Nord User Forum

[maxpiano]

Quai, if budget and weight weren't an issue, that be a sweet combo! For me, I'm looking for light weight and easiest setup.

Back to my two board configuration. The only issue in "Dual KB" mode would be if I needed a synth+synth layer on the top tier (NS3 Compact). Assuming the Song List is similar to the NE5 Set List, I'll have five quick access program buttons available for when I need to switch between strings, horns, synth within a single song.

As anotherscott said or, as long as you stay in the limits of NS scetions and if you have a good master on which you can program (and recall from NS) different zones/MIDI setups, you may also not use the Dual KBbut rather assign dedicated MIDI Ch to individual Sections or Slots and "drive" them from the master on a per-program basis.

In your example, you may activate both slots on the NS3 and then assign a dedicated Midi CH (say 5) to the Piano A section, put it in "MIDI only" mode and have the Ext that recalls a Program of the master (PX5 or other) with a zone transmitting on CH5.

[Bachus]

Nord stage on top of the Roland RD2000, gives you the best possible keyfeel in a stage piano (roland), also allows you to comtroll mainstage... while stilling having the superb direct access of the Nord on the top position....

Another great option for the lower keyboard would be kronos or Montage..

.. for my playstyle, there would just not be enough sounds in the stage to support 88+76 keys...

[anotherscott]

Some other possibilities if light travel weight is a priority:

If you like the feel of the Casio PX5s but don't care at all about its sounds or other controller features, you can get the same action for less money in the PX350.

If the Casio actions is not for you, you could also look at the Kawai ES110, or its predecessor (different action), ES100.

There are some boards that use the TP100 action, similar to what's in Nord's HP keyboards. I think most people would rank it below the others I mentioned, but if you happen to like it, it's in the Numa Stage, Studiologic Acuna, Studiologic SL88 Studio.

If you want to go super light, you could possibly even consider the Numa Compact, which is not hammer action, it's an 88-key SW board, but I think it still feels better for piano than the SW action in the Nord.

[Al_DeKlein]

I connected the PX5S to my NE5D and was fine with the feel playing the Nord piano, clavinet and Harpsichord sounds with it... I do kind of live in fear of opening it up at gig to find a "popped key" (a common Casio problem).
Next up, I'll try the Arturia Keylab 88 I use for home, studio and PC use. The Keylab supposedly has a Fatar TP100/LR keyed in it and the midi learn software is really great for setting up controller assignments. Unfortunately I'm heading out of town for a couple of days and won't get to try it out until later this week.

[wjones]

I just picked up an SL88 Grand on eBay and really like the action of the TP40Wood better than the TP40 I have in my Doepfer LMK2+. The velocity curve felt pretty good with the Nord. Also, I learned that I can pull of the SL88's joysticks and center knob (and put them back on). This will allow me to set my Nord directly on top of it and have the manuals super close together. It's about 45 lbs, which is heavy in a case, but I have wheels.

Unfortunately, the seller did a terrible job of packaging the SL88, and it fell out of the box a few times in transit. I'll be sending this one back as it has banged up ends and a few stuck keys up top.

[Al_DeKlein]

Sorry to hear about your SL88 Jonesy.

I did get some time this weekend to drive my NE5D piano sounds with my Arturia Keylab 88 -- while the action on the KL88 is heavier and not as deep as the PX5S, I definitely preferred the KL88. Not sure if it's the graded action of the Fatar TP100/LR, but I felt more in touch with and control of the Nord piano sounds with the Arturia. Those looking for a 88-key controller should definitely consider the Keylab 88...now I just have to wait for the NS3 manual to get posted!

Anyone know how soon before release Nord posts the user manual for new products?

[wjones]

I've now sold the Doepfer, processed the SL88's return, and ordered another SL88. Whew...

I too eagerly await the NS3 manual. Does that make us nerds?

[KyleM]

I think a happy median for Roland 2000 (which costs $2500 and weighs around 50 pounds, is the Roland Juno DS88. Its 999. The action is fantastic when you adjust the velocity curve to "Light". But I love it and it's a decent standalone board.

[anotherscott]

The DS88 is a nice board, but at 35.75 lbs it's also heavier than most of the other boards mentioned. Another possibility could be the new Yamaha MX88 at 30.6 lbs. I think the Casio and Kawais mentioned probably have better actions, but if you also want a source of high quality rompler sounds, I think the Yamaha is probably the strongest of the bunch in that dep't.