NS2 and ???

[e8ndave]

For my live setup I've got an NS2 which covers piano, organ and general synth stuff. The one thing I'm really not enamored with on the stage is the strings and horns. It is ok, but not great.

I'm looking for something to pair with it that will compliment in those areas. Something with a 49 key keyboard would be just fine.

Any suggestions?

[Gustavo]

For my live setup I've got an NS2 which covers piano, organ and general synth stuff. The one thing I'm really not enamored with on the stage is the strings and horns. It is ok, but not great.

I'm looking for something to pair with it that will compliment in those areas. Something with a 49 key keyboard would be just fine.

Any suggestions?

What is you budget? The best keyboard I've tried for that job is the Yamaha Montage, but I don't know if that is outside of your budget.

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[e8ndave]

I actually have a Montage 7 but it is such a beast that it's either the Montage or the NS2. I would actually happily trade my 7 for a 6 just for this purpose and then use that.

[nordboard]

I have an NS2 Ex Compact paired with a Roland FA06. The FA has great brass and string sounds which are fine on their own, but even better when layered with the NS2. The FA is also great for synth sounds, again either on its own or layered with the NS2. It also has audio in and vocoder effect, 16 touch pads, and it's light as a feather! I've been really pleased with it. I used to gig with a Motif XS7 and Fantom G6, but they were so heavy - the main reason I changed my rig.

2 minus points to the FA: Firstly, no aftertouch, but most keyboards at this end of the market don't. Secondly, it seems incredibly difficult to reduce the amount of touch sensitivity for certain sounds.

[nordboard]

Aftertouch clarification - the FA keyboard itself will not generate aftertouch, but the sounds do have it, so when played from the NS2 I can use aftertouch to modulate the sounds on the FA.

[Ledbetter]

Have you tried using the EQ on the Nord's various brass and string samples to achieve the sound you want, or auditioned other samples in the Nord Sample Library? I ask be cause one keyboard is so much easier to use onstage than two.

[e8ndave]

Have you tried using the EQ on the Nord's various brass and string samples to achieve the sound you want, or auditioned other samples in the Nord Sample Library? I ask be cause one keyboard is so much easier to use onstage than two.

Yes. I've played around with several. They just don't have the same rich sound as some others do. A buddy brought over a Jupiter 80 last week and the strings were night and day better. I also agree about the single keyboard.

[e8ndave]

I have an NS2 Ex Compact paired with a Roland FA06. The FA has great brass and string sounds which are fine on their own, but even better when layered with the NS2. The FA is also great for synth sounds, again either on its own or layered with the NS2. It also has audio in and vocoder effect, 16 touch pads, and it's light as a feather! I've been really pleased with it. I used to gig with a Motif XS7 and Fantom G6, but they were so heavy - the main reason I changed my rig.

2 minus points to the FA: Firstly, no aftertouch, but most keyboards at this end of the market don't. Secondly, it seems incredibly difficult to reduce the amount of touch sensitivity for certain sounds.

I think that is a pretty outstanding idea. I have a friend who has one and they are going to let me borrow it to give it a test run. Excellent suggestion.

[Gustavo]

Well, the FA does have about the same engine as the Jupiter 80. If you liked those another option is the Jupiter 50, but I don't know how light it was.

But, if I were in your place, I'd try to swap the Montage 7 for a Montage 6. I have played the FA and it is a very good keyboard for the price, but in my opinion the Yamaha Montage sweeps the floor with it.

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[e8ndave]

Well, the FA does have about the same engine as the Jupiter 80. If you liked those another option is the Jupiter 50, but I don't know how light it was.

But, if I were in your place, I'd try to swap the Montage 7 for a Montage 6. I have played the FA and it is a very good keyboard for the price, but in my opinion the Yamaha Montage sweeps the floor with it.

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I think that is actually going to be the plan. I like my Montage 7 outside of the bulk of trying to move it around. I went and played the FA. Strings were and A+, horns, not so much. Keybed is still a bit of a sticking point also. I do think the Montage 6 is probably the right answer.

Thanks to all who answered!