NS Design NXT4a Cello - Black - Fretted

The NXTa Active Series Cello,available with 4 or 5 strings, fretless or fretted, opens up new vistasfor the serious cellist. Crafted in the Czech Republic by the makers ofthe renowned CR Series, NXT series cellos exemplify flawlessworkmanship at an exceptional value. 

As a pure electric instrument, the NS cello has certain built-inadvantages over an acoustic. One is the virtual absence of wolf tones,an unfortunate fact of life for the acoustic cellist. Another is freedomfrom feedback in amplified performance settings, which means that thecellist can move about the stage at will, and better yet, can take solosat any volume. Since 100% of the sound comes via the pickup, usinglooping and other electronic effects in live performance is much easierand far more effective than with an amplified acoustic, where much ofthe unprocessed sound "leaks" out to the audience.

The tone quality and dynamic range of the NXTa cello owes much to the self-powered .Employing special piezo crystals, mounted beneath the bridge, thepickup captures the full sound spectrum created by the strings and bodyof the instrument. Arco versus Pizzicato playing creates more vibrationenergy in one direction than the other, and a convenient switch on theside of the NXTa actually allows the player to select sensitivity foreither mode. The result is either more percussive response, or smootherand sustained response, adding a new dimension to what the player cancreate musically.

Dual Mode Output - The new dual mode signal outputelectronics of the NXTa take the convenience, versatility andperformance capability of the NXT to another level.

Active Mode - Using ,the NXTa connects into any AC outlet for 60 seconds, powering thecapacitor-powered active circuit for 16 hours  from the time of thecharge. The instrument can then be plugged straight into any low or highimpedance device, no direct box necessary. Since there is no signalloss over the full frequency spectrum of the instrument, thefundamentals of every note remain clear and strong, even with extra-longcables.

Passive Mode - The NXTa can be played in this modewhen using a direct box or an amplifier with high impedance input. (Thismode provides performance capabilities identical to the original NXT.)

Eco-Friendly Operation - NXTa instruments are battery-free, eliminating the hassle and cost of batteries while helping protect our environment.

The solid maple body and neck along with the graduated fingerboardcontribute to the delivery of a rich, full tone that rings true forevery note. Asymmetrical fingerboard relief provides extraordinary easeof playability from the lowest to the highest positions. To suitindividual player preferences, the fingerboard relief can be adjustedvia the truss rod in the neck, and the string height is readilyadjustable at the bridge.

and most traditional acoustic strings fit all NS cellos, allowing theplayer to select from a wide range, each with a unique sound a feel. Incombination with the easy adjustment of basic set-up parameters, theNXTa Series Cello is adaptable to a nearly limitless range of musicstyles.

A fully adjustable tripod stand can be used seated or standing. The optional provides the seated cellist familiar points of thigh contact and position. or the allows the cellist to stand up with full mobility for a new experienceof freedom and expression. An escutcheon pin on the neck, correspondingto the location of the heel on an acoustic cello, is standard; a moreconventional wooden neck heel is also available for installation.

LENGTH: 94.2 cm (37")

WIDTH: 13.9 cm (5.5")

THICKNESS: 9.4 cm (3.7")

WEIGHT:
4 string: 1.9 kg (4.1 lbs.)
5 string: 1.9 kg (4.2 lbs.)

SCALE LENGTH: 69.5 cm (27.36"")

BODY/NECK: Solid, straight grain maple, with mapleface (Satin Black model) or flame maple face (Sunburst model) on body.Brass escutcheon pin on the rear of the neck serves as a reference pointcorresponding to the heel of an acoustic cello.

FINGERBOARD: Hand-graduated. Intonation referenced with cascading dot markers. NXTa cellos are also available with fretted fingerboards.

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

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

TRUSS ROD: Single Action.

TUNING HARDWARE: Fully encased worm gear tuners, black finish.

BRIDGE PICKUP: The NS Cello features the Polarbridge-mounted piezo pickup system which responds selectively to eithervertical vibration (for the sustained plucked sound, like an electricbass guitar), or lateral vibration (for dynamic bowing, and a percussiveplucked sound).

ELECTRONICS & CONTROLS: Rotary volume control;Tone control (treble roll off), with push-pull selection between Activeand Passive output mode; Arco/Pizzicato toggle switch.

PERFORMANCE SUPPORT SYSTEMS

:Standard with the NXT series, black painted steel, fully adjustable,self-standing tripod design. Folds for easy storage and fits into theNXT gig bag. Weight is 2.7 kg (6 lbs.).

: Theoptional 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.)

: Optional, fully adjustable steel tripod stand. Weight is 3.6kg (8 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 handle andshoulder strap, has a padded inner case for the instrument and a zipperpouch for the tripod stand.  It also has a bow compartment and storagepocket with room for charger and accessories. 99 cm (39") long; 18 cm(7") in diameter. Loaded weight is 5 kg (11 lbs.), including stand. Fitsin the overhead luggage compartment of most commercial aircraft.

:An optional hardshell flight case measures 136cm x 28cm x 27cm (53.5" x11" x 10.5") and weighs 18 kg (40 lb) fully loaded with instrument& tripod stand.