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Before buying questions of a newbie about Nord Pianos

Postby Bifidus » 14 Mar 2018, 23:11

Hi everyone !

I'm new here and I'm going to probably buy a Nord Piano 2.

I am searching for a keyboard with the most realistic reproduction of some sounds like "strings ensemble", "Epic/cinematic choir ensemble", "Piano" (obviously), Organ or some more specific sounds like irish bagpipe or other traditionnal instruments. I do not need a hundreds of different sounds, but 10 or 15 really good and realistics, and the Nord Piano 2 I tried seems to be exactly what i'm looking for.

I already experienced it (shortly) in store, but a have a few questions left to be sure of my choice.

The question is : Is it possible to upload in the Nord Piano 2 a good "Epic choir ensemble" sound/sample (because the current one is really awful) and a good bagpipe sound/sample ?

Thank you in advance for your answer !

See ya !

PS: I never used this kind of equipment, so sorry if my questions are silly...
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Before buying questions of a newbie about Nord Pianos


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Re: Before buying questions of a newbie about Nord Pianos

Postby themixtape » 15 Mar 2018, 00:15

Yes, the Nord Libraries are extensive. Be sure to listen to clips on the official Nord site, in the Sample Library section. A lot of great, realistic sounds there. And with the NP2, you have I think 256MB to work with, in the sample section. you have 500MB for the piano library, which can hold a couple XL piano variations and a few Mediums... or, go with all Medium-size and you can fit a nice handful (about 5 each, plus all the electric pianos). The NP3 has 1GB available for the piano library section.

Another option to consider is an Electro 5 HP. Weighted keys, 1GB for piano library, 256MB for sample library, and the full organ section (and a nice-looking screen). NP2s usually go for the same priced as a used Electro 5 HP. Smaller board, easier to carry to gigs. Thx!
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Re: Before buying questions of a newbie about Nord Pianos

Postby cphollis » 15 Mar 2018, 12:32

The Nord Piano is all about pianos: acoustic, electric, etc. If you care about great pianos, this is the board for you.

The backing samples are just that -- backing samples. I find the strings, choirs etc. adequate for what I do, but there are better boards if you're looking for something more amazing. Acoustic instrument samples are rather weak, and there is no way to modulate them: pitch bend, aftertouch, etc. so they can sound pretty flat.

As suggested, go audition them on the website. I am not aware of a bagpipe sample.
Last edited by cphollis on 15 Mar 2018, 12:36, edited 1 time in total.
I think I have gear issues ....
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Re: Before buying questions of a newbie about Nord Pianos

Postby kirsty » 15 Mar 2018, 16:50

As per the above comments, the Nord Piano is all about the Piano.

I never felt the sample selection from Nord was as rich sounding as on some other boards even on my Stage 2EX where you have a lot more available adjustments to the sound . As Chuck above said also I find them OK for backing, as in a gentle layer of strings behind the piano and I control this with the FC7 pedal, but I dont find it that great if you turn off the piano section and play just strings alone. It just feels very lazy no matter what you adjust.

Out of all the keyboards Ive played and used I found that Kurzweil and Korg Strings sounded the most amazing especially to play standalone, but IMO the Pianos on the Nord are better.

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Re: Before buying questions of a newbie about Nord Pianos

Postby Mr_-G- » 15 Mar 2018, 23:06

To avoid a potential disappointment, try before you buy!
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Re: Before buying questions of a newbie about Nord Pianos

Postby Quai34 » 16 Mar 2018, 10:09

Yes for Kurzweil and Korg (Since the Kronos serie...) but remember that Roland is famous for strings and pads so, if you miss a very high end strings quality, you could still find old Roland expanders like JV or XV series that sound really well in a live situation, especially if you layer the Nord Strings samples with them...
Ok, if you are a lot in composing movies music with a lot of Orchestral sounds, there is nothing that beats the Korg Kronos with their "Orchestral" extension, as least for the Hardware factor...Cannot say about big software libraries, I've never used any of them....
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