Nord Piano 3 Key knocking noise

[Mr_-G-]

It does not sound to me like the loud clack! posted at the start of this thread. I wonder if in your case it is just the return spring that needs repositioning or a adding a tiny bit of silicone grease.

[Fedex]

The annoying noise i get from the F3 is not the key clacking noise, of course. It is a two metal surfaces scratching each other noise that has been already pointed out over this thread.

This seems to me a problem of alignment of the hammer, that in its run scratches the frame around it.

Nevertheless the other 87 keys are very quiet, so this is a defect. This noise is very annoying, when i stumble on this note i get distracted and i can't play relaxed.

This problem is totally unacceptable in a 3000$ brand new keyboard. The guys at Nord have to figure out how to improve quality control on Fatar keybed, definitely.

It is not true that this problem is common in other brands pianos. I have owned a lot of digital pianos and never had this kind of issue. And they cost a lot less than np3.

I could open the action and repair it but i dont want to touch a brand new keyboard...

[Mr_-G-]

If you think that it is unacceptable, and that other people's comments are not true, then perhaps you could take the instrument back to the shop and/or contact Clavia for their advice. They have a page for this at their site. We are just a group of users, not an official service board, so here nobody is really responsible for QC, servicing or tell you what exactly should happen next.
Hope you get this issue resolved.

[huw1952]

I have to disagree Fedex. This problem has occurred in other brands of pianos. Those who use Fatar keybeds, in particular Kurzweil who are also expensive.

[Fedex]

If we talk about Fatar keybeds I agree, all the brands that use them, in particular the weighted ones, could have this kind of problem, so I'm not surprised about Kurzweil.

For other brands I'm talking about Yamaha, Roland and Kawai. Never had such a issue, having owned: RD700GX, P90, P120, P105, CP4, MP8 just to name a few.

Fatar makes really enjoyable actions, hope they can improve their QC.

As for me, I'm waiting for an answer from my dealer, in a way or other I'll solve the issue. Anyway NP3 is a great instrument, really inspiring to play.

[Macsaint777]

Hi All,

Just received my new Nord Piano 3 two days ago, and I love it! The Piano 3 plays wonderfully, and sounds fantastic. It is built like a tank, and I’m not one bit dissatisfied with it.
However, it is making some odd noises on several of the keys. This isn't a release sound, it is happening when you press the keys themselves. I was wondering if you could take a look at this unlisted video link to see if your NP3 is making the same sounds as mine. Mine is 2 days old at this point, and I'm working with my dealer to see what they think as well.






Thanks!




Ben

[Rhodie73]

Sorry Macsaint, that's actually connected to that slap back release sound that is just part of the fatar actions. It's the hammer inside hitting the hollow key on the rebound. The thing is try what you're doing and release the key as if you're playing staccato notes and you'll hear what I mean. Felt, felt and more felt is what's needed to quiet these Fatar actions. The NP3 that I received as a replacement had the sound you had and I realized it's just the way the action is. The one I had before that one had an incredibly loud knocking noise on release in addition to the sound you have. I came to grips with it and said it isn't worth it for a $3k instrument. YMMV

[Macsaint777]

Rhodie,

Thanks for the reply. Sweetwater reviewed the video and said it was not normal, and they have already sent me another one, giving me until August to return this one. What I find so odd, is that this is exactly (I have a video I made 2 years ago) what was happening on the first Nord Piano 2 I had! I had it replaced and used it for several months with no issues, then sold it for an RD 800, purely for the superior key action. With the Nord Piano 3, I feel that this action is comparable to that of the CP4, RD 800, and to a lesser extent, the RD 2000. I had TWO RD 2000s, and both had issues with the key action. Something was wrong with the triple sensor on the last one, and so I decided to go with the Nord Piano 3, which I honestly really enjoy playing! The feel to sound connection is something special here, and hopefully this new Nord Piano 3 will not have the loud clacking on some keys. See, that is what I don't understand. Why don't ALL the keys have the issue? Surely if every Nord Piano 3 sold had the same issue, we would see forums and websites blowing up! I love the sample aspect of the Nord, and I've already made and imported several of my favorite Omnisphere derived pads, so that is awesome.

Sweetwater shipped the new Nord Piano 3 today, right after I emailed them, so I'll have it in two days and report back then.


Ben

[Macsaint777]

UPDATE on Nord Piano 3 replacement.

Sweetwater shipped the new Nord Piano 3 two days ago, and it arrived today. It actually has a broken key. I'm not even shocked at this point, just listless and getting very discouraged. I believe Nord makes fantastic products, but this Fatar action they use is either the most prone to problems of any action EVER, or, the quality control at Fatar is very bad. I own a Nord Electro 5D 73. I love it, LOVE IT. I wanted the same awesome Nord Piano sounds in a weighted keyboard, with the triple pedal, but here I am on number two and I've got problems right out of the box. Feel free to view the video below. This is the NEW replacement.





I WANT to love this keyboard, but I am getting really discouraged by what I'm seeing here. I will try ONE MORE TIME with another Nord Piano 3, and if that one isn't as it should be, I'll have to pursue other options, maybe the new Korg Grandstage.

To be clear, my opinion of Nord as a company is extremely high. These instruments are built like tanks, well constructed, sound incredible, and have my highest recommendation, just not for the Piano 3 at this point. However, I am willing to accept that I might have the worst luck in the world... and try ONE MORE TIME to get a good Piano 3.

ROUND THREE, here we go!

[tomzi]

puhhhh, did you get any answer from nord?

From Nord-Website:
"The individual Fatar keybeds are meticulously calibrated at the Nord factory to ensure an even response over the whole range."
Are the keybeds not checked to see if they are ok?

Good Luck.