NS Design Unveils NS Bass Guitar at NAMM 2012

Ned Steinberger and company introduced the latest addition to the NS Design bass line with a new headless bass guitar design. The NS Bass Guitar features a new “patented self-clamping tuning system” that allows for using regular single-ball type strings. As you tighten the tuner, it clamps onto the string; loosening the tuner detunes the string and eventually releases it.

Built by luthier Jonathan Kelsey, the body is available with different woods and features chambers cut out to control the weight and balance. The neck, though maple to the touch, is carbon fiber for sustain and elimination of dead spots.

Pickups on the bass include a pair of specially arched EMGs and a piezo in the bridge. The EMGs can be selected via a switch, and a blend knob allows for blending the EMGs and the piezo for tonal variety.

The basses shown at NAMM were prototypes of the custom shop models made by Kelsey, which will be available in about three months. Steinberger said production models of the NS Bass Guitar should be showing up in late Fall.

Check out our exclusive video interview with Ned Steinberger and Jonathan Kelsey walking us through the features of the new bass at the 2012 Winter NAMM show:

Video by Rob DeHaven

NS Design Headless Bass Guitar Photo Gallery

Click on a photo for a larger view

More: electric bass, NAMM 2012, Ned Steinberger, NS Design

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Check out No Treble’s Complete 2012 NAMM Coverage

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