Electric Orchestral String Instruments that set the Highest Performance Standard

About NS Design

NS Design was founded in 1990 by famed instrument designer Ned Steinberger to develop electric string instruments.  The primary focus is on orchestral (or bowed) instruments - the violin, viola, cello and double bass.  Ned explains, "Bowed electric instruments have been made since the mid-thirties.  Unfortunately, most of these instruments are the victims of the misplaced idea that an electric instrument should sound exactly like its acoustic predecessor. I want to take it a step further – I want to see what these instruments can do when they are set free."

Where – and how – did this all begin?  In the mid-1970s, Ned met some like-minded individuals from the Brooklyn Woodworking Co-op.  One of these was Stuart Spector, the New York luthier, who got Ned interested in the design of stringed instruments.  Ned’s first instrument to meet major public acceptance was the Spector NS bass guitar, designed in 1976.  With its distinctive curved body, both front and back, the Spector NS series has become a recognized classic and continues to enjoy wide popularity to this day. 

The concept for the 'headless bass' soon followed.  Ned wanted to develop an instrument that was not constrained by conventional design precepts, using new materials for the tonal properties they imparted.  The graphite Steinberger Bass received numerous awards, including the coveted “Design of the Decade” award from the Industrial Designer Society Of America. Ned’s company, Steinberger Sound, was eventually sold to Gibson Musical Instruments in 1986 after which Ned  remain has remained as a design consultant for Gibson and Steinberger.

  Today at NS Design, Ned’s passion and dedication to innovation continue undeterred.  NS Design, based in Nobleboro, Maine, has a small but dedicated staff turning design into reality, handling instrument production and sales via our growing network of domestic dealers and international distributors.  All CR and EU model NS instruments are made in the Czech Republic in partnership with the NBE Company, where a long history of fine instrument making and modern technology are brought together to produce instruments of the finest quality.

Users: NS instruments are currently being "set free" by artists such as Laurie Anderson, Les Claypool, David Darling, Tony Levin, Rob Wasserman, and many others. The same qualities, beautiful tone and flawless playability, that make these instruments the choice of the most accomplished musicians, also make it possible for the student player to achieve a higher level of performance.

Distinguishing Features: With new patents on the double bass and violin, the full NS family of concert string instruments advances the state of the art.  The remarkable Polar ™ pickup system provides unparalleled response, control, and richness of tone for both bow and pizzicato technique.  Excellent balance and light weight make the instruments a joy to play.  Full control of extensive on-board electronics and interchangeable support structures for the bass and cello provide unprecedented versatility to meet a wide variety of performance requirements.