Overview

The NS Design WAV5 Electric Violin is a five-string electric violin designed for modern players who want extended range and a contemporary playing experience. Designed by Ned Steinberger, it features a solid maple body with a sleek, minimalist frame design, a polar pickup system with active electronics, and a unique ergonomic chin rest and shoulder rest system. The five-string configuration adds a low C string below the standard four strings, giving players access to viola range without carrying a second instrument, which is invaluable for gigging musicians covering a wide repertoire. The polar pickup system delivers a clean, detailed signal with impressive dynamic range that works beautifully with amplifiers, effects, and recording interfaces. The sound is clear, articulate, and responsive to nuanced bowing, with a modern, refined character that suits jazz, rock, world music, and experimental genres. The adjustable chin rest and integrated shoulder rest system allow players to customize the playing position to their anatomy, and the lightweight body reduces fatigue during long performances. Build quality reflects NS Design's expertise in electric string instruments, with precise construction and reliable electronics. This instrument is ideal for professional gigging violinists, studio musicians, and players who want the expanded tonal range of a five-string instrument. The unique ergonomics and lack of a traditional body require an adjustment period for classically trained violinists.

Violins

A five-string electric violin designed by Ned Steinberger with polar pickup system and active electronics, adding viola-range low C string for expanded repertoire in amplified settings.

Instrument Details

$1,199 Advanced
Brand NS Design
Type Electric Violin
Made In Czech Republic
Year 2010
4.6 1 vote

AI Reviews

4.6 /5

The NS Design WAV5 is a masterclass in functional minimalism, carrying the unmistakable DNA of Ned Steinberger's design philosophy. Unlike many electric violins that try to mimic acoustic ergonomics, the WAV5 embraces its modern identity. The headless design is a revelation for long sets, shifting the weight back toward the shoulder and significantly reducing left-hand fatigue.

Sonically, the Polar pickup system is the heart of this instrument. It offers a remarkably clean, high-fidelity output that serves as a perfect blank canvas for signal processing. Whether you're running through high-gain distortion or lush ambient delays, the note definition remains crisp. The addition of the low C string is handled beautifully; the string tension feels balanced across the fingerboard, avoiding the 'floppy' C string issue common in budget 5-strings.

However, the proprietary shoulder rest system, while highly adjustable, has a learning curve and won't accommodate standard third-party rests. While it lacks the 'woody' resonance of a high-end boutique electric, its stability and feedback resistance make it a workhorse for the stage. For the advanced player transitioning into jazz, rock, or pit work, the WAV5 offers a professional-grade entry into the 5-string world with exceptional tuning stability and ergonomic balance.

Category Ratings

Violins
4.6
Feb 15, 2026
AI-Generated Review Generated via Google API. This is an automated evaluation, not a consumer review. Learn more