Pricing and availability

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Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "NS Design CR5 Violin". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the NS Design CR5 Violin, a masterful fusion of innovation and elegance for the modern musician. This sleek 5-string electric violin is crafted with a hand-graduated ebony fingerboard and a maple body, delivering both beauty and exceptional playability. Its active Polar Pickup System is a standout feature, offering breathtaking sound clarity and versatility for any performance setting. Whether you are in the studio or on stage, the CR5's pizz/arco selector switch allows for seamless transitions between plucked and bowed expressions, giving you the freedom to explore a full spectrum of tones.

The CR5 Violin's customizable shoulder and chin rest ensures optimal comfort and support throughout your performance, while the innovative Steinberger hardware provides precision tuning and effortless adjustment to suit your playing style. With its 2-mode active preamp system, you can effortlessly switch between a natural acoustic sound and a more electric tone, perfect for a wide range of musical genres. Built meticulously in the Czech Republic, this violin is designed for discerning performers who demand both quality and style.

Key Features:

  • Electric 5-string violin with active Polar Pickup System
  • Hand-graduated ebony fingerboard and maple body
  • Pizz/arco selector switch for versatile playing
  • 2-mode active preamp system for acoustic and electric sounds
  • Fully adjustable shoulder and chin rest for personalized comfort
  • Steinberger hardware for precision tuning
  • Compatible with NS Electric strings and standard violin strings
  • Crafted in the Czech Republic

Product specs

Type Electric Violin
Number of Strings 5
Finish Stain with Polymer top coat
Body Material Maple
Neck Material Maple
Scale Length 13"
Bridge Material Maple
Chin Rest Ebony
Electronics NS Polar Pickup System
Outputs 1/4"" (main out), 1/8" (headphones)
Strings NS Electric Strings
Case/Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What makes the NS Design CR5 Violin different from a traditional acoustic violin?

The NS Design CR5 Violin is an electric violin with five strings, offering an extended range compared to traditional four-string violins. It features a maple body and the NS Polar Pickup System, providing versatile sound options suitable for various musical styles.

Is the NS Design CR5 Violin suitable for live performances?

Yes, the NS Design CR5 Violin is ideal for live performances due to its electric design and NS Polar Pickup System, which offers clear amplification and sound projection in a variety of settings.

Can I use standard violin strings on the NS Design CR5 Violin?

The NS Design CR5 Violin is designed to be used with NS Electric Strings, which are optimized for its electric design. While you can experiment with other strings, using the recommended strings ensures optimal performance and sound quality.

What kind of output options does the NS Design CR5 Violin offer?

The NS Design CR5 Violin features a 1/4" main output for connecting to amplifiers or PA systems and a 1/8" headphone output for personal practice, making it versatile for both live performances and private practice.

How does the NS Polar Pickup System enhance the sound of the CR5 Violin?

The NS Polar Pickup System captures both the string vibration and body resonance of the violin, providing a rich and dynamic sound that can be tailored to different musical genres and performance environments.

Electric Violin Shop

Electric Violin Shop

NS Design Violin Comparison WAV vs NXTa vs CR

Video thumbnail for NS Design Violin Comparison WAV vs NXTa vs CR by Electric Violin Shop

NS Design Violin Comparison WAV vs NXTa vs CR

Electric Violin Shop

Electric Violin Shop

Video thumbnail for NS Design CR5 5 String Violin Demo by DEEFAYY

NS Design CR5 5 String Violin Demo

DEEFAYY

DEEFAYY

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about NS Design CR5 Violin.

Use cases and applications

  • Despite its weight, the CR5 can fit in a rollerboard suitcase, making it a viable option for frequent travelers.

    Source
  • While the NS CR5 offers great tone, owners often prefer it with additional guitar pedals that utilize IR technology to enhance the acoustic emulation.

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  • Some owners switch to other violins when mastering different string configurations, indicating the CR5's complexity in frequent adjustment scenarios.

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  • The CR4 is favored as a travel instrument due to its portability despite its weight challenges.

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Features and functionality

  • The NS CR5 is praised for its fantastic tone but requires supplementary gear for users aiming to achieve an acoustic-like sound or specific amplified effects.

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  • The over-shoulder counterweight attachment is generally not recommended due to the potential for causing back pain.

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  • The J-shaped piece connecting the shoulder rest to the violin can be bent with pliers for a custom fit, offering a high degree of adjustability.

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  • The pickup jack's central underside position balances cable weight over the shoulder, unlike side-mounted jacks that can cause uneven pull.

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User experience

  • Owners have noted that while digital preamps can be used, a real DI box provides the best sound quality for the NS CR5.

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  • The CR5's weight and flat bridge make playing the D string challenging, impacting playability for some users.

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  • Owners report the CR5's weight makes it challenging to support with the left hand, especially when shifting positions.

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Software and compatibility

  • For connecting NS CR5 directly to a computer, an active DI/Preamp like the Fishman Aura is recommended for better impedance matching and sound quality.

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Comparisons

  • Users find the Yamaha YEV more comfortable than the NS CR5 due to its traditional contact point with the collarbone, contrasting with NS Design's unique shoulder rest system.

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  • Users with long necks often find the NS Design violins less suitable compared to other brands or models, such as the Vector Prodigy.

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  • Some users prefer other brands like Zeta for ergonomics, offering more traditional shoulder rest options compared to NS Design's unique setup.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The shoulder rest requires precise adjustment via thumb screws each time; it's comfortable when set correctly but takes effort to adjust.

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Build quality

  • The provided case is low-quality, struggles with casual use, and has a poorly designed layout for storing essential accessories.

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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Laurie Anderson uses NS Design CR5 Violin

Laurie Anderson

Singer, Keyboardist

We Are Family Collective

...
Verified via Facebook

In this Facebook post (with a YouTube video), NS Design states that Laurie Anderson is playing a NS Design CR5 violin.

"WATCH: Laurie Anderson plays her NS CR5 violin (with the Balanced Shoulder Rest) as she opens her multimedia lecture at la Biennale di Venezia 2011."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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