NS Design CR5 Cello - Amber

The NS Cello, designed by Ned Steinberger,is available in the affordable CR Series. This remarkable instrument,available with 4, 5 or 6 strings, is able to produce the delicate andprecise tones of its acoustic parent as well as to create exciting newsounds through the tone shaping geometry of its innovative piezo pickup system.

Interchangeable support systems provide new performance options. Afully adjustable tripod stand can be used seated or standing. Theinventive and allows full mobility, while the conventional provides the traditional points of cello contact and position.

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

Features

SOLID MAPLE BODY AND NECK: The CR Cello is craftedof European maple, with a flame maple face. This solid-body designdevelops a rich multi-dimensional tone free from the constraintsinherent in an acoustic instrument. The traditional cello scale lengthand neck shape have a familiar feel, while the small body allows fullaccess to the upper register. Brass escutcheon pin on the rear of theneck serves as a reference point corresponding to the heel of anacoustic cello. Solid construction provides structural stability toresist changes in temperature and humidity.

FINGERBOARD: The fingerboard is expertly graduatedwith an asymmetric profile to insure that each note is even and buzzfree. An adjustable truss rod allows for precise relief adjustment fordifferent strings and playing style. A cascading dot pattern across theneck provides an accurate reference for position.

 

BRIDGE PICKUP: The Polar bridge-mounted piezopickup system responds selectively to either vertical vibration (for thesustained plucked sound, like an electric bass guitar), or lateralvibration (for dynamic bowing, and a percussive plucked sound).

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 cello, 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.

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:

ModelBridgeNut4-string4.8 cm (1.9")2.4 cm (.94")5-string6.1 cm (2.4")3.0 cm (1.18")6-string7.1 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 topcoat. Custom finish options are available for the CR Cello includingSlate Gray, Quilted Maple, Poplar Burl and Zebrawood. 

BRIDGE PICKUP: The Polar directional piezo pickupsystem responds selectively to either vertical vibration (for thesustained plucked sound, like an electric bass guitar), or lateralvibration (for dynamic bowing, and a percussive plucked sound).

ELECTRONICS: Volume, balance control for pickupselection, 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:
4 string tuning: C G D A
5 string tuning: Low F C G D A; High E tuning also available by request: C G D A E
6 string tuning: F C G D A E

STRINGS: supplied; the NS is designed to fit and is compatible with most standard strings.

PERFORMANCE SUPPORT SYSTEMS

TRIPOD STAND: A fully adjustable tripod stand comes standard with the CR Series Cello.

:The optional Cello End Pin Stand has traditional knee and chest contactpoints for seated play. The height, knee rest position and instrumentangle are adjustable. The knee rest folds so the stand fits in the gigbag. Weight is 1.36kg (3 lbs.).

:This optional support system has a pivoting friction hub that holds theinstrument firmly in place close to the body.  Attached with a guitarstyle strap to its two support arms, the system allows the instrument tobe moved into virtually any position in relation to the hands and bodyas it is played. Weight is .45 kg (1 lbs.).

:This optional accessory is a lightweight frame structure that allowsfull mobility to perform in standing or upright position, holding theinstrument out from the body similar to the reference in traditionalpositioning. It is the strap system recommended for bowing. The systemis supported by a single guitar style strap extending over the leftshoulder.  Weight is 0.68kg (1.5 lbs.).

TRANSPORT

GIG BAG: The standard gig bag with handleand shoulder strap, has a padded inner case for the instrument and azipper pouch for the tripod stand.  It also has a bow compartment andstorage pocket with room for accessories. 99 cm (39") long; 18 cm (7")in diameter. Loaded weight is 5 kg (11 lbs.), including stand. Fits inthe overhead luggage compartment of most commercial aircraft.

:An optional hard shell flight case measures 136cm x 28cm x 27cm (53.5" x11" x 10.5") and weighs 22.2 kg (49 lb) fully loaded with instrument& tripod stand.