Scott Laird, NS Design’s ambassador to the world of string education, has produced a series of videos for D’Addario strings introducing aspects of the electric violin.  Using his CR-4 as an example, Scott talks about amps, effects, tone controls, and what to look for in your first electric violin.  Check them out!

Transitioning from an acoustic to an electric violin

Electric violin tone quality

How to Use Electric Violin Tone Control Knobs

Electric Violin Effects Processors

The Difference Between Active and Passive Electric Violins

Matt Schoening just sent us this video he made for Strings magazine, in which he demonstrates the Boss RC-50 looping system that he uses with his NS Cello.  Matt does a great job explaining how he uses the technology and gives us a great taste of his skills with the instrument.  The accompanying article, written by NS violinist Gregory Walker, gives a run-down on what prospective “loopers” need to get started using the technology.  It’s a great resource for anyone thinking of adding electronic sampling to their performance repertoire.

To see more of Matt’s work, check out his website at www.SoloElectricCello.com.

Bass player Amos Heller has played just about every kind of music you can think of—from classical music to Zappa-esque rock, with some worship music and combo jazz in between. Since moving to Nashville in 2005, he’s been backing up a number of big acts, but his biggest gig yet was playing the 2009 Grammy Awards ceremony with young country singers Taylor Swift and Milley Cyrus. He wrote us recently to say that his NS Bass played well among the stars:

So there I was at the Grammys.

Man, is that a totally “check me out” way to start a story. Like I’m trying to be all super-casual about the coolest place I’ve ever played bass. Like I didn’t just watch Sir Paul McCartney walk by me, didn’t listen to Stevie Wonder soundcheck, and didn’t play in a room in front of everyone I’ve ever heard of. But it’s part of the story, so go with it, if you can.

So there I was at the Grammys. I had a lovely time backing up Miss Taylor Swift (my lovely and talented boss) and miss Miley Cyrus playing a stripped-down, laid-back version of Taylor’s song “Fifteen.” It’s an award show, and for those of you that have never played one, it means a LOT of acts are playing, and the fact that it’s live TV means that you have to hustle on, do your thing, and hustle off. Our hustling-on was held up by Snoop Dogg. Man, that dude walks slow and his bodyguard is massive.

The number we did took place on a second stage, out in the audience, in amongst the seats. We didn’t have time to take it all in as we got ready to play, as I was busy thinking about the things I always tend to think about when we’re playing live: “don’t look at the cameras, don’t mess up, don’t look at the cameras, don’t mess up…”

We get through our song, and it went off without a hitch, and now it’s time for us to hustle off. As I’m unplugging, and trying not to brain anyone with my bass or tripod, someone pokes me in the arm.

I have just enough time to put together the large frame, razor-sharp fedora, glasses and impeccable suit to realize that I’d just been playing bass three feet from Jimmy Jam.

Jimmy Jam. One of the most prolific producers ever. Part of the Time. That’s as in “Morris Day and The.” And in that instant- before we have to clear the floor when I realize who this is and how long I’ve been listening to songs that he’s made- he says just one thing:

“That’s a nice bass, man.”

Be sure to catch Amos as he backs up Taylor Swift on tour this summer.

David Ragsdale has sent us this video of the band Kansas rehearsing for their 35th anniversary concert. David’s performance on the CR violin is nothing short of awesome!

Hey guys-

While far from what the final product will look or sound like, here’s a bootleg video of the dress rehersal that someone posted on you tube. At least you can tell sort of what the fiddle sounds like-

Rags

We’ve received the video of NS Design’s community concert at the Skidompha Public Library, in Damariscotta, Maine.  Ed Howe played an hour-long show in which he demonstrated the capabilities of the CR-5 violin.  At the end of the show, NS sales team leader and bluegrass banjo-player Mike Kropp joined Ed onstage for a few tunes.  Without really rehearsing beforehand, the two sounded terrific together—two versatile musicians who know how to get the most out of their instruments.

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With a wah pedal, the CR violin is capable of some pretty amazing sounds. Check out these videos of the young Jazz-fusion player Adam Baldych putting the CR 5 through its paces.

Check out Adam’s website too.