❌SOLD❌ Steinberger NS CR5 Electric Cello 5 String Amber, 2015

NS Designs, founded by Ned Steinberger, develops innovative instruments like the Steinberger NS CR5 Electric Cello – in 4,5, and 6 string versions, extending the possibilities of acoustic instruments previously used only in concert halls.

Previously we’ve reviewed an NS CR Series ‘Upright Bass’, and unsurprisingly there are a number of similarities between that and the CR5 Electric Cello. The construction style is almost identical, with a compact Rock Maple body and set Maple neck, with a traditional hand-graduated Ebony fingerboard. Here, an amber satin finish is applied, nicely complementing the Maple’s figuring.

Modern Schaller tuners are at the head, and the strings follow a through-body path like many modern electric basses. The bridge is also similar in appearance, looking like an Ebony lozenge.

The electronics are the heart of this design, though, and the pickups are specially adapted to the way a bowed string vibrates. On plucked instruments, the vibration has a large ‘vertical’ component, perpendicular to the instrument top. Whe bowed, however, the vibration is largely lateral. The CR5 Electric Cello’s ‘Polar’ pickup is built to reject vertical components, while focusing on lateral vibration.

Past the pickup system, active electronics by EMG, running off a pair of standard 9v batteries, provide EQ and output – including a mini headphone jack for essentially silent practice!

This instrument is in excellent condition, and comes with the original bags for the instrument and bow. As well, two stands are provided – the folding end pin stand replicates the support points provided by the body of a full size, acoustic instrument, and that stand fits into the bag. As well, a folding metal upright stand is included.

Based in Nobleboro, Maine, NS design instruments include a line of solidbody violins, violas, cellos, and upright bass models built in the Czech Republic in partnership with the NBE Company. NBE is long established and produces a number of brands.

Here is NS Design’s description of the CR5 Electric Cello line:

“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 and precise tones of its acoustic parent as well as to create exciting new sounds through the tone shaping geometry of its innovative Polar™ piezo pickup system.

Interchangeable support systems provide new performance options. A fully adjustable tripod stand can be used seated or standing. The inventive Boomerang™ Strap System and Frame Strap System allows full mobility, while the conventional Cello End Pin Stand provides the traditional points of cello contact and position.

The use of standard cello strings and scale length establishes a familiar starting point for the cellist’s journey to the electric world. From there anything goes. The energetic response of the NS Cello can be tamed to deliver a traditional cello tone, or set loose to explore new territory.”

NOTE:  Below,  there’s a link reading “View Spec Sheet PDF“.   In this case, it’s the manufacturer’s user manual for the CR series basses.