NS Design WAV 5 5-String Electric Violin Transparent Red

New to violin but I play guitar bass drums keys, and harmonica. I have only played two violins but this one plays with so much less effort than the other one. I was terrified of playing a fretless instrument but this fretless violin is ezer to play than the money saving 7 string fretted violin I am comparing it to, Its so worth it. I think I actually prefer fretless when it comes to violins. This violin seems to me to be made for playability. it takes practically no effort to get notes out of this instrument and its way ezer to make the notes sound good. I think I'll be able to play faster on this instrument. Electric guitars can usually be adjusted to play with less effort than acoustics by lowering the action and reducing string tension. this instrument seems to me to do that for violins. totally love this thing.

I had to wait over a month for this instrument to arrive. But it was worth the wait. First, it's beautiful. Sleek and sharp and glossy. I love the five-string fingerboard--hitting those deep viola notes is one of my biggest reasons for wanting this instrument. Next, its tone can be mixed as expressive, which is my playing style. It can play more like an acoustic instrument than my first electronic violin (another brand) purchased 20 years ago. It responds to changes in the player's bowing and hand pressure. It still does all the fun stuff an electronic does. It's really fun to use, but it doesn't feel flat, it modulates in tone. I like that it doesn't have batteries to corrode or remember to change. One complaint--It took me about a dozen tries in adjusting the shoulder rest before I found a comfortable position. I wish it had more adjustment options there. My accompanist thinks it looks a bit awkward, but I've gotten it to a place where it feels pretty good. The case is flimsy and basic for my taste. But otherwise, two thumbs up.

I'm new to violin but not to instruments because I've received formal training in three saxophones, guitar, piano and am self-trained on keys, electronic wind instruments and voice. I needed something that I could play with or without an amplifier.. something that would allow me to express myself without waking or disturbing the neighbors through paper-thin Manhattan walls.. While you cannot do "silent play" natively, preamps are getting smaller and more efficient every day. If you are an experienced musician and have a discerning ear, this violin can fool you. It is not like those "violin-shaped objects" that are sold cheaply and made cheaply- it has a very good sound. I use MiniCube from Roland (to practice aloud) or Avid Fast Track (to practice quietly) and am doing just fine. I think the shoulder rest is just fine. I think having less external controls is just fine, as I can control the volume using the bow. I wouldn't recommend getting a cable that comes out of the back of the violin at a right angle- Monster sells one that is L-shaped, securable with epoxy or tape rather than wrapping cable around shoulders or arms and is gold-plated and shielded. Depending on your playing style, gravity alone may do. It is a strong, reliable instrument with a non-cheap feel to it. Check online for videos from individuals playing the instrument and you'll see the broad range of what it's capable of. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

I purchased the Trans Red 5-string. The pickup is excellent and, even though it's under the body, it holds the cables very well. I still wrap it once or twice around the shoulder rest to ensure that I don't come unplugged in concert. The C-string wobbles a bit in pitch if I use too much pressure with the bow, but I'm learning that my volume switches control my volume, not my bow technique, so much. The sound out of it is awesome, very clear, clean, and way better than my acoustic, as far as extra noise. I used to clip a pick-up to the bridge of my acoustic, but it was too sensitive and picked up a lot of bumps and pops or bow hick-ups that the NS does not. My only real complaint is the shoulder rest. It's attached by a single curvey bar that allows the shoulder rest to teeter around it while I'm playing and I'm sure to either strip the screws that tighten it in place or the actual piece that holds it, before long. If they could have made a 2-prong shoulder rest that would hold it in place better, I'd have given this 5 stars. This instrument is great for beginning on full electric (and 5-strings).