Hammer Action query

[LordPurple]

Hi
I'm after some advice/clarification!
There seems to be contradicting information regarding the action of some of Nord's smaller pianos. I have a Nord Piano 2 HP - and would like a replacement 76 or 73 note piano...but don't particularly like the HP feel. Do any of the new models have proper hammer action weighted keys or are they all HP?
Thanks in advance!
Tim

[Spider]

Actually, ALL of the Nord Piano models have a different -and better- action.
The Nord Piano 2 HP was the only variant ever offered with a 73-key, HP action. But it didn't have a follow-up in the subsequent Nord Piano models. So if you buy a NP3, NP4 or Nord Grand, you can trust the action will be much better than the NP2 HP.
The problem is, they are also all 88-key models. So if you need a 73-76 keybed, you have to look at the Electro or Stage models, all of which unfortunately have either semi-weighted or HP actions.

I'm afraid there's no simple solution to your request: even when you look at other brands, the "shorter-than-88-keys-but-good-quality" piano action is definitely elusive. I'd say the only real candidates are the Yamaha P121 and the now-discontinued Roland RD64, both of which have their own shortcomings and limitations which may or may not be deal breakers for you, depending on your needs.

[kirsty]

I am someone who fits into this category of need, often frequenting jam sessions where you throw the equipment up for 3/4 songs on the night... a full 88 key board becomes very cumbersome in that scenario.

I had the Piano 2 HP, the Stage 2EX 76 HP previously. I have the hammer action Stage 3 now.

The HP keys are a compromise action, giving the weighted feel without making the board too heavy and it does a very good job at it. I found it adequate and pleasant but did have issues with a couple of clicky keys as have other members.
The HA action is heavier and more authentic to a real piano.

Nord did do an 76 Key version of the Stage 2 with a full hammer action - the Stage 2 HA76 which may suit you if you could locate one second hand? however to answer your question directly in the current range models it is now a choice between Stage 3 HP76 or the Electro 6 HP (73) for compact weighted boards.

Per above it doesnt leave very many alternatives for shorter boards with fully weighted keys.
Yamaha CP73? - Quite new, not cheap, synthetic sounds
Yamaha P121 - Cheaper, but to me sounds very thin and tinny,
RD64 - I bought one 6 months ago. Keybed is decent and sounds are OK, unique 64 key A-C layout.. but I'm going to sell it soon if you (or anyone else) might be interested. Nothing wrong with it, its just not a Nord

K

[anotherscott]

A used Nord Stage 2 (not EX) has the better non-TP100 action of the 88s. Other boards to look at could be the Kurzweil Forte 7, and Korg SV1 or Grandstage.

[LordPurple]

Thanks so much for all your replies - I will go away and do some further research!!

I love the fact the smaller pianos can fit in the boot with a Bose PA, but am getting frustrated with the action of the Nord Piano 2 HP (including clicky keys). Thought I'd found a solution in the Yamaha CP73...but then discovered it also has a different keybed to the full sized version and has compromised the feel. So frustrating!

Would Nord please make me a fully weighted piano that's compact?! I'll pay!!!!

[danrv]

If sticking with Nord then compact size with hammer action would be the Stage 2 HA76 if you can find a good used one.
I’ve had mine from new and very pleased with it.

[anotherscott]

Yes, when I mentioned looking for a used Stage 2 (not EX) above, I meant that's the way you get the top Nord hammer action in a 76. The newer 76 models have the lesser TP100 action (but the boards are lighter to carry around, that's the tradeoff).

[LordPurple]

That’s a great help - thanks. I just need Nord to open a showroom for me to try them all out together (and remortgage at the same time!).
Cheers

[dhbp-nord]

I know people have differing opinions about Fatar, but I absolutely love my HA88 NP2. Works/feels great for me, but YMMV of course.

D.

[danrv]

HA76 here. Not sure if it’s still available.
https://www.gumtree.com/p/electric-keyb ... 1354366062