What is the core material of the D'Addario NS Electric Viola A string?

The string features a stranded steel core. This construction provides a balance of warmth and clarity specifically suited for electric instruments.

What scale length does this string fit?

This particular string is designed for Long Scale violas. It is important to ensure your instrument's body length matches this specification for proper tension and fit.

What is the tension rating for this A string?

The string is rated as Medium tension. This is the most common tension, providing a balance between ease of playability and physical resistance.

Can I use this string on an acoustic viola?

While it can be physically installed on an acoustic viola, it is specifically manufactured to enhance the expressive range of electric instruments. The tone may not be as resonant on a traditional acoustic body compared to strings like Zyex or Helicore.

What is the primary tonal characteristic of the NS Electric A string?

It is designed to produce a clear, warm tone. This helps prevent the harsh or 'thin' sound sometimes associated with amplified bowed instruments.

How does this string assist with electric amplification?

The string is purposefully manufactured to enhance the expressive range of sounds when processed through pickups. It helps achieve a clear sound during live performances.

Is this a full set or a single string?

This specific product is a single A string. It is often purchased as a replacement or to customise a specific string setup.

What is the typical price for this string in the UK?

The typical price range for this D'Addario NS Electric A string is approximately £14. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Who manufactured this string?

The string is manufactured by D'Addario, a well-known brand in the music industry. The NS Electric line was developed in collaboration with Ned Steinberger.

How does the stranded steel core affect playability?

The stranded steel core achieves consistent playability by being more flexible than solid steel cores. This allows for a more responsive feel under the bow and fingers.

Is this string suitable for professional use?

Yes, it is designed to bring out the best in electric instruments for performance use. Its consistency and expressive range make it a reliable choice for professional violists.

How does this compare to the D'Addario Zyex series?

While Zyex strings use a synthetic core for an acoustic-like sound, the NS Electric uses stranded steel. The NS series is specifically voiced for the electronic requirements of electric violas.

Gear article

D'Addario NS Electric Viola A String

The D'Addario NS Electric Viola A String is a high-performance single string designed specifically for long-scale electric violas. Featuring a stranded steel core, it is engineered to provide a clear, warm tone that enhances the expressive range of electric instruments.

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Overview

The D'Addario NS Electric Viola A string is a specialised component of the NS Electric series, developed to meet the specific requirements of amplified performance. As a medium tension, long-scale string, it is designed to fit standard professional-sized electric violas. The string serves as a direct solution for players looking to optimise the output of their instrument's pickup system while maintaining a natural feel under the fingers.

Construction and Technology

The core of the string is constructed from stranded steel. This design choice is critical for electric instruments as it balances flexibility with the magnetic or piezo sensitivity required for clear signal reproduction. The manufacturing process focuses on achieving consistent playability across the entire length of the string, ensuring that the tension remains stable even during expressive or aggressive performance styles.

Sonic Character

The NS Electric A string is characterised by a clear and warm tonal profile. Unlike some traditional acoustic strings that may sound brittle when amplified, this string is purposefully manufactured to enhance the expressive range of electric violas. It provides a balanced frequency response that brings out the best in the instrument's electronic components, resulting in a sound that is both articulate and harmonically rich.

Target Audience

This string is primarily suited for violists who perform on electric instruments in live or studio settings. It is an ideal choice for musicians who require a reliable, long-scale string that can handle the nuances of electronic amplification without sacrificing the warmth typically associated with the viola. It is particularly effective for those seeking 'optimum playability' and a clear, defined sound during high-volume performances.

Market Context

Within the D'Addario catalogue, the NS Electric series sits alongside other specialised lines such as the Helicore and Zyex series. While the Helicore 1/4 size strings or Zyex 4/4 violin strings serve acoustic players, the NS series is dedicated to the electric domain. It competes with other premium options such as Larsen or Thomastik-Infeld, though it is specifically tuned for the unique demands of electric signal chains.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the core material of the D'Addario NS Electric Viola A string?: The string features a stranded steel core. This construction provides a balance of warmth and clarity specifically suited for electric instruments.
What scale length does this string fit?: This particular string is designed for Long Scale violas. It is important to ensure your instrument's body length matches this specification for proper tension and fit.
What is the tension rating for this A string?: The string is rated as Medium tension. This is the most common tension, providing a balance between ease of playability and physical resistance.
Can I use this string on an acoustic viola?: While it can be physically installed on an acoustic viola, it is specifically manufactured to enhance the expressive range of electric instruments. The tone may not be as resonant on a traditional acoustic body compared to strings like Zyex or Helicore.
What is the primary tonal characteristic of the NS Electric A string?: It is designed to produce a clear, warm tone. This helps prevent the harsh or 'thin' sound sometimes associated with amplified bowed instruments.
How does this string assist with electric amplification?: The string is purposefully manufactured to enhance the expressive range of sounds when processed through pickups. It helps achieve a clear sound during live performances.
Is this a full set or a single string?: This specific product is a single A string. It is often purchased as a replacement or to customise a specific string setup.
What is the typical price for this string in the UK?: The typical price range for this D'Addario NS Electric A string is approximately £14. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Who manufactured this string?: The string is manufactured by D'Addario, a well-known brand in the music industry. The NS Electric line was developed in collaboration with Ned Steinberger.
How does the stranded steel core affect playability?: The stranded steel core achieves consistent playability by being more flexible than solid steel cores. This allows for a more responsive feel under the bow and fingers.
Is this string suitable for professional use?: Yes, it is designed to bring out the best in electric instruments for performance use. Its consistency and expressive range make it a reliable choice for professional violists.
How does this compare to the D'Addario Zyex series?: While Zyex strings use a synthetic core for an acoustic-like sound, the NS Electric uses stranded steel. The NS series is specifically voiced for the electronic requirements of electric violas.