NAMM 2024

[ziozeus]

1.54 firmware v curves are wider than the following updates. So you can consistetly play slow medium high in a wider dynamic range.
New pcb from kawai I mounted to solve once for ever the peak velocity malfunctions I was suffering. It works well. As compared to the original one it produces lower velocities. So it's now harder to reach max velocities values (which was relatively easy before. I'm referring to medium setting). Think of it like a general lowering of something like 10 steps down, more or less... Still possible to reach 127 but definitely harder.
I'm now settled and satisfied with these (1.54 plus new ctb).
I don't know if new ctb may have been stock mounted on the grand on later production units. The new one has blue rubbers. The stock one was a hybrid where the pcb was the kawai latest while the rubbers were the old grey ones.
If you don't have problems I wouldn't reccomend the pcb update for it's not really an improovement, just different.

[M1tsos]

1.54 firmware v curves are wider than the following updates. So you can consistetly play slow medium high in a wider dynamic range.
New pcb from kawai I mounted to solve once for ever the peak velocity malfunctions I was suffering. It works well. As compared to the original one it produces lower velocities. So it's now harder to reach max velocities values (which was relatively easy before. I'm referring to medium setting). Think of it like a general lowering of something like 10 steps down, more or less... Still possible to reach 127 but definitely harder.
I'm now settled and satisfied with these (1.54 plus new ctb).
I don't know if new ctb may have been stock mounted on the grand on later production units. The new one has blue rubbers. The stock one was a hybrid where the pcb was the kawai latest while the rubbers were the old grey ones.
If you don't have problems I wouldn't reccomend the pcb update for it's not really an improovement, just different.

Hmm i see ok thank you very much

[Rusty Mike]

I was thinking/hoping Nord were holding out on announcing an Electro 7 until the show opened, but it seems that was in vain.

As much as I enjoy playing the Piano 5, I'm not happy at all about carrying it about. In fact, I've been taking my Electro 6 (waterfall) out for some rehearsals because it's so much easier to carry. And I realized I didn't miss the piano action at the last rehearsal, which says something about my priorities.

I'm taking another hard look at Yamaha's YC73. It's a few pounds lighter and won't require a heavier wheeled bag. My initial hesitation was that the YC featured only Yamaha piano samples, but since adding a Steinway in the OS1.3 upgrade, it has much more appeal. If a new Electro 7 with the TP110 action were available, I would not be having these thoughts.

[docbop]

Today is day one of the NAMM show and no one has posted about the new Grand 2 and what the new keybed is like. Guess no one from here went to NAMM.

[Mr. Marko]

did anyone check out the Yamaha CK series? 61 and 88 note versions at a very reasonable price point

I am solidly in the Nord camp with 7 of them sitting around me as I type...however, I am always open to a portable unit with built in speakers if it sounds good.

[docbop]

did anyone check out the Yamaha CK series? 61 and 88 note versions at a very reasonable price point

I am solidly in the Nord camp with 7 of them sitting around me as I type...however, I am always open to a portable unit with built in speakers if it sounds good.

That CK 61 sounds interesting in that it's only 12 lbs and with speakers so easy to take anywhere and play or write.

[maxpiano]

I recently got a second-hand a CK88 which I now use at home & rehearsals, both stand-alone, in combination with Virtual Instruments (thanks to its USB Audio) and last but not least as weighted master for my NS3 Compact; so far I can only say good things about it, great Q/P.

PS: what has this to do with NAMM 2024?

[Wolfgang T]

YAMAHA has just released the MONTAGE M Expanded Softsynth Plugin (E.S.P.) – putting MONTAGE M on the computer!

https://yamahasynth.com/learn/montage-m ... montage-m/

(Unfortunately, this VST is currently only available to Yamaha Montage owners)

[Walker31415]

Today is day one of the NAMM show and no one has posted about the new Grand 2 and what the new keybed is like. Guess no one from here went to NAMM.

I went to NAMM!
I played the Nord Grand 2 and, interestingly, the Korg Grandstage as well, which is in a very similar class.
I couldn't tell the difference between both the Grand 2 and the original NG - in my preference, it feels a little bit sluggish, but I could still play my really fast runs with relative ease and control. The 3 XL piano samples in it were the White Grand, Soft Grand, and Royal Grand 3D in that order. I couldn't really hear that well because I sat at the one with the Nord Piano Monitors rather than using headphones, so I can't comment on velocity curves.

As an owner of the Nord Stage 4, features like Dynamic Compression and the Cathedral Reverb are much appreciated.

A BIG change is the new screen - it looks bigger and has more pixels than my Stage 4. Not sure if the glossy comes from the screen protector or it's actually like that under. I wish I had this many characters available on my NS4 patches!

[Walker31415]

I recently got a second-hand a CK88 which I now use at home & rehearsals, both stand-alone, in combination with Virtual Instruments (thanks to its USB Audio) and lastbnot least as weighted master for my NS3 Compact; so far I can only say good things about it, great Q/P.

PS: what has this to do with NAMM 2024?

I saw these keyboards at NAMM! I played awhile on the CK61 and compared it to the YC61, but I played the CK88 at my local Guitar Center and didn't bother to try at NAMM (there were a lot of people!)

The biggest selling point for me with the CK is the battery power, inbuilt speakers, and USB audio. With these features, I could jam with my friends anywhere even when they take their voices and guitars off the grid! I use the Sunday Keys app sometimes for more sounds and it would integrate even better with the CK than with my NS4. Future gear purchase for sure.

The CK88 feels really similar to Yamaha's mid-range "workstation synthesizer" keybeds - the MX88, MOXF, MODX(+), and is more than capable for amateur piano practice.

One thing I miss about the CK61 compared to the YC61 (and Electro 6D) is the waterfall keybed - the YC has such a nice organ-like keybed! However, the CK61 has one of, if not the best, 61 key keybeds I've ever played.

Just think - the CK61 is a competitor to the Electro 6D61 - 3 part multi-timbral, but it can do 3 of any sound, not just one of each engine. It's worse than the Electro in build quality, keybed, NP library, and effects (maybe), but also has all the cool features I like (see above) and is only 37% of the price!