accurate intonation in higher positions by simulating the heel of the neck on an acoustic bass/cello and is a great aid for fast playing. It is crafted from solid maple, lacquered with an amber satin finish, and includes a 3M™ adhesive pad for ease in attaching to the desired position on the neck of the instrument.
Custom Flight CaseAluminum edged plywood measuring 136cm x 28cm x 27cm (53.5" x 11" x 10.5") with loaded weight of approximately 18kg (40lb) including tripod stand.
All NS Design electric concert instruments are equipped with the dual-mode Polar™ Pickup System, a remarkable innovation that allows players to select the direction of response to control attack, sustain, and bow response characteristics. The result is an exciting new dimension in string instrument performance, featuring a rich full sound, powerful dynamics, enhanced bow sensitivity, sustained pizzicato and extended versatility.
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 differ from the lute or guitar in large part due to the effects of string polarization.
The bow drives the string back and forth in the direction of the bow, while at the same time suppressing the up and down vibration. You can see this effect with the naked eye by watching the broad excursion of the lowest strings when bowed. From the front, you can see a wide lateral pattern of string vibration, but looking from the side you can see almost no pattern at all. Instruments in the violin family have a tall bridge which, in combination with an asymmetric support structure of bass bar and sound post, efficiently translates the sideways motion of the bowed string into sound.
The Polar Pickup responds with a high degree of lateral sensitivity and vertical rejection that is specifically tailored to mirror the polarity of the bowed string. The result is a remarkably dynamic, rich tone that responds effortlessly to the bow.
The system also takes this concept one step further, being able to switch from lateral to vertical sensitivity, which is ideal for pizzicato. Unlike the violin, a flat top guitar or lute responds in the vertical direction, minimising the plucked attack and storing energy for longer sustain. In the vertical mode the attack is controlled for a sustained, singing pizzicato response. The lateral mode has the opposite effect, and the plucked response is extraordinarily percussive, like a traditional bowed instrument, only more so. This dual capacity allows the player to control attack and decay, adding limitless new expressive potential to the violin family.
On EU and CR Series instruments, active bass and treble EQ controls combine with the Polar Pickup to provide tremendous tonal range. Additional magnetic pickups, switching and associated pre-amp circuitry vary from model to model.
Very convincing cello sound. Easier to play than my acoustic cello (I think that's because there are no natural resonances to fight against). Slight disappointment that the finish lacks the brightness of the catalogue photos, but a bit of wax polish may remedy that. Much, much, better (for sound and for noise-free electronics) than a Yamaha that I tried recently. Overall, I'm very pleased with it.
