Nord User Forum

[Ecaroh]

Hi guys,

I have both Nord Piano and Stage 2 (76); before Nord Piano I had Roland RD700GX with PHA III ivory feel -keyboard. I agree that Nord touch is not its best part. Keyboard is quite loose and very noisy (mechanical noise). On the other hand it's quite fast; faster than Roland RD700GX for example.

Here's my two comments for those who think about this keyboard:
First, in fact it's quite good compromise for those who use Rhodes or Wurly as much as grand piano sound. In my opinion Nord is much nicer to E-pianos than Roland's PHA-series for example. (It's also better for organs too, even though you should have electro type touch for that of course.)

Second, I had my crisis from changing from PHA to Nord Piano. Especially my left hand was not performing like it did before. (At home I usually play acoustic Kawai). With Nords loose touch I had a feeling that I have no control over my hands like I was used to have. But after some time there was not that feeling anymore. So I can easily imagine that many grand piano players can easily reject Nord for it's "bad" touch. But you should give yourself little more time to adapt your playing to it. From my experience with playing both acoustic Kawai and Nord there's no fear that after playing Nord you won't play well anymore with real grand (or upright) piano touch.

[Siriosys]

JacksonP,

Thankyou so very much for your post. It was particularly helpful to me as I'm right on the cusp of getting a NS2 and am currently playing my RD700SX. I have been quite worrired about what I'm going to do if the piano touch is not good enough and I've tried a number of Nords in the stores and have always come away wondering if I'm going to be able to adjust. It's been really bugging me lately too, so I'm glad you posted when you did!!!.......... NS2 is due to arrive any day now.

[Ecaroh]

My pleasure :)

Anyway touch is of course very much subjective issue. Personally I won't miss my Roland at all. Still my main point is that if you're going to use those e-pianos a lot, you'll probably will love this nord touch. In my opinion it's perfect for Rhodes; this little loose and noisy touch just increases this vintage-feeling ;)

But I also agree with others that this piano "dynamics" choises aren't very useful. You can only make this touch "lighter" and just with 3 steps. You really should have also chance to make it "heavier" and more steps also. In Roland (if I remember correct) there was at least 32 steps from ultra light to ultra heavy touch (medium level was of course in the middle). Now, in the Nord you have this medium level and just few steps to make it lighter... (BTW I use this lighter touch in some e-pianos and in wah-clavinet)

[muckmuck]

I've noticed that on my NSEX the velocity curves offered on it work very well on the onboard waterfall keys but when I midi it to a weighted keyboard the velocity maxes out too soon. This is true of all the weighted keyboards I've tried - even after adjusting the velocity curves on the weighted board and the NSEX. I guess I need to find a weighted board that allows me to make my own velocity curve. VERY frustrating indeed!

[kennycheng93]

Has anyone requested Clavia to add more velocity curve options including heavier ones?
Is there anyway to give them our feedback?
I hope they pay attention to this forum.

[-Toro-]

I've noticed that on my NSEX the velocity curves offered on it work very well on the onboard waterfall keys but when I midi it to a weighted keyboard the velocity maxes out too soon. This is true of all the weighted keyboards I've tried - even after adjusting the velocity curves on the weighted board and the NSEX. I guess I need to find a weighted board that allows me to make my own velocity curve. VERY frustrating indeed!

hi Muckmuck.
this is a common issue when using instruments through MIDI, independent of brands. it has to do with the touch sensitivity of your master keyboard. one cannot expect the same result when playing a synth with a master keyboard as when playing the same synth with the intern keybed. all programming were made with the internal keybed in mind.

using other keybeds affects the sound pretty much, depending on touch sensitivity, weighted/unweighted keys and more.
in your case, i don't think changing the velocity curves on your NSEX wont help. this should be done on your master keyboard (like you've done!). i do understand your frustration, but if you can't satisfy your needs with this weighted keyboard, i guess you'll have to look for another master...

[bdodds]

Interesting. I'm an organ player historically and I've really spent the majority of my time playing Hammonds, and I actually like the Nord action and velocity selections.. I guess it's better suited to us weak-handed organists. :)

[samuele74]

I've received my ns2 thursday and previously i was playing a kaway mp8 mk II. the keyboard action is lighter compared to the kaway. a bit lighter also respect my old yamaha p200. but is really fast and reminds me of my old roland rd500 and fp2 that i loved much.

That said I think a firmware upgrade to obtain a minus velocity curve could be much appreciated because it could improve overall responsiveness and feeling of this wonderful instrument.

[perfectsam]

I'm used to heaver actions too, and I'd really like a minus velocity curve as well! This must be possible via FW-Update. I'd really appreciate it, clavia.

[Cbas]

I'm used to heaver actions too, and I'd really like a minus velocity curve as well! This must be possible via FW-Update. I'd really appreciate it, clavia.

+1 (As I have also said in another thread)