Waterfall addition to NS3 Question

[Swampfox]

I have a NS388 as well as an acoustic piano, both of which I love. Recently, I've been dabbling with more organ type blues and am considering adding a 61 key, waterfall KB. The NS4 is too redundant and too expensive, and probably likewise for a NS3C. The most reasonable choices are Electro 6, which adds the waterfall and mechanical draw bars. Otherwise, it doesn't seem to add anything to a NS3. I could add a Wave 2 which adds the KB and a robust synth but loses the mechanical draw bars. Otherwise, a Hammond HK1-c would likely be the most cost efficient, or possibly an SK Pro. I guess a Yamaha YC61 is also in the mix. None of these options are available for test drive in my area so I have to buy without playing one. Any thoughts from more experienced players?

[maxpiano]

Why not just a master keyboard, maybe not a "pure" waterfall but something like a Novation Impulse? Or getting an old NE2/3 and use it as a waterfall master for NS3 (at the risk you may like their Organ sound better )?

[ericL]

I agree with finding an older NE2+ with 61 keys as your controller for the NS3 organ. If you need the drawbars, you'll have to look at whichever version first offered that (NE4 I think) and go from there.

Or you could spend a little more for the NE6 to have more functions available for gigs where you might consider just using that keyboard. Could be good for rehearsals as well.

[maxpiano]

I agree with finding an older NE2+ with 61 keys as your controller for the NS3 organ. If you need the drawbars, you'll have to look at whichever version first offered that (NE4 I think) and go from there.

Or you could spend a little more for the NE6 to have more functions available for gigs where you might consider just using that keyboard. Could be good for rehearsals as well.

Just a warning, the MIDI CCs may differ across models so for example using a NEx as a master for NS3 may not make it possible to use NE drawbars to control NS3's equivalent. I really meant just using the waterfall keyboard (and pedals) of a NE2/3 as an external master.

[Tasten-Bert]

I‘d look for a second hand NE 4 or 5, if the drawbars are important. If not, it could as well be an NE 3.

Cheers from Germany

[hammondking]

Where I live, people still want money for NE2 for some reason (I sold mine for less 13 years ago, I don't understand it). But I bought a Mojo 61 for similar cost - I don't know why these aren't in more demand. And I think the keybed is great. Not sure about the MIDI implementation, but I think it's somewhat configurable in the mobile editor/app.

[Swampfox]

Where I live, people still want money for NE2 for some reason (I sold mine for less 13 years ago, I don't understand it). But I bought a Mojo 61 for similar cost - I don't know why these aren't in more demand. And I think the keybed is great. Not sure about the MIDI implementation, but I think it's somewhat configurable in the mobile editor/app.

I forgot about the Crumar.

[christianjwagner]

As the sound generation of your NS is pretty good, especially for organs, it would be a waste of those resources if you went with another sound generation solution, as you correctly say. I suggest you see if you can get hold of a Doepfer d3m which is a solid, built like a tank but compact midi controller with waterfall organ keys and exactly the functions you need - without creating redundancies.
You add it to your NS via dual keyboard function and have the best of both worlds: consistent sound from one single source but two complementing keybeds.
Of course, a dedicated Hammond solution is never bad.

[Swampfox]

As the sound generation of your NS is pretty good, especially for organs, it would be a waste of those resources if you went with another sound generation solution, as you correctly say. I suggest you see if you can get hold of a Doepfer d3m which is a solid, built like a tank but compact midi controller with waterfall organ keys and exactly the functions you need - without creating redundancies.
You add it to your NS via dual keyboard function and have the best of both worlds: consistent sound from one single source but two complementing keybeds.
Of course, a dedicated Hammond solution is never bad.

I had to google the Doepfer. They seem to be unavailable worldwide, as far as I can tell. Regardless, I found a slightly used NE6d 61 for a good price. I love the B3 bass mode, I don't know why it's missing on the NS3, they really should add it. I'm OK with the action, although I find it a bit "artificial" compared to a piano, but it's light and fast. I need to learn technique for the waterfall, which was the whole purpose of getting one. I'm not crazy about the shorter keys.

[Keynord]

Hello, just my few cents:
I have found much easier to add full 88-key MIDI "piano" controller to NS3c vs. "organ controller" to NS3-HA88/76. Why? Look at "high trigger point", discussed maybe in other threads.. In the MENU settings of NS (and NE) you will find the "B3 high-trigger point" for internal tonewheel generator. If you would like to control the organ section of NS3-88 from external MIDI keyboard, you will need the right MIDI keyboard controller with this option, which.. doesn't exist (as I know). I recommend using other Nord instrument with this capability (e.g. NE 2), which derives the "Note-ON" MIDI message from Higher trigger point (contact) of keybed (in organ style) vs. the Lower trigger point of keybed (in piano and generic MIDI keyboard controllers' style... )