Nord User Forum

[pdmuench]

Love the sounds and hammer weight keyboard of Piano 4. However, I much prefer a 73 key package. Does the Electro 6 hammer action (73 key) have the same hammer action keybed as Piano 4? Are the patch capabilities between the two models the same? In short, is the Electro 6 hammer action basically the same as Piano 4 (except with 73 keys plus organ module). Paul (Madison, Wisconsin)

[anotherscott]

Does the Electro 6 hammer action (73 key) have the same hammer action keybed as Piano 4? Are the patch capabilities between the two models the same?

No, and no.

[baekgaard]

As @anotherscott says, they are very different. The NE6 HP uses the "Hammer Weighted Portable" action, which is a low weight keyboard -- in order to keep the total weight as low as possible. The NP4 uses a Grand Weighted action, which is a quite different keyboard. The NP4 action is closer to the NS3 action, but is a bit heavier to play (some 20g more, IIRC) and it also is adjusted for a heavier, more piano-like action.

There are some, however, that like the HP keys also for acoustic pianos (including one local jazz cat I've met here on the jazz scene), but I think most that want a more acoustic piano/grand piano like action would opt for the HA keys -- of which the NP4 is the latest and best example.

[cphollis]

My advice?

Suck it up and do the NP4 thing. If you're a native AP player (like I am), the NP4 makes me very happy. Full AP joy.
The NP2 was my main board for a while, but being phased out in my inventory. It doesn't suck. 88 keys with a decent action is a good thing, right?

A bit bigger, a bit heavier -- but, geez, during a gig, I can bring raging game. I'm all good. I've played all the major contenders (Kawai, Yamaha, etc.). Sure, maybe there are nuances they can do better, but in the fog of war none of that matters.

Bringing game matters. Get back to your roots

My new-ish NP4 brings major game -- the action, the layers, etc. And I'm used to schlepping around a Nord 88 board. There are worse things in life.

The Nord bag helps -- well placed handles, etc.

Best of luck!

[baekgaard]

The Nord bag helps -- well placed handles, etc.

Indeed -- it works very well, and is relatively easy to haul around and in and out of a car. When going semi light-weight, I have a Nord 88 (NS3 or NP4, depending on occasion) and my tablet in the Nord bag, and drag it with one hand. I have a backpack with wires and pedals and tablet holder etc on the back, and then the keyboard stand in my other hand. This means I can carry all of it in one go from the car to the venue