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NS Design Showdown -- WAV Violin vs. CR Series

The NS Design CR series instruments are made in the Czech Republic, a region long famous for instrument making, and display a very high degree of wood choice and craftsmanship. The on-board preamp offers discrete treble and bass controls and a pizzicato/arco switch, unique in the electric violin world. The tone is very natural, and there is a headphone output.

The NS Design WAV is made in China to similar design specifications as the CR series. It is a passive instrument, meaning it does not have a battery-powered preamp (which makes it a little lighter in weight). The tone is not quite as refined, but the single tone control gives some flexibility. The bridge is still easily height adjustable, and the shoulder pad mounts in the same amazingly flexible way as the CR.

WAV - CR Violin Showdown

• Tone:
  For pure acoustic tone the CR is a clear winner, if you will be using effects like distortion, the WAV will do fine.
• Feel:
  The gloss finish of the WAV includes the neck, so the CR feels more like your acoustic violin as you shift. Upper bout is removable on both.
• Looks:
  The WAV comes in 3 colors - gloss black paint, and transparent red or transparent amber over a flamed maple top. The curl of the maple is more flamboyant on the WAV, and classier on the CR.
• Headphone Practice:
  The CR series has a headphone jack built-in -- you'll have to connect your WAV to an effects pedal or amp with headphone jack.
• Value:
  The WAV has the best bang for the buck  it even includes a custom case. We expect the $599 price to last awhile, but foreign currency values do fluctuate.

Ned Steinberger has always sought ways to bring high quality to lower price points. From the US to the Czech Republic, and now to China, he insists on high levels of quality control, and backs it up with a generous warranty.