What is the typical price for a full D'Addario NS Electric Cello set?

The set typically retails for approximately GBP 158 for the 4/4 size medium tension version.

Can these strings be used on an acoustic cello?

Yes, while they are specifically designed for electric cellos, they are also suitable for use on acoustic cellos, making them versatile for musicians who use both.

What material is used for the core of these strings?

The NS Electric Cello strings feature a stranded steel core, which is chosen for its fast response and durability.

Who designed the NS Electric Cello strings?

The strings were developed through a partnership between D'Addario and the renowned instrument designer Ned Steinberger.

What instrument size are these strings designed for?

This specific set is designed for 4/4 size (full size) cellos.

What is the primary benefit of the stranded steel core?

The stranded steel core provides a very quick response, allowing the string to pick up on a wide and expressive range of sounds and techniques.

Are these strings suitable for professional use?

Yes, they are designed to meet the requirements of professional musicians while remaining suitable for intermediate players.

How does the tone of these strings differ from standard strings?

They are specifically engineered to produce a clear electric tone that is optimised for amplified performance, reducing muddiness often found when using standard strings on electric instruments.

What tension is available for this set?

The set is available in Medium tension, which is the standard choice for most cellists.

Is this set a good choice for live gigging?

Yes, D'Addario describes these as 'perfect gigging strings' due to their reliability and the fact that they can be used on both electric and acoustic instruments.

Does D'Addario produce other strings in the NS range?

Yes, the NS line is a broader collaboration between D'Addario and Ned Steinberger covering various electric bowed string instruments.

How do these compare to D'Addario Helicore strings?

While Helicore strings also use a multi-stranded steel core, the NS Electric set is specifically voiced and optimised for the electronic output of electric cellos.

Gear article

D'Addario NS Electric Cello String Set

The D'Addario NS Electric Cello string set is a high-performance string kit developed in collaboration between string manufacturer D'Addario and designer Ned Steinberger. Engineered specifically for 4/4 size electric cellos, these stranded steel core strings are designed to provide a clear, expressive tone for both professional and intermediate players.

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Background and Design

The NS Electric Cello string set is the result of a collaboration between D'Addario and Ned Steinberger, a pioneer in the design of ergonomic and electric bowed instruments. The set was created to address the specific sonic requirements of electric cellos, which often require a different frequency response and physical feel compared to traditional acoustic strings. By combining Steinberger's innovative approach to instrument design with D'Addario's long-standing experience in string manufacturing, the set aims to unlock the full potential of electric instruments.

Technical Features

The primary technical feature of the NS Electric set is its stranded steel core. This construction provides several benefits:

Quick Response: The strings react immediately to bow pressure or plucking, allowing for a highly expressive range of dynamics.
Clarity: The design is optimised to produce a clear electric tone that remains distinct during live performances.
Versatility: While designed for electric instruments, these strings are also compatible with standard acoustic cellos, making them a flexible option for gigging musicians.

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Sound Profile

These strings are characterised by a clear, focused tone designed to cut through a mix during performance. Because electric cellos rely on amplification, the strings are voiced to provide a balanced output that translates well through pickups and preamps. The stranded steel core ensures that the sound is consistent across the full expressive range of the instrument, catering to players who require precision in both high-position soloing and low-register rhythmic parts.

Player Suitability

D'Addario positions this set as a professional-grade product that is equally accessible to intermediate players. It is particularly suited for 'gigging' musicians who may switch between electric and acoustic environments or who need a reliable, fast-responding string for amplified performance. The medium tension is standard for 4/4 instruments, providing a familiar feel for most cellists.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the typical price for a full D'Addario NS Electric Cello set?: The set typically retails for approximately GBP 158 for the 4/4 size medium tension version.
Can these strings be used on an acoustic cello?: Yes, while they are specifically designed for electric cellos, they are also suitable for use on acoustic cellos, making them versatile for musicians who use both.
What material is used for the core of these strings?: The NS Electric Cello strings feature a stranded steel core, which is chosen for its fast response and durability.
Who designed the NS Electric Cello strings?: The strings were developed through a partnership between D'Addario and the renowned instrument designer Ned Steinberger.
What instrument size are these strings designed for?: This specific set is designed for 4/4 size (full size) cellos.
What is the primary benefit of the stranded steel core?: The stranded steel core provides a very quick response, allowing the string to pick up on a wide and expressive range of sounds and techniques.
Are these strings suitable for professional use?: Yes, they are designed to meet the requirements of professional musicians while remaining suitable for intermediate players.
How does the tone of these strings differ from standard strings?: They are specifically engineered to produce a clear electric tone that is optimised for amplified performance, reducing muddiness often found when using standard strings on electric instruments.
What tension is available for this set?: The set is available in Medium tension, which is the standard choice for most cellists.
Is this set a good choice for live gigging?: Yes, D'Addario describes these as 'perfect gigging strings' due to their reliability and the fact that they can be used on both electric and acoustic instruments.
Does D'Addario produce other strings in the NS range?: Yes, the NS line is a broader collaboration between D'Addario and Ned Steinberger covering various electric bowed string instruments.
How do these compare to D'Addario Helicore strings?: While Helicore strings also use a multi-stranded steel core, the NS Electric set is specifically voiced and optimised for the electronic output of electric cellos.