When I saw you strumming at the end, I thought "oh, great, apparently if I buy this one, I get a ukulele along with it, too" :D . I wish more violinists had such a creative approach to their instrument as you have. ;)
Nice playing!!! I was thinking of getting an NS this weekend while they;re on sale..but I'm not sold on the electric violin sound...I have one acoustic and one electric..but wanted a low C string, as I have a cello..and love deep rich sounds..thank you for your video.
Thanks for the informative review Andrew . Have you tried the fretted version of either the wave or nxt? What are the advantages / disadvantages? In your gigging experience how often do you have problems hearing yourself? Have you ever dropped your violin in your travels ? how much of a knock can they take? Also have you had a chance to try the new Yamaha yev's? They seems to be good value ? How would you rate their tone vs the wave and next? I use and headroom band pickup on an acoustic and love the sound but am worried about damaging my acoustic on stage . Also will you get more output out of a wave vs a band ?
Thanks for your explanation. In regards to shoulder rest, someone else put up a video with the warning that the "cheaper" models don't have a flexible shoulder rest. Is that your experience as well?
Hi, thank you for the very nice informative review. I have some questions . The neck of the 5 string WAV, how much thicker/wider is it compared to the 4 string ? and also is it doable to change from 4 to 5 string and the next day again to 4 string, in other words to switch often ? Because I still play on my acoustic violin classical and folk. So yea, I am a bit scared for the comfort of my left hand and of the change between the set up 5 string and 4 string . But I would love to play the 5 string, I think. Hope to hear from you. Thank you !!
Hey! I live in a country where I'm not able to try out instruments nor equipments before purchasing so your video really helped in reinforcing my decision in choosing the NS Design NXT 5 String Violin. Since I'm basing my decisions on what I research on the internet, I'm struggling in choosing an amp that would work well with this violin. I was wondering if you had an amp in mind that you would recommend to go along with this violin? (So far I've been leaning towards a 20W Orange Crush or Fender Mustang... still open to any suggestions)
I have an NXT Omni bass which uses the same pickup system and will probably pick up one of these, too. If you want to do more "electric" distorted type things, use an electric amp, or a cab simulator (a full range speaker system will allow undesirable harmonics to pass through). If you want it to sound more like an acoustic instrument, use an acoustic amp or use an outboard preamp (I love the Redeye by FireEye) into a PA system.
"Hey Jimmy, JIMMYYY!!! It's your cousin Alex...Alex Page, remember that new sound you wanted to make with a bow and a stringed instrument? Well, listen to this!"
hello, thanks for the information I'm a violist and have been considering getting an electric instrument for a while now, a friend of mine once appeared with a 5 string electroacoustic, and I really liked it I was actually going to get myself an acoustic viola, but given that my fingers are rather short, I'd have to have a nearly violin sized viola, and that usually doesn't turn out well... so I though of getting myself an electric one instead I've been seeing good comments on the NS violins so I wanted to ask what the difference is (other than the price) between the NXT and WAV series
NS does have a viola version of these instruments as well, but they tend to be about 15.5" or 16" violas, I think. So they're not as long as most acoustic violas, but not as short (14" i think) as a violin. It's a good middle ground. The WAV is a great instrument, and if this is your first time using electric, the WAV is an incredible instrument compared to the other less expensive models of other companies. The NXT has a bit more power (sends more electric signal to the amp and is therefore louder) and also has that little switch that really helps round out/warm up the sounds made by either arco or pizz. The WAV is a little more bright, so when you pizz, the pluck doesn't ring as long as it does when using the switch on the NXT. If you reach out to NS, I believe they have a trial period, so you'd probably be able to try both!
Great review! Couldn't find any video about NS Design violins played without amplification.. Do you have any thougths about the loudness of this violin if compared for example to Yamaha silent violins which are even quieter than talking?
+aspapu I got NXT 4 couple of months ago. Very satisfied with it, and the sound isn't bad even with metal-rubber practise mute, if afraid about disturbing the neighbours :P
The bodies of the two models are the same, the electronics inside them are different. So, both of them weigh the same. I will say that my WAV is about 4 years old, and since then, their violins have gotten noticeably lighter weight. The main reason I chose NS violins is because all of the weight of the instrument falls right over the shoulder rest, instead of the upper bout and scroll. So, though it is heavier than an acoustic violin, the weight is balanced to feel like it's acoustic.
That may be true, the WAV might not come with a flexible shoulder rest. However, all of te shoulder rests are designed to adjust the height under your chin and the angle that the violin sits on your shoulder (towards your chest, or more leaning towards your back shoulder). I have played on both the flexible and the non-flexible shoulder rests and I can honestly say it doesn't really make a difference.
The flexible shoulder rest may give a more solid "grip" on your shoulder, so the instrument might not move as much. But, having the shoulder rest "wrap" over my shoulder didn't make a drastic difference in comfort or playing stability. Also, as a caveat, I move around A LOT while playing in with Janelle, so I needed my violin to move around with me.
Thanks so much for your guide... I was wondering if you could comment further on the tone, it sounded just a little thin on the recording to me, but that could be the mic you were recording with, the setting on the preamp... what is your opinion on the tone? Is there a way to get a slightly heavier, richer sound out of this instrument?
I actually wasn't using a preamp. If I had used one, it definitely would've had a beefier tone. Also, the mic was picking up the naturally produced sound of the instrument which added to the tinny sound. I hadn't thought that out before making the video....
aspapu, Alex, a question about the Wav vs. the Nxt. Can you tell me what *perceptible* difference the jackpot feature on the Nxt gives vs. the Wav. Where I am I can't try an Nxt before buying; I would have to buy it for them to order it for me. I can and did try a Wav, and wasn't *that* impressed by the sound, but it was a rental instrument, and the strings may have been dead. Since you say on this video you play a Wav, and you're demo-ing the Nxt here, please speak to the jackpot feature. The current Nxta doesn't have the jackpot any more, it has an onboard active option in addition to the passive. I could order either the nxt or the nxta, but can't demo them before buying. Thanks.
Alex, what would you say are the biggest differences between the WAV and NXT models? tone? responsiveness? build quality ("solidness" or durability)? I'm considering getting an NXT-5 but really need some motivation to pay twice as much money.
For me, the biggest difference was that with the NXT, the volume/tone was much more natural and expressive than on the WAV. The WAV puts out n extremely clean and warm sound for an electric violin. The NXT takes that same clean/warm sound and adds another layer of responsiveness to your bowstrokes. If you swell from piano, to forte, then back to piano in one long bow stroke, the NXT will deliver those changes fluently without having to over-exaggerate the bow pressure for the forte. It's the closest tone to an acoustic violin that I've heard from ANY electric violin. The NXT just has more power due to that jackpot switch. I didn't expect a switch to make any difference, but it made a big one. Build quality, they are both beasts, they are built with the same design and same materials. To me, they are the strongest and lightest weight violins on the market.
Great review! Had a question. I've owned an NS WAV 4 string and a Mark Wood 5 string before. The 5 string is fun to play, but I like the tone of my WAV more. Someone told me that the 5 string NS Violins have a wider neck. does the 5 string feel awkward to play?
Great question - when I play with Janelle, I use my 5 string WAV. I don't feel awkward playing it, the string placement on the neck feels comfortable and well spaced. If you have not played a 5 string before, then yes, it will feel awkward because you'd have to re-learn string spacing and bow crossings. But for you, having done the Wood 5 string, you should be fine.
hello. may you tell me what is a port behind nxt violin use for? is that input or output? also what is the adapter use for?cause I don't see any diferent when using adapter or not.thanks
also - I assume you're going in through a DI in this demo, but when using an amp, do you find you can get a warm tone with the NXT? I can't stand the sound of violin pickups themselves but my LR Baggs acoustic-electric pickup sounds great through a Fishman amp with some reverb. thanks!!
Yep, I went straight into my 4 channel mixer, with all the knobs set to mid-level neutral, no effects or processing. I hate violin pickups, but I agree, the LR Baggs bridge is pretty great. But that definitely requires a preamp. I don't use a pre-amp with my NS violins. The amps I've tried on the road work really well with the violin electronics to give it a more open sound, like you're on a stage in a hall. I click the reverb knob up to 2 to give it the smallest bit additional body and it sounds exactly like I'm playing my acoustic.
***** thank you so much for your responses - this level of detail from an experienced pro is a huge help in a purchasing process of an item that's pretty awfully represented on the internet. (hell, finding a dealer who has one to sell me is proving to be quite a chase in and of itself!) on another note, would you recommend always using a preamp even with an amplifier that has a "preamp" as its power section (i.e. basically any amp ever)? obviously it's an issue if you're recording or going into a PA, but live, I haven't had power issues just putting the Baggs into my Loudbox Artist.
Hey, just a little question. Is the WAV worth buying for a first electric violin (is the sound acceptable compared to the NXT series?). I've been playing classical for nine years and am wanting to expand a bit, just scared to spend my money...
The WAV is totally worth it. (I play the 5 string WAV on tour with Janelle Monae). My first electric was a Fender FV-1. It was probably about 2/3 the cost of the WAV. However, had the WAV existed back then, I would not have even questioned paying the extra couple of hundred for the WAV! The Fender and Yamahas are comparable in price, but they don't come close in sound quality and they feel much heavier than the WAV.
The Yamaha 255 is a pretty different instrument from this. I personally don't like the tone of Yamaha instruments; they remind me of a well-mixed jazz flute sound. But the Yamaha has 2 pickups, one inside the body and one in the bride. There is a knob where you can choose either pickup, or a blend. The NS pickup is under the feet of the bridge. Beneath that is a hollow space in the body where all the electronics sit. However, with the NS, that hollow space allows the bridge-mic to pick up more sympathetic vibrations. The Yamahas are entirely solid bodied, so they don't have that extra bit of resonance in the sound. The Yamaha also has its output jack on a belt-pack - so you have a cord going from the violin, to your hip. The plus-side is that this pack has an XLR output, but it means you have to wear a belt-pack to play this instrument through an type of amplification.
I have 3 questions: 1. is it silent without cables? (could you practice in the night without people next room hearing it) 2. how the hell do you play on it like a guitar 3. would you still recomend buying it? :D
Hey! Sorry I missed this question. 1. Yes, it's just as quiet as the Yamaha silent electric violin. A person in the next room would have to be perfectly quiet and focus on hearing you to hear you playing. 2. The violin has the same tuning as a mandolin. If you strum farther up the string over the fingerboard, the strings are much more flexible and you can get a better resonant tone. 3. Definitely. :). I love this thing
Hey Vladik, the Wav5 is awesome. It's what I play on tour. Yes the NXT has more power and more ways to adjust tone, but the WAV still has a wonderful warm tone without the need for batteries.
I did try the CR, I really liked it, but when touring I plan for the worst, which would be an airline completely destroying my violin. So, I choose the WAV and NXT models, as they won't break my bank if they get damaged. I prefer passive because I don't want to deal with batteries. They get expensive and heavy.
Just made a 5 string electric viola, went to put the top violin E sting on, which was going to be a viola A string over tightened, but it snapped. A violin string is about 7 or 8 cm too short. Looks like I''ve got a regular viola.
Thanks for the demo, Alexander. Great job and nice playing.
Very informative, thank you. My only other thought on tire video would be to demonstrate how quiet this gem is for "silent" practice.
That chop sound is especially rich and appealing.
Thanks for putting the time and effort into this helpful video. Much appreciated from someone in the market for a new ax..
When I saw you strumming at the end, I thought "oh, great, apparently if I buy this one, I get a ukulele along with it, too" :D .
I wish more violinists had such a creative approach to their instrument as you have. ;)
I just bought this today! Can't wait until it gets here. Any advice on fretted vs. unfretted violins?
Nice playing!!! I was thinking of getting an NS this weekend while they;re on sale..but I'm not sold on the electric violin sound...I have one acoustic and one electric..but wanted a low C string, as I have a cello..and love deep rich sounds..thank you for your video.
The hight adjustable bridge feature is also available on Zeta Jazz violins ( a little bit more expensive violins)
WOW! Very cool! Do you tune your violin C, G,D,A, E?
Thanks for the informative review Andrew .
Have you tried the fretted version of either the wave or nxt? What are the advantages / disadvantages? In your gigging experience how often do you have problems hearing yourself?
Have you ever dropped your violin in your travels ? how much of a knock can they take?
Also have you had a chance to try the new Yamaha yev's? They seems to be good value ? How would you rate their tone vs the wave and next?
I use and headroom band pickup on an acoustic and love the sound but am worried about damaging my acoustic on stage . Also will you get more output out of a wave vs a band ?
Thanks for your explanation. In regards to shoulder rest, someone else put up a video with the warning that the "cheaper" models don't have a flexible shoulder rest. Is that your experience as well?
Awesome. Sounds almost as creamy as my 5 string straus
Are you using a processor or adding the required effects through a DAW or just any amp?
Hi, thank you for the very nice informative review. I have some questions .
The neck of the 5 string WAV, how much thicker/wider is it compared to the 4 string ? and also is it doable to change from 4 to 5 string and the next day again to 4 string, in other words to switch often ? Because I still play on my acoustic violin classical and folk.
So yea, I am a bit scared for the comfort of my left hand and of the change between the set up 5 string and 4 string .
But I would love to play the 5 string, I think.
Hope to hear from you.
Thank you !!
Nice. How does the sound quality of the NS WAV version compare?
Hey! I live in a country where I'm not able to try out instruments nor equipments before purchasing so your video really helped in reinforcing my decision in choosing the NS Design NXT 5 String Violin. Since I'm basing my decisions on what I research on the internet, I'm struggling in choosing an amp that would work well with this violin. I was wondering if you had an amp in mind that you would recommend to go along with this violin? (So far I've been leaning towards a 20W Orange Crush or Fender Mustang... still open to any suggestions)
I have an NXT Omni bass which uses the same pickup system and will probably pick up one of these, too. If you want to do more "electric" distorted type things, use an electric amp, or a cab simulator (a full range speaker system will allow undesirable harmonics to pass through). If you want it to sound more like an acoustic instrument, use an acoustic amp or use an outboard preamp (I love the Redeye by FireEye) into a PA system.
"Hey Jimmy, JIMMYYY!!! It's your cousin Alex...Alex Page, remember that new sound you wanted to make with a bow and a stringed instrument? Well, listen to this!"
hello, thanks for the information
I'm a violist and have been considering getting an electric instrument for a while now, a friend of mine once appeared with a 5 string electroacoustic, and I really liked it
I was actually going to get myself an acoustic viola, but given that my fingers are rather short, I'd have to have a nearly violin sized viola, and that usually doesn't turn out well... so I though of getting myself an electric one instead
I've been seeing good comments on the NS violins so I wanted to ask what the difference is (other than the price) between the NXT and WAV series
NS does have a viola version of these instruments as well, but they tend to be about 15.5" or 16" violas, I think. So they're not as long as most acoustic violas, but not as short (14" i think) as a violin. It's a good middle ground.
The WAV is a great instrument, and if this is your first time using electric, the WAV is an incredible instrument compared to the other less expensive models of other companies. The NXT has a bit more power (sends more electric signal to the amp and is therefore louder) and also has that little switch that really helps round out/warm up the sounds made by either arco or pizz. The WAV is a little more bright, so when you pizz, the pluck doesn't ring as long as it does when using the switch on the NXT.
If you reach out to NS, I believe they have a trial period, so you'd probably be able to try both!
Thanks for the review, been looking to move from my FV-1 to this guy! ;D
It's a great change! I'd say go for it!
Nice playing.
Great review! Couldn't find any video about NS Design violins played without amplification.. Do you have any thougths about the loudness of this violin if compared for example to Yamaha silent violins which are even quieter than talking?
These are just as quiet when not plugged in. I didn't even think about recording it without amplification. Maybe I can try to do a comparison video
+aspapu I got NXT 4 couple of months ago. Very satisfied with it, and the sound isn't bad even with metal-rubber practise mute, if afraid about disturbing the neighbours :P
The bodies of the two models are the same, the electronics inside them are different. So, both of them weigh the same. I will say that my WAV is about 4 years old, and since then, their violins have gotten noticeably lighter weight. The main reason I chose NS violins is because all of the weight of the instrument falls right over the shoulder rest, instead of the upper bout and scroll. So, though it is heavier than an acoustic violin, the weight is balanced to feel like it's acoustic.
That may be true, the WAV might not come with a flexible shoulder rest. However, all of te shoulder rests are designed to adjust the height under your chin and the angle that the violin sits on your shoulder (towards your chest, or more leaning towards your back shoulder). I have played on both the flexible and the non-flexible shoulder rests and I can honestly say it doesn't really make a difference.
would you still recommend this violin?
The flexible shoulder rest may give a more solid "grip" on your shoulder, so the instrument might not move as much. But, having the shoulder rest "wrap" over my shoulder didn't make a drastic difference in comfort or playing stability. Also, as a caveat, I move around A LOT while playing in with Janelle, so I needed my violin to move around with me.
Thanks so much for your guide... I was wondering if you could comment further on the tone, it sounded just a little thin on the recording to me, but that could be the mic you were recording with, the setting on the preamp... what is your opinion on the tone? Is there a way to get a slightly heavier, richer sound out of this instrument?
I actually wasn't using a preamp. If I had used one, it definitely would've had a beefier tone. Also, the mic was picking up the naturally produced sound of the instrument which added to the tinny sound. I hadn't thought that out before making the video....
aspapu, Alex, a question about the Wav vs. the Nxt. Can you tell me what *perceptible* difference the jackpot feature on the Nxt gives vs. the Wav. Where I am I can't try an Nxt before buying; I would have to buy it for them to order it for me. I can and did try a Wav, and wasn't *that* impressed by the sound, but it was a rental instrument, and the strings may have been dead. Since you say on this video you play a Wav, and you're demo-ing the Nxt here, please speak to the jackpot feature. The current Nxta doesn't have the jackpot any more, it has an onboard active option in addition to the passive. I could order either the nxt or the nxta, but can't demo them before buying. Thanks.
Alex, what would you say are the biggest differences between the WAV and NXT models? tone? responsiveness? build quality ("solidness" or durability)? I'm considering getting an NXT-5 but really need some motivation to pay twice as much money.
For me, the biggest difference was that with the NXT, the volume/tone was much more natural and expressive than on the WAV. The WAV puts out n extremely clean and warm sound for an electric violin. The NXT takes that same clean/warm sound and adds another layer of responsiveness to your bowstrokes. If you swell from piano, to forte, then back to piano in one long bow stroke, the NXT will deliver those changes fluently without having to over-exaggerate the bow pressure for the forte. It's the closest tone to an acoustic violin that I've heard from ANY electric violin. The NXT just has more power due to that jackpot switch. I didn't expect a switch to make any difference, but it made a big one. Build quality, they are both beasts, they are built with the same design and same materials. To me, they are the strongest and lightest weight violins on the market.
***** fantastic to know. thank you.
Who are you touring with? Just curious, I am too
Great review! Had a question. I've owned an NS WAV 4 string and a Mark Wood 5 string before. The 5 string is fun to play, but I like the tone of my WAV more. Someone told me that the 5 string NS Violins have a wider neck. does the 5 string feel awkward to play?
Great question - when I play with Janelle, I use my 5 string WAV. I don't feel awkward playing it, the string placement on the neck feels comfortable and well spaced. If you have not played a 5 string before, then yes, it will feel awkward because you'd have to re-learn string spacing and bow crossings. But for you, having done the Wood 5 string, you should be fine.
Since you have used both the WAV and NXT, can you comment on the weight of each instrument? Is there a difference?
Can you teach us how to tune 5 stringed violin? What kind of tuner do i need??
hello.
may you tell me what is a port behind nxt violin use for? is that input or output? also what is the adapter use for?cause I don't see any diferent when using adapter or not.thanks
So how about a review on the wav 4 please :D
also - I assume you're going in through a DI in this demo, but when using an amp, do you find you can get a warm tone with the NXT? I can't stand the sound of violin pickups themselves but my LR Baggs acoustic-electric pickup sounds great through a Fishman amp with some reverb.
thanks!!
Yep, I went straight into my 4 channel mixer, with all the knobs set to mid-level neutral, no effects or processing. I hate violin pickups, but I agree, the LR Baggs bridge is pretty great. But that definitely requires a preamp. I don't use a pre-amp with my NS violins. The amps I've tried on the road work really well with the violin electronics to give it a more open sound, like you're on a stage in a hall. I click the reverb knob up to 2 to give it the smallest bit additional body and it sounds exactly like I'm playing my acoustic.
***** thank you so much for your responses - this level of detail from an experienced pro is a huge help in a purchasing process of an item that's pretty awfully represented on the internet. (hell, finding a dealer who has one to sell me is proving to be quite a chase in and of itself!)
on another note, would you recommend always using a preamp even with an amplifier that has a "preamp" as its power section (i.e. basically any amp ever)? obviously it's an issue if you're recording or going into a PA, but live, I haven't had power issues just putting the Baggs into my Loudbox Artist.
Great stuff!
Hey, just a little question. Is the WAV worth buying for a first electric violin (is the sound acceptable compared to the NXT series?). I've been playing classical for nine years and am wanting to expand a bit, just scared to spend my money...
The WAV is totally worth it. (I play the 5 string WAV on tour with Janelle Monae). My first electric was a Fender FV-1. It was probably about 2/3 the cost of the WAV. However, had the WAV existed back then, I would not have even questioned paying the extra couple of hundred for the WAV! The Fender and Yamahas are comparable in price, but they don't come close in sound quality and they feel much heavier than the WAV.
Nice! Thanks for the info. I feel safer purchasing it now :p
aspapu, is the chin rest adjustable too?
What is the difference between this violin and the Yamaha 255 electric violin? Thanks
The Yamaha 255 is a pretty different instrument from this. I personally don't like the tone of Yamaha instruments; they remind me of a well-mixed jazz flute sound. But the Yamaha has 2 pickups, one inside the body and one in the bride. There is a knob where you can choose either pickup, or a blend. The NS pickup is under the feet of the bridge. Beneath that is a hollow space in the body where all the electronics sit. However, with the NS, that hollow space allows the bridge-mic to pick up more sympathetic vibrations. The Yamahas are entirely solid bodied, so they don't have that extra bit of resonance in the sound. The Yamaha also has its output jack on a belt-pack - so you have a cord going from the violin, to your hip. The plus-side is that this pack has an XLR output, but it means you have to wear a belt-pack to play this instrument through an type of amplification.
The reason why other brands don't do the things you described is because NS holds the patent on them.
Thank you info
I have 3 questions:
1. is it silent without cables? (could you practice in the night without people next room hearing it)
2. how the hell do you play on it like a guitar
3. would you still recomend buying it?
:D
+critical fox ♥ Yes, plays exactly like a Mandolin, Yes.
Hey! Sorry I missed this question.
1. Yes, it's just as quiet as the Yamaha silent electric violin. A person in the next room would have to be perfectly quiet and focus on hearing you to hear you playing.
2. The violin has the same tuning as a mandolin. If you strum farther up the string over the fingerboard, the strings are much more flexible and you can get a better resonant tone.
3. Definitely. :). I love this thing
+aspapu thank you so much for the review and for answering my questions. :)
aspapu Hi! Very nice video. Can you make a db test pls?
Do you have an opinion on the NS Design WAV5 Violin? It is more in my price range.
Hey Vladik, the Wav5 is awesome. It's what I play on tour. Yes the NXT has more power and more ways to adjust tone, but the WAV still has a wonderful warm tone without the need for batteries.
Is this violin shorter than a Normal Acoustic one?
From what I can tell, it is not shorter. I do not notice any difference in finger spacing, hand placement, or arm bend when I play this.
oh - and did you ever try the CR series? why do you prefer passive?
I did try the CR, I really liked it, but when touring I plan for the worst, which would be an airline completely destroying my violin. So, I choose the WAV and NXT models, as they won't break my bank if they get damaged. I prefer passive because I don't want to deal with batteries. They get expensive and heavy.
What's the tuning of the 5 strings?
Bottom up: C G D A E. So a violin with the addition of the C string from a viola
Just made a 5 string electric viola, went to put the top violin E sting on, which was going to be a viola A string over tightened, but it snapped. A violin string is about 7 or 8 cm too short. Looks like I''ve got a regular viola.
Milý Ježíšku...
oops! I see the other comments.
Your cute as Hell!!!
:D
WaterFlame957 His cute what?
I can't like this violin sound... IDK.. for me it sounds like a cheap keyboard,the sound has no bright, like most piezzo pickups...