Nord User Forum

[eibinger]

I am very sorry, but I have to agree some members of this post:
Having the possibilty to compare, I own a Nord5d, a Hammond SK-1 (and a XK-1) and a Kurzweil SP4/7 I must say, that the Nord Piano-Sounds are great for studio-projects or if you can use one person only for mixing the sound. the Kurzweil is very simple (and old) and has no samples, but the "presence" - as Moongel88 or AgQuinn said - is much better in my context - like the yamaha cp4. I play in a cover-band and we only do live-gigs!
To "finish" the piano-sounds you have to use the eq - but then the pianos sound a little bit artifical and designed on stage!
The epianos are pretty good and the organ-sound of the Nord5d is very rough - not like a hammond

[Moongel88]

Good choice AlQuinn. The CP4 is not perfect by any means but it's a dam good piano sample that you can actually feel and it has a "presence", unlike the Nord pianos that have (going back to the original post) that bad mid range, and generally a glassy sound and you need to spend a fortune on monitoring to get a response that is any way decent. The CP is what it's meant to be, a simple stage piano with with a great action and it's light to carry too. I am blessed I was able to sell my Stage 3 as soon as I did after I bought it, what a relief.

[Moongel88]

@ elbinger, there's no need to apologise! This is a Nord forum and having bought and experienced a Nord Stage Piano, in my case the Stage 3, one should be able to give one's opinion, however it does seem there are some who seem to be a bit miffed or get somewhat defensive when one criticises it... The bottom line is it's simply not what it should be when you consider the price tag, as I have said it has a lot going for it bar a decent piano that feels good live.

[baekgaard]

however it does seem there are some who seem to be a bit miffed or get somewhat defensive when one criticises it...

Hm... why is it that you think those of us that disagree with your opinion gets defensive, whereas those that agree with you are just stating an opinion?

Could it be that both groups of people are just voicing their opinion?

There is no need to resort to ad hominem argumentation.

The bottom line is it's simply not what it should be when you consider the price tag

I disagree that the Pianos are disappointing. I simply like the Nord sounds better than Roland or Yamaha sounds. That is my opinion, and last I checked, I was entitled to hold one and even to express it from time to time I've played all 3 brands, and have been playing both Nord and Roland side by side for the last 10 years (at least) and before that Yamaha and Roland next to each other.

Your opinion is that you don't like the Pianos. That is an equally valid opinion to hold and to voice. But it's not a fact or a bottom line; it's just an opinion.

[baekgaard]

... and you need to spend a fortune on monitoring to get a response that is any way decent ...

In-Ear monitors (as an example) are not expensive at all, and can give you a fabulous sound -- also with Nord pianos.

[anotherscott]

CP4 is a great stage piano, but so is the Nord Piano 3. Travel weight is close (less than 2 pound difference). The Nord (typically $3k) does cost noticeably more. Which has the better action or sound is a matter of personal taste. But objectively, the Nord offers far more in the way of different piano sounds, and a more immediate interface to tweak them to taste. Yamaha has three sample sets from various Yamaha grands. Nord offers 11 different sample sets from an assortment of grands from various manufacturers, plus a dozen uprights. (As for comparing to the Nord Stage 3, stage piano to stage piano, the CP4's closest match is the NP3. The more expensive NS3 has a slightly lesser action from a piano perspective, but adds full organ and synth functions which neither the NP3 nor CP4 have.)

[Murphy]

I'm not sure I'm contributing here, but I really want an NP3, but... Currently, I am using a Roland FP30 to control my NS3C and it's working well. This situation fits my circumstance(s) in a practical and useful manner. Many live and low paying gigs don't require anything but this basic but worthy piano, but most of the time I plan to use it to control my Nord Compact. I love Roland's PHA4 outstanding action too. But I also greatly admire the action on the NP3 and believe Nord has created algorithms that get to the essence of a hammer hitting the string better than anyone else. I don't really know that, it's just my opinion/belief and not necessarily fact. To me, Nord also appears to be on the cutting edge of algorithm development in general, and I want an NP3! But Roland, Yamaha, Kurzweil, and Casio (no one ever mentions these guys) have terrific instruments too. Nord is much more than all the tremendous samples they have -- their interface, controls, software and overall package is outstanding. However I probably won't ever get a Nord Piano 3 because I also have a habit of leaving DPs in vehicles and strange places (prone to theft) so I have learned to buy good, but low-cost keyboard/controllers. On traveling gigs, I always pull (as in 100% of the time) in my Nord Compact and Prophet in for the night, as if it's a guitar that's valuable. Separation anxiety perhaps. But I leave anything that is low-cost or heavy on the vehicle, trailer or truck. It just helps me out from a logistical and practical standpoint. This also allows me to take far more gigs and fret less about losing gear.

[FlametopFred]

Programming is everything and the Nord Stage provides great options.

The factory programmed Stage sounds are okay but my programming is better. Simple things like layering two pianos and capitalizing on the dynamics options.

Additionally the EQ and compressor - and the reverb - can all extend the customized piano sound, feel and response.

The last option would be using a dedicated piano action controller via midi. There are always options. And compromise as well.