The NXT Cello, available with 4 or 5 strings, fretless or fretted, opens up new vistas for the serious cellist. Crafted in the Czech Republic by the makers of the renowned CR Series, NXT cellos exemplify flawless workmanship at an exceptional value.
The tone quality and dynamic range of the NXT cello owes much to the self-powered NS Polar™ Pickup System. Employing special piezo crystals, mounted beneath the bridge, the pickup captures the full sound spectrum created by the strings and body of the instrument. Arco versus pizzicato playing creates more vibration energy in one direction than the other, and a convenient switch on the side of the NXT actually allows the player to select sensitivity for either mode. The result is either more percussive response, or smoother and sustained response, adding a new dimension to what the player can create musically.
As a pure electric instrument, the NS Cello has certain built-in advantages over an acoustic. One is the virtual absence of wolf tones, an unfortunate fact of life for the acoustic cellist. Another is freedom from feedback in amplified performance settings, which means that the cellist can move about the stage at will, and better yet, can take solos at any volume. Since 100% of the sound comes via the pickup, using looping and other electronic effects in live performance is much easier and far more effective than with an amplified acoustic, where much of the unprocessed sound “leaks” out to the audience.
The solid maple body and neck, together with the graduated fingerboard, delivers a rich, full tone that rings true for every note. Asymmetrical fingerboard relief provides extraordinary ease of playability from the lowest to the highest positions. To suit individual player preferences, the fingerboard relief can be adjusted via the truss rod in the neck, and the string height is readily adjustable at the bridge.
NS Electric Strings and most traditional acoustic strings fit all NS Cellos, allowing the player to select from a wide range, each with a unique sound a feel. In combination with the easy adjustment of basic set-up parameters, the NXT cello is adaptable to a nearly limitless range of music styles.
A fully adjustable tripod stand can be used seated or standing. The optional Cello End Pin Stand provides the seated cellist familiar points of thigh contact and position. The optional Boomerang™ Strap System and The Frame Strap System allow the cellist to stand up with full mobility for a new experience of freedom and expression. An escutcheon pin on the neck, corresponding to the location of the heel on an acoustic cello, is standard; a more conventional wooden neck heel is also available for installation.
The NXT cello brings unprecedented affordability to the player interested in world-class design, craftsmanship and performance. With a visual appearance a striking as its sound, the roadworthy NXT is an exciting and reliable partner for the most demanding performance career.
Specifications
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 maple face (Black model) or flame maple face (Sunburst model) on body. Brass escutcheon pin on the rear of the neck serves as a reference point corresponding to the heel of an acoustic cello.
FINGERBOARD: Hand-graduated. Intonation referenced with cascading dot markers.
BRIDGE PICKUP: The NS Cello features the Polar bridge-mounted piezo pickup system which responds selectively to either vertical vibration (for the sustained plucked sound, like an electric bass guitar), or lateral vibration (for dynamic bowing, and a percussive plucked sound).
ELECTRONICS & CONTROLS: Passive circuit with high impedance output, no batteries required. Volume control and Tone control (treble roll off).
PERFORMANCE SUPPORT SYSTEMS
NXT CELLO TRIPOD STAND: Standard with the NXT, black painted steel, fully adjustable, self-standing tripod design. Folds for easy storage and fits into the NXT gig bag. Weight is 2.7 kg (6 lbs.).
CELLO END PIN STAND: The optional Cello End Pin Stand has traditional knee and chest contact points for seated play. The height, knee rest position and instrument angle are adjustable. The knee rest folds so the stand fits in the gig bag. Weight is 1.36kg (3 lbs.)
BOOMERANG STRAP SYSTEM: This optional support system has a pivoting friction hub that holds the instrument firmly in place close to the body. Attached with a guitar style strap to its two support arms, the system allows the instrument to be moved into virtually any position in relation to the hands and body as it is played. Weight is .45 kg (1 lbs.).
FRAME STRAP SYSTEM: This optional accessory is a lightweight frame structure that allows full mobility to perform in standing or upright position, holding the instrument out from the body similar to the reference in traditional positioning. It is the strap system recommended for bowing. The system is supported by a single guitar style strap extending over the left shoulder. Weight is 0.68kg (1.5 lbs.).
TRANSPORT
GIG BAG: The standard gig bag with handle and shoulder strap, has a padded inner case for the instrument and a zipper pouch for the tripod stand. It also has a bow compartment and storage pocket with room for accessories. 99 cm (39″) long; 18 cm (7″) in diameter. Loaded weight is 5 kg (11 lbs.), including stand. Fits in the overhead luggage compartment of most commercial aircraft.
FLIGHT CASE: An optional hardshell flight case measures 136cm x 28cm x 27cm (53.5″ x 11″ x 10.5″) and weighs 28 kg (45 lb) fully loaded with instrument & tripod stand.
About the new NXTa pickup
The new dual mode signal output electronics of the NXTa take the convenience, versatility and performance capability of the original NXT to another level.
Active Mode – Using the supplied charger, plug the NXT into any AC outlet for 60 seconds to power the capacitor-powered active circuit for up to 16 hours of performance time. 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 when using a direct box or an amplifier with high impedance input. (This mode provides perfomance 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
