Nord User Forum

[Spider]

If I understand your needs: -first keyboard -budget is an issue -don't need advanced functions like split and layer... they all point to the Electro 3.

It's cheap, and it will not devalue as much as the newer generations ...because it's already devalued. So if you decide that it's not enough and want to sell it, you will probably get back most of your money. Nords have good resale value and sell easily on the used market, you shouldn't worry too much about not being able to get rid of it if you don't like it.

Sound-wise, it's very nearly the same as the 4 and 5. Pianos and samples are exactly the same (except for the amount you can load in the smaller memory), and the organ model is only marginally outdated, but still very very good.
I understand your concerns about the lack of a proper screen, but trust me, the Nord user interface is so friendly and intuitive that you don't really need it. Apart from the patch name, every sound, setting and parameter you're using is right in front of you on the panel. When I owned an Electro4, I only connected the Sound Manager to swap samples, but never needed it to have more control on the patches.

About the keybed feel and the tolerable level of noise, only you can be the judge.

About your feeling that you will grow to like the thing and want more (VERY likely!), see above, you can always sell the E3 and get the 4 or 5. But in the unlikely case that you don't like it, at least it didn't break your bank account.

[peanutismint]

If I understand your needs: -first keyboard -budget is an issue -don't need advanced functions like split and layer... they all point to the Electro 3.

Hmm sort of.... I'd say, budget is kind of an issue but more along the lines of "I'd rather not spend £3k on a keyboard" than "I can't really afford to pay more than £200"...!

I don't NEED advanced functions like split/layer but it would be a cool thing to be able to 'grow into' as I (hopefully) improve enough to use these kind of features. And it's not strictly my first keyboard... Just one of the first that's actually 'professional' level.

I just put a deposit down on getting a 5 HP into my local store for a 'test drive', and if I like it they'll do me a 0% interest free finance deal so I can pay it off over like 12 months... So providing I like the 'feel' of the E5's keybed, I think I'm gonna go for that one. I just hope they don't announce a price drop at NAMM next month...!

[PScooter63]

It may be a little late to chime in on this... but one thing not being mentioned, is future software compatibility. Given the age of the E3 model, it's only a matter of time before software support (in the form of updates) is "sunsetted". It may take a while, yes; but you will get more years of useful support from a newer model.

(Also, I've owned a 4HP for two years now, LOVE it, and have not yet encountered the dreaded "noisy keyboard" yet. I gig regularly, but it's relatively mild stuff; I don't have to compete with rock guitarists or the like.)

[peanutismint]

That's also very good advice. As much as it 'hurts' someone with as tight a wallet as me (!!) to put down that amount of cash on a product when an older/second-hand model is less than half the price, I think this is a pretty solid investment if I really plan to play more/get better (which I do!).

Thanks everyone!

[michael_C1]

Personally, for the price difference, I'd go for the 4HP. It has about twice the memory of the 3 and it also has USB MIDI.

Another factor is key noise of the HP models. You said you tried a Stage 2 with weighted action, and generally that HA action is considered superior to the HP.

I'd highly recommend trying before buying, especially with the Electro 5's cost.

[peanutismint]

I've bought the E5 HP now and am very pleased with it! Can't believe it's so light but feels fine for me, and isn't too loud either (compared to my old Keystation Pro 88 certainly!!)

[michael_C1]

I've bought the E5 HP now and am very pleased with it! Can't believe it's so light but feels fine for me, and isn't too loud either (compared to my old Keystation Pro 88 certainly!!)

Congratulations, you got yourself a great keyboard!

[TPursell]

I just went from my first Nord, an Electro 2, (73 key waterhall semi weighted model) which I purchased new, to the Nord E5 with the same semi weighted waterfall keybed. If you favor organ playing, the fataar semi weighted keybed is the best, at least, for me. There are weighted keyboards dedicated to piano, that I can dd to this rig if I just have to hace weighted action. I am sure I could be happy with an E4 or the E3. You will love the closed miked Leslie option, I dont know if the earlier electros have that feature. The piano, mellotron, and other sound which can be used together, made the E5 model the right time for me to upgrade...And by now, you may find some great pricing on even the new E5. Good luck and happy playing, God bless, Terry

[varignet]

I just went from my first Nord, an Electro 2, (73 key waterhall semi weighted model) which I purchased new, to the Nord E5 with the same semi weighted waterfall keybed. If you favor organ playing, the fataar semi weighted keybed is the best, at least, for me. There are weighted keyboards dedicated to piano, that I can dd to this rig if I just have to hace weighted action. I am sure I could be happy with an E4 or the E3. You will love the closed miked Leslie option, I dont know if the earlier electros have that feature. The piano, mellotron, and other sound which can be used together, made the E5 model the right time for me to upgrade...And by now, you may find some great pricing on even the new E5. Good luck and happy playing, God bless, Terry

did the electro 5 hp really cost £1680 last year? it's one pound coins less than £2000 now...

[Arjan P]

did the electro 5 hp really cost £1680 last year? it's one pound coins less than £2000 now...

That's pretty much consistent with the drop of the Pound against the Swedish Krone..