NS Design Announces New Fretted Bass Cellos

13 June 2008 — NS Design is now offering fretted models for the very first time, with both 4 and 5 string Bass Cellos added to its full range of electric bowed instruments. Electric bass players, the majority of whom are used to playing with frets, will now have access to acoustic tone and bowed sounds not possible with bass guitar. Special new tooling has been employed in the manufacture of the new high radius fingerboards with frets, the former a must for bowing. Frets not only provide accurate intonation, but also plucked chords and bowed arpeggios that are simply impossible without frets.

The exclusive NS Polar™ pickup system delivers acoustic upright bass tone with unparalleled detail and dynamic range. In addition, EMG magnetic pickups deliver a smooth ‘electric bass’ sound. An onboard mixer also allows players to optimise both plucked and bowed sounds, making versatility a very important feature of these new instruments. Supplied with the NS Design Boomerang shoulder strap system, this feature enables players to adjust the position of the instrument through a wide range of vertical or horizontal positions. Furthermore, NS bass end pin and tripod stands are interchangeable with the new Bass Cellos. Says Ned Steinberger, “Frets are a way to link acoustic and bowed sensibilities to the guitar world. The way I see it, this kind of cross fertilisation can only be a healthy musical trend.”