NS Design CR4 4-String Electric Viola, Amber Satin

Expressive Electric Viola with Versatile Polar Pickup Technology and Active Tone Shaping

The NS Design CR4 4-String Electric Viola in Amber Satin combines the expressive character of a traditional acoustic viola with the tonal flexibility of a modern electric instrument. Designed by Ned Steinberger, this distinctive viola features a solid European maple body and neck with an elegant flame maple face. Its lightweight solid-body construction provides excellent resistance to feedback, while traditional string spacing and a 366 mm scale length offer a familiar playing experience. An ergonomic chinrest, adjustable padded shoulder rest, and removable body reference bout provide comfortable support and positioning for acoustic violists transitioning to amplified performance.

The CR4 features NS Design's patented Polar Pickup System, which selectively captures lateral or vertical string vibrations to accommodate both bowed and pizzicato techniques. A dual-mode active preamplifier offers a choice between an extended-frequency electric sound and a more traditional acoustic viola character. A three-way selector switch, independent bass and treble EQ controls, and master volume control provide versatile tonal adjustment for live performance and recording. Precision 40:1 body-mounted fine tuners simplify tuning and string changes, while the height-adjustable maple bridge allows players to customize string action. Complete with a protective custom case, the CR4 offers a responsive, adaptable instrument for expressive amplified viola performance.

Features & Specifications

• Instrument: NS Design CR4 4-String Electric Viola
• Color & Finish: Amber Satin with traditional light maple stain and protective polymer top coat
• String Configuration: Four strings with traditional viola tuning (C–G–D–A)
• Body & Neck: Quarter-sawn solid European maple with flame maple face
• Fingerboard: Hand-graduated solid ebony
• Bridge: Black-dyed maple with adjustable height controlled by screws on the back of the body
• Pickup System: Patented NS Polar directional piezoelectric pickup
• Pickup Response: Selectable lateral string vibration sensitivity for dynamic bowing or vertical sensitivity for sustained pizzicato
• Active Electronics: Dual-mode preamplifier provides extended-frequency electric tone or a more traditional acoustic viola sound
• Three-Way Selector: Vertical pickup response for sustained pizzicato, lateral response with full-frequency output for arco, or lateral response with acoustic-style tonal shaping
• Electronic Controls: Master volume, independent treble EQ, and bass EQ
• Tuning System: Body-mounted 40:1 fine tuners with automatic string clamping for precise tuning and convenient string changes
• Strings: NS Electric Strings by D'Addario; compatible with standard viola strings
• Body Reference Bout: Removable black-dyed maple treble-side bout provides a familiar left-hand positioning reference
• Chinrest & Shoulder Rest: Ergonomic supports with padded shoulder rest adjustable for height and angle
• Scale Length: 366 mm (14.4")
• Overall Length: 518 mm (20.4")
• Width: 116.8 mm (4.6")
• Thickness: 51 mm (2")
• Instrument Weight: Approximately 775 g (1.71 lbs.)
• Custom Case: Fabric-covered hard foam case with padded, form-fitting interior, two bow holders, shoulder rest and accessory storage, and lock with key
• Case Dimensions: 81 × 21 × 14 cm (32 × 8.5 × 5.5")
• Loaded Case Weight: Approximately 2.7 kg (6 lbs.)
• Included Accessories: Custom case, adjustable shoulder rest, removable body reference bout, and output cable
• Designer: Ned Steinberger
• Recommended Uses: Amplified viola performance, studio recording, improvisation, effects processing, and contemporary ensembles