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Model Recommendation

Postby trebleclef » 02 Nov 2016, 12:54

Hi, I am about to buy a Nord and wanted to ask for some advice regarding which model I should go for. I mainly need it for composing (MIDI programming) and for live gigs. Any suggestions for a model which is light weight, has weighted keys and is good for MIDI programming?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Last edited by trebleclef on 02 Nov 2016, 13:18, edited 1 time in total.
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Model Recommendation


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Re: Model Recommendation

Postby Rusty Mike » 02 Nov 2016, 15:11

What kind of music do you play?
What kind of sounds are you looking for?
How many simultaneous sounds do you need out of the instrument?
Do you mean MIDI sequencing, or some other kind of programming?
Why are you thinking about a Nord?
What kind of budget do you have in mind?

Without knowing those things, it would be a bit hard to help you. That being said, Nord sells keyboard with two types of weighted actions. The models with "HA" (Piano 2/3, Stage 88) used a Fatar TP40 action, which is very pleasant to play but relatively heavy to carry. The models with "HP" keyboards (Electro 5HP, Stage 2EX 76HP, Piano 2HP) use a Fatar TP100 action, which is lighter in weight, but many argue is less pleasant to play than the HA.
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Nords: Piano 5 73, Stage 2EX 76 HP, Electro 6D 73
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Re: Model Recommendation

Postby Gustavo » 02 Nov 2016, 16:44

Hola,

Like Mike stated, we need more information to truly recommend you a Nord. Do you want only synth sounds? Do you want only piano sounds? Do you want piano and organ? Only organ? Do you want piano+organ+synth? What is your budget?

Based on your question, since you ask for weighted keys I assume you would like at leat piano sounds but with a portable weight. In such a case, I would recommend having a look at any and all HP keyboards: Nord Piano HP, Nord Electro 5 HP and Nord Stage 2EX HP. BUT I fully recommend that you try out the HP keybed before buying since it does not fill everybody's taste.

Also, if by composing and midi programming you mean you need to record/playback midi songs in the keyboard, Nord is not the brand you should look at. None of the Nords has a sequencer or recording capabilites. For that kind of jobs, I would recommend you look at an arranger keyboard (Like Yamaha Tyros or Korg Pa4X) or a workstation (like Korg Kronos or Yamaha Motif XF).

In my opinion, Nord keyboards are famous for their very good sound quality but very limited functionality as they are very focused for live playing.
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Re: Model Recommendation

Postby jfenton » 02 Nov 2016, 16:58

Gustavo wrote:In my opinion, Nord keyboards are famous for their very good sound quality but very limited functionality as they are very focused for live playing.


I couldn't agree more.

For music production, I would think Korg portable arranger (probably PA4x or older PA3X) is the way to go. I have an older Korg Triton Extreme that works
well for that but it is quite heavy and not really good for gigging.


For lower budget functionality with organ and piano and limited synth, I use the Roland V-Combo VR-09. I take that with me for portable practice session (with headphones only). I got mine for around $700 USD (as B-Stock)

My personal favorite (the one I play most) is the Nord Stage 2 EX. See my signature for a list what I have.

I like the sounds and dual keyboard of my Hammond SK2 but it is quite heavy (over 35 lbs)

Oh I also have a very cheap Yamaha PSR-E243 that I grab if I want to "play around" for a few moments in a separate part of my house. It is quite light, has speakers but the action and sounds are not that great. It is only 9 lbs and runs on batteries. I think I got it for under $100.


I am mostly organ player so I prefer semi-weighted keys. If I want to play real piano I have an upright grand in my living room.
Keyboards:
  • NS2 EX Compact 73
  • Hammond SK2
  • Roland VCombo VR-09
  • Roland A800-Pro
  • Behringer Motor 49
  • Alesis Q88
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Re: Model Recommendation

Postby trebleclef » 04 Nov 2016, 22:45

Hi guys, thank you so much for your feedback. I am interested in the NS2 EX Compact 73. I am looking for a keyboard which can be used not only for gigs but also for music production with my DAW (MIDI sequencing). I play all kinds of music and am willing to invest my money in a good synth, I have always wanted a nord piano and from the youtube videos it looks like the best model out there!

Cheers! :)
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Re: Model Recommendation

Postby DJKeys » 05 Nov 2016, 00:11

The NS2EX Compact is a great choice, but the keys are only semi-weighted, not weighted-

-dj

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Re: Model Recommendation

Postby jfenton » 05 Nov 2016, 01:49

DJKeys wrote:The NS2EX Compact is a great choice, but the keys are only semi-weighted, not weighted-

-dj


If you also want fully weighted keys for piano type playing you could later get a midi controller to do that. Personally I prefer semi weighted.
Keyboards:
  • NS2 EX Compact 73
  • Hammond SK2
  • Roland VCombo VR-09
  • Roland A800-Pro
  • Behringer Motor 49
  • Alesis Q88
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