Nord User Forum

[Neilvoce]

I use a 5D and an A1 live, but really need a piano and organ at times. Seems the ideal way forward is to add a hammer action midi keyboard tight under the 5D with only minimal controls on it and then use the 5D piano sounds. Really, i would like a hammer action keyboard that's the same type of length as the Nord, because 88's are a pain in the ass to transport and it would be great if the overall effect looked more like a double manual keyboard than two separates. Firstly, can anyone see any technical issue with this idea, and then has anyone managed anything similar and what keyboard have you used? Thanks for all input.

[harmonizer]

This recent thread discussed using an external MIDI controller with an Electro 5, in a way similar to what you want to do.
nord-electro-forum-f9/a-quick-and-simple-question-t13770.html

As far as getting a hammer action MIDI controller the same length as your Nord, let's assume you have the Electro 5D 73 (not the 61). The Electro has very little extra "non-key" overhang at each end (past where the keys are). Given the need for full-sized keys, you would need to find a weighted MIDI controller that had only 73 keys, and which had as little wasted space at the end as does the Electro 5D. I don't know how many good choices there are out there for weighted 73-key MIDI controllers.

[anotherscott]

For a compact hammer action board to I'd probably look at either a Roland RD-64 or a Korg SV1-73, which also has some of the best EP sounds (which many people prefer to those in the Nords).

[MescaL636]

I can recommend the Korg SV-1 as an accompaniment. And the Rhodes/Wurlys do sound incredible, far more bite than the Nord. However, you're looking at 7-800 quid. I personally dig the RH3 keybed, but I know people have alternative views. There isn't much options in the 73 key hammer action range as stated.

I had to sell my SV-1, and as a cheaper option I was looking at the Korg-Sp250 which you can pick up for ~£150 . Theoretically, it should be possible to modify the keyboard, remove the keys and contacts for the extraneous keys and enclose it within a custom 73 case, just would take a bit of effort. Alternatively I was thinking of dealing with the 88 keys and modifying the top so it can easily hold the NE5 on top, as you don't need access to the speakers/controls.

Alternatively, if you wanted to spend money on something light & rad looking, get this guy to make you a custom 73 key MIDI controller - http://www.keyboardmanufaktur.de , You can get the TP40 in 76 keys (same action as the Nord HA, as opposed to the HP keybed), but I imagine he should be able to & make it 73 keys and make it look like a lower manual.

[Ignatius]

I sold my well-loved SV-1 because I could not deal with playing B3 parts with no draw bars, and also because I got lonely for all 88 keys, especially the lower ones. I like the sound and feel of that dark, throaty Tom Waitsian low Bb and that low A, and occasionally rattle the tinkling bones at the top of the board. So now I drive my NE5 waterfall through a Yamaha P-255.

If you are financially able to support having both the Nord and Korg SV-1, a couple of cautions. The Korg keyboard is nice (the RH3 referred to by Mescal) but quite different from a hammer-action board. Sit down and try it out to see if you like it.

Secondly, its retro styled body - truly a nice piece of functional sculpture - does not support stacking anything, having no flat, horizontal surfaces. You can work around that, but it is another point to consider. Good hunting.

[anotherscott]

The Korg keyboard is nice (the RH3 referred to by Mescal) but quite different from a hammer-action board

RH3 is indeed a hammer action board (I believe the RH stands for Real Hammer). Of course, not all hammer action boards feel the same, by any means.

does not support stacking anything, having no flat, horizontal surfaces.

True, but that's true of most boards. Even if a board is flat, very few have significant horizontal surfaces onto which you can stack anything. If you're lucky, you might have space for an iPad or small module of some sort. But you can't really stack anything on, say, a Nord Electro or Stage, either. They may be flat, but the surfaces are covered with controls/displays that you can't stack anything on.

[Ignatius]

Anotherscott, thanks for the correction on the Hammer Action aspect of the RH - acronyms! I want to speak accurately. I stand by my recommendation to try it out, with which I suspect you would agree.

[Chilitopper]

My vote is for the Roland RD 64. I'm using this setup now and love it. The Roland is just used as a controller but has the nicest weighted action that I've found. It's so nice to have that action along with Nord's fantastic piano samples. 64 keys has been enough for me. I'm playing the Roland with one hand a lot of times and I use the octave switch when high or low piano parts are needed. I've got everything I need and only miss the mod wheel on occasion.