Keybed Problems on used NE 3/4 HPs?

[Nitrofunk]

Hi!
I'm currently looking for a used Nord Electro 3 or 4 HP as a Substitute for my NP2. I've read several things about Keybed Problems of the HP-Models. Do all of the HPs suffer from it? What exactly happens with the keys? How much does it cost to fix it?
Thanks!
Peter

[mjbrands]

To what keybed issues are you referring? Do you mean noisy keys?

[Nitrofunk]

Yes.

[Marlowes]

I've had my NE3HP for two years ... there is a mechanical "thud", similar to the one from my P88, but no squeaks or other strange noises ...
... might be very individual?
Nothing I find embarrassing on my Nords.

[mjbrands]

Well, as far as I can tell you certainly see more people complaining about keyboard noise with the HP keyboards, but you also have people complaining about squeaky keys on the semi-weighted Stages and Electros and people who are really bugged by mechanical sounds on the fully weighted hammer action (HA) keyboards. I can understand it bugs people, but I don't think these are actually defects though I would agree they can be very annoying.

I don't think these issues indicate an increased risk of getting keybed defects, but as I understand it the HP keybeds are a bit of a compromise to get a weighted feeling without the weight which may make them more prone to making mechanical noises.

[Unclebyron]

Marlowes and mjbrands have it right. I have a Electro4HP and NP88. They both have a "thud" sound which is just the nature of the Fatar keybeds they use (Although different versions). It's not a defect.

I wouldn't hesitate getting a used HP. The build quality is there. Obviously, be sure the previous owner didn't beat it up.

As you know, the Electros provide the organ sounds that your NP2 does not. You'll love them. The 4HP has the newest organ engine as well as an improved Leslie sim plus more memory. Try to get that if your budget allows.

[pterm]

There is a known "clack" sound if certain keys in an octave move side-to-side at this post: 3hp Keybed Noise -- the attached video in that post demonstrates it well (or click here: NordKeys_noises).

Moving the key side-to-side does not occur in my playing so this presents no issue for me.



Others users report issues with dust or debris getting under the elastomer key-switch contacts. I keep mine under a dust cover and I see no issues so far. I have no complaints about my 3HP keybed.

[fccmt]

There is a known "clack" sound if certain keys in an octave move side-to-side at this post: 3hp Keybed Noise -- the attached video in that post demonstrates it well (or click here: NordKeys_noises).

Moving the key side-to-side does not occur in my playing so this presents no issue for me.



Others users report issues with dust or debris getting under the elastomer key-switch contacts. I keep mine under a dust cover and I see no issues so far. I have no complaints about my 3HP keybed.

not only side to side...check this one out (my latest video). I've sent it back to get it fixed...at the moment I'm waiting for a technical report and ASAP I'll post my thoughts and experiences regarding this matter. It may help somebody...who knows...

[pterm]

fccmt,
My 3HP does this too, just as in your video. I now understand fully why this annoys you. It angers me that the quality of the keybed is so inconsistent.

Let us know if the repair succeeds and if your Clavia warranty covered the cost of the work.
Thanks for your videos!
-pterm

[fccmt]

My E3 HP arrived today from the warranty service with a brand new keybed!
So my advice is to: first contact the clavia support and report the situation the best you can. I've discussed the problem with thommas (clavia support) showed him the videos and we both concluded that this was definitely not normal.

second: contact your dealer. If your keyboard is under warranty, they cannot charge you for the technical services.

I'm still very suspicious about the keybed quality...maybe it will develop the problem again...or maybe not...but one thing is certain, this was a defect!