Ned Steinberger Electric Instruments

Electric Upright Bass, Cello, Viola, and Violins from Ned Steinberger – NS Design

News and Notes from NS Design

NAMM 2012: Prototypes and Performers

The 2012 NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) trade show in Anaheim, California, is one of the largest international events in the industry, and it’s a great preview of what each company in the music business is doing for the coming year. This year’s show was a particularly successful and exciting one for NS Design. Our exhibit showcased the complete line of CR, NXT and WAV instruments, including the recently-introduced NXT cello and NXT violin, the fretless Omni Bass with TransRadius fingerboard, plus some exciting prototypes making their first public appearance.

New NS Bass Guitar—Earns Industry Recognition

Making its debut at the show was a prototype of the new NS Bass Guitar—designed by Ned Steinberger and built by luthier Jonathan Kelsey. We brought two 5-string versions to the show for player feedback—one fretted, the other fretless. Enthusiasm for the instrument soon spread to the public and the press. Premier Guitar Magazine honored the bass as an “Editor’s Pick” of the show, and Bass Gear Magazine designated it “Best of Show”.

Several excellent video interviews were generated at the show. NoTreble.com published this overview of the instrument and a video interview with Ned Steinberger. Here are a couple other great videos showcasing the instrument.

Custom editions of the NS Bass Guitar, hand-built in Maine by luthier Jon Kelsey, will be available late Spring of 2012. Standard production models, which will be made in the Czech Republic, are expected in Fall of 2012. Details will be announced as these come closer to actual production.

Fretted NS Violin Prototypes Debut

Fretted versions of the CR and NXT violins also made a splash at the show. NS Design is currently accepting orders for four- and five-string models of these instruments. Violinists praised the easy playability, and commented upon the instruments’ pizzicato performance, noting that the frets gave significantly more sustain to plucked notes. Look for these in mid-2012.

Great Performers at a Great Show

Ed Howe with Madmax Fiddler and Radina Tara Vel of FATMAGIC

Our special thanks to NS Design’s Artist in Residence Ed Howe, who performed and demonstrated throughout the show. We were honored to host a number of great NS artists as guests and performers. Charles Yang, Rob Wasserman, FATMAGIC (Madmax Fiddler and Radina Tara Vel), Gustaf Fjelstrom, Yorgis Goiricelaya, and Jason Yang were among the many great players who rocked the booth over the four day show. We’ve put together a photo album on our Facebook page to share the infectious energy from our corner of the event. Thanks to all the artists, NS design partners and team members who made NAMM 2012 so fun and successful!