Nord User Forum

[anotherscott]

Not really looking for a controller, but a stand alone keyboard that I could also use for gigs where only need piano.
Don't need bells and whistles, just piano sound and maybe EP's.

A controller isn't what the OP is after ...

Right, because it will have (what I believe is) a secondary use as a standalone piano, with maybe EPs, though even the EPs are not so important, as he added later. So sure, if he's got the budget and can handle the weight, a Nord Piano would be great! But he's looking for something lightweight, and with its primary use as controller and secondary use as standalone piano, it seems like it might be overkill. (The Electro option at least gets the weight down, but also compromises to 73 keys, and is still kinda pricey for something that will probably spend at leas half its life as a controller.)

[Rusty Mike]

Hello. I am looking for opinions. I have owned and played Electoros for over 12 years, starting with a 2 73 and currently with 4 sw73. I have loved the instruments. My only issue has been trying to play piano sounds. The actual sounds are great, the problem has been the actual keyboard feel of the
sw73. I chose the sw because i play a lot of organ at most gigs. So my need for opinion is very simple......what would you recommend for a 2nd keyboard
to use for piano playing? Not really looking for a controller, but a stand alone keyboard that I could also use for gigs where only need piano.
Don't need bells and whistles, just piano sound and maybe EP's. thank you

I don't see any requirement here regarding weight. The only thing the OP states is piano sounds and a piano action.

ogunter, any range regarding price, size/weight, style of music, new/used?

[anotherscott]

I don't see any requirement here regarding weight.

Check the fifth post in the thread:

"I am basically looking for 2nd keyboard to use for acoustic piano sounds with the feel of 'real' piano, something simple and lightweight that could, as stated, be used for simple straight up piano gigs."

[ogunter]

thank you again for the comments and questions. I really am respecting options, so here is as specific description as I can of what I'm looking for:
1. Very good piano sound and realistic feel ( I know those can be interpreted in many ways)
2. Relatively lightweight. the Electro weight is ideal but 40 lbs. and under would be ok, but lighter the better.
3. $1200.00 or so and under
4. New or used.
5. would be using to play most piano parts while continue using electro 4 for organ, most EPS, samples.
6. Would sometimes use by itself. I have some gigs where i only play piano and the Electro keyboard feel has become a little frustrating.
7. Styles: blues, rock, jazz, country

thank you!

[cphollis]

Nord Piano 2 would be ~$1800 used in the US, so probably not a fit for you. Although I think you'd love it.

The current go-to super lightweight AP board has been the Casio PX-5S. They can be had for ~$800 new by calling around, used should be less than that. Decent keybed feel, decent sounds. Lots of folks use them.

They're just fine for the occasional gig when paired with decent amplification.

[Rusty Mike]

Keeping it in the Nord family, you could possibly search for a used Piano 2HP or Electro 4HP to hit your price point.

Outside of that, the Casio PX-5s (per cphollis), PX360/560 (per anotherscott) are worth a look.
Also, as anotherscott said, the new Kurzweil SP6 is getting a lot of attention for it's capabilities, weight and price point.
I would add the Yamaha P-255 for consideration, as well as Roland's FP50.

I don't really hear much about the Kawai's being used for rock and country, although their actions seems to be favored among many of the folks over in the Piano World forum. Your ears will have to be the judge.

The Kurzweil uses the same Fatar TP100 action as the Nord HP models, but the finger to ear connection on the Kurzweil's are different. You may find the playing experience enjoyable.

[anotherscott]

would be using to play most piano parts while continue using electro 4 for organ, most EPS, samples.

Oh, so you're going to be using the second board's piano sound even when that board is being paired with your Nord? (As opposed to using he second board to trigger a piano sound resident in the Nord.)

The Kurzweil uses the same Fatar TP100 action as the Nord HP models

Actually no, the SP6 uses a different action.

[eibinger]

Keeping it in the Nord family, you could possibly search for a used Piano 2HP or Electro 4HP to hit your price point.

Outside of that, the Casio PX-5s (per cphollis), PX360/560 (per anotherscott) are worth a look.
Also, as anotherscott said, the new Kurzweil SP6 is getting a lot of attention for it's capabilities, weight and price point.
I would add the Yamaha P-255 for consideration, as well as Roland's FP50.

I don't really hear much about the Kawai's being used for rock and country, although their actions seems to be favored among many of the folks over in the Piano World forum. Your ears will have to be the judge.

The Kurzweil uses the same Fatar TP100 action as the Nord HP models, but the finger to ear connection on the Kurzweil's are different. You may find the playing experience enjoyable.

Sorry, Rusty Mike, but the new Kurzweil SP6 does not use a FATAR! They use a Medeli-Keyboard - I sure know!
If you consider to add a second board for piano-sounds, look for a doepfer lmk2/3/4 (TP40GH, very heavy) or for a "spare part keyboard" of the nord5HP (and fit it in a case).

[Rusty Mike]

The Kurzweil uses the same Fatar TP100 action as the Nord HP models

Actually no, the SP6 uses a different action.

My goodness, I'm batting 1000 on this one!

anotherscott is right, the SP6 uses a different action. Since it's new, only a few have provided feedback on it.

I'm going to bow out now.

[cgrafx]

the big challenge is in the weight. Fully weighted keyboards are heavy.

If you can live with the weight, look for something like an Alexis QS8.1 or 8.2. They can be had for under $400, great feel, decent piano sounds (particularly in band context), and you get (synths, organs, strings, horns, drums, portamento, and pitch/mod wheels. The 8.1 has aftertouch, the 8.2 has a lighter/faster key bed.

weight for the 8.2 is listed as 48 lbs