Designed to meet the demands of studio, stage, and other challenging performance environments, the NXTa Active Viola frees the violist from the limitations of an amplified acoustic viola. Based around a comfortable 16″ viola string scale, key features of this instrument include the Polar™ Pickup System with the new dual mode signal output, patented precision tuning system, sleek, ergonomic design, and comparatively light weight. Available with either a flame maple Sunburst or Satin Black finish, the NXTa features a maple body, the comfortable Custom Shoulder Rest, and an adjustable-height bridge. Most important, the NXTa Viola offers artists exceptional amplified and recorded performance quality, and extraordinary freedom of expression. 

Using set screws, the rock-maple bridge can be readily adjusted to the desired action height—high and powerful, low and fast, or anywhere in between.

A contoured ebony chin rest is standard. The optional Adjustable Chin Rest is also available for players wanting a more extensive range of position adjustments for further customized fit and comfort.

The standard Custom Shoulder Rest is highly adjustable, and whose base can be readily formed to fit the chest and shoulder perfectly. The NXTa also accepts NS Design’s revolutionary Balanced Shoulder Rest, which secures it effortlessly in optimal playing position.

The patented tuning system built into the bottom of the body allows quick, easy and precise adjustment, exceptional pitch stability, and easy string changes.

At the heart of the NXTa is the Polar™ Pickup System, whose piezo components convert string vibration directly to signal output. This provides a balanced, tonally rich output, offering a wide range of expressive opportunities. Arco and Pizzicato have significantly different vibration characteristics, and the Polar Pickup faithfully captures both.

Dual Mode Output – The new dual mode signal output electronics of the NXTa takes the convenience, versatility and performance capability of the NXT to another level.

Active Mode – Using the supplied charger, connect the NXTa to any AC outlet for 60 seconds. This will fuel the capacitor-powered active circuit for 16 hours from the time of the charge. The instrument can then be plugged straight into any low or high impedance device, no direct box necessary. Since there is no signal loss over the full frequency spectrum of the instrument, the fundamentals of every note remain clear and strong, even with extra-long cables.

Passive Mode – The NXTa can be played in this mode with an amplifier with an impedance of 1 meg ohm or greater (3-10 meg ohm recommended) or with a direct box. (This mode 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.

Specifications

Specifications

LENGTH: 585 MM (23″)

WIDTH: 117 MM (4.6″)

THICKNESS: 49 MM (1.92″)

WEIGHT: 650g

SCALE LENGTH: 366 MM (14.4″)

BODY/NECK: Solid, straight grain maple, with maple face (Satin Black model) or flame maple face (Sunburst model) on body.

BODY REFERENCE BOUT: Black-dyed maple bout on treble side provides standard viola reference. Easily removable for unrestricted fingerboard access.

FINGERBOARD: Hand-graduated, featuring asymmetric curvature specially designed for enhanced left-hand playing ease.

BRIDGE: Black-dyed maple, adjustable for preferred string height via screws accessed from the back.

STRINGS: NS Electric Strings by D’Addario™ are standard.  Compatible with solid and stranded core viola strings.  Synthetic core strings are not recommended.

PRECISION TUNING HARDWARE: NS Design patented tuning system. Fine tuners are mounted on the body behind the bridge for precise, stable tuning. Automatic string clamping allows for quick, easy string changes.

BRIDGE PICKUP: The Polar directional piezo pickup system responds selectively to either vertical vibration  (for remarkably even and sustained plucked/pizzicato sound, like a mandolin), or lateral vibration (for dynamic bowing, and a percussive plucked sound).

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

Performance Support Systems

CUSTOM SHOULDER REST: a standard option included with the NS Viola, the Custom Shoulder Rest can be formed by the player to fit the body perfectly. The contoured ebony chinrest is designed to work in tandem with the Custom Shoulder Rest.

ADJUSTABLE CHIN REST: The Adjustable Chin Rest is optional, offering a range of positions for individual fit, style and comfort, providing entirely new levels of ergonomic support.

BALANCED SHOULDER REST: As an option, the violin can also attach to NS Design’s revolutionary Balanced Shoulder Rest which secures it effortlessly in optimal playing position.