Nord User Forum

by **deathrattle** » 11 Oct 2016, 20:45

Hello friends of Nord.

Sorry, this is my first post here so I apologize if I am not following protocol. Please be gentle on me.

I am building a custom case for a friend who is a Nord user. He has an Electro 5D 61. This case that houses the Nord will have his stomp boxes mounted next to it, and a mixer inside the case four routing other external boards. Should be a pretty cool hassle free set up.

The case is meant to look more or less like a Wurlitzer, so this is more of a chassis than it is a "case".

My question as it pertains to the group: I'm considering removing the feet and use those locations on the keyboard to screw into the case. A permanent installation if you will. The low profile not being the concern, I can account for any spacers that may be needed for clearance. I'm curious how the feet mount. Obviously hoping for a machine screw.

If the "feet removal" option falls short, would the forum have any suggestions for how to mount this keyboard into a chassis? Remove the wood side caps and mount from there?

I'm including a rough render of the case as it sits in this stage of the idea for reference.

by **ericL** » 12 Oct 2016, 00:25

I don't have my NE5 in front of me now, but if history repeats itself, those rubber feet are riveted. Not a good thing for removal. I'd recommend using Velcro and countersinking the rubber feet into the wood base vs. removing them. This way, if the keyboard ever needs to be removed for repair, other uses, etc. it would be easier and less intrusive on the keyboard.

by **deathrattle** » 13 Oct 2016, 19:03

Thank you Eric.

My fears confirmed then on the foot removal.

I will move forward then with either end cap removal or "foot sink" as my two options. Looks like with the end cap method I would have to get clever with the mini "cheek block" addition to the case.

by **ericL** » 13 Oct 2016, 20:52

Correct - you would be better off not trying to remove the riveted feet. Many years ago, I did this surgery to the front feet on my Nord Lead 1 so that I could angle it more on the upper ledge of my Korg CX-3. I was able to snap the rivets with some pliers, but ended up with some spare metal rattling around inside the chassis.

I think your least invasive approach is to do the "foot sink" with velcro vs. getting too surgical on the end blocks. Those blocks to provide some of the structural rigidity to the overall board and I think it may be risk to try removing/replacing them. Plus in the long run, I think better to keep the Nord as original as possible as it will one day be on the block for resale/upgrade.

by **iubito** » 28 Nov 2016, 03:09

I agree!
I'm planning to add a MIDI controller and a small 25-keys keyboard with a sampler box.
These will be just velcro-ed on the top left/right of the Nord.
I think I'll glue some strip of velcro on the Nord, and under my other elements. Not intrusive, and easy to mount/unmount when moving for concerts and rehearsals

by **analogika** » 29 Nov 2016, 13:52

I would keep case and nord separate. If you're on tour, you want stuff that's absolutely bolted together solidly enough to withstand thousands of miles of rattling roadcase and the occasional drop. Neither the feet nor the screws for the endpieces are designed to take that kind of strain.

What you lose in space (as nord and chassis are cased separately), you gain in longevity, reliability, and resale value.

by **theGman** » 30 Nov 2016, 05:03

Nice looking design!

by **Gegebe** » 05 Dec 2016, 19:56

I 'd suggest you visit vintagevibepiano.com to see what hardware you can use for mounting legs onder your case. The Vintage Vibe Piano is equipped with such legs.