Nord User Forum

Hi all. I have a NS3C and a Korg SP-250. I am not happy with the way the SP-250 controls the piano sounds on the NS3C - no matter how hard I hit the keys I can’t seem to get the full range of sound from the Nord piano options. I assume its due to the old HA tech in the Korg that doesn’t have the same range or number of outputs when you press the keys??

So I am looking for a better solution at around $1200 or less. There a lot of options out there for HA 88 key keyboards with a MIDI output and I am wondering if they will all work better than the old Korg that I have. What I am looking for is a digital piano with MIDI so I can use this unit for band practices and gigs and have it in my home for my kid to practice on as well.

Is there anything on this list (only those with MIDI of course...) that I should shy away from: https://digitalpianojudge.com/best-digi ... s-reviews/

Any recommendations?

Thank you in advance everyone.

There’s already an interesting topic for the Nord Electro, which has basically the same action without aftertouch
nord-electro-forum-f9/how-many-of-you-connect-a-weighted-key-controller-t20787.html

I’d like to repeat something that has already been said in other posts...
If you like and are used to your action, you can also get a MIDI velocity scaler
The semi-weighted versions are of course optimized for this action, so the feel might be different with a hammer action keyboard.
That’s why some folks have been suggesting that an option for external MIDI scaling in the Nord would be nice.
For example: the internal waterfall keybed will behave as expected, but the velocity scale for a hammer action MIDI controller would be nice.

Regarding your list of hammer action keyboards:
I’d be careful, some of these “budget” hammer action pianos can have a decent keybed, but might lack a MIDI port

There are some really nice MIDI hammer action pianos out there, if you don’t need an internal sound engine:
Studiologic SL88 Studio (“regular” graded FATAR action)
Studiologic SL88 Grand (wooden graded FATAR action, double the price of the Studio)
Arturia Keylab 88 mk2

With internal sounds I think these are really great:
a used Nord Piano 3/4
Roland RD-88 (ivory feel keys)

Yes, if you like your Korg, you can adapt its velocity with a device (like the one at http://midisolutions.com/prodvel.htm ) or via software if you have a computer nearby. I'd only get a new keyboard if you are looking for a different feel, other sounds/features, or lighter travel weight.

First try to adapt the velocitycurve with a app. There are some on the market for free, some DAWs can make this too. I have an doepfer lmk2+ and had the same problems. I fix it with the midisolution tool. But first test it via pc and App. Edit: I use the App Velocity Curve.exe for Win

I use the MIDIsolutions Velocity Converter, too. The translation table between my Yamaha CP33 and the Nord Stage looks somewhat like that:


Which means: The Yamaha was too brisk and the velocity in the middle range had to be lowered, whereas starting point and maximum were OK. If it's different for you, you can set up your own curve - might work with software, too.

anotherscott wrote:Yes, if you like your Korg, you can adapt its velocity with a device (like the one at http://midisolutions.com/prodvel.htm ) or via software if you have a computer nearby. I'd only get a new keyboard if you are looking for a different feel, other sounds/features, or lighter travel weight.

OK that's super cool. I am fine with the Korg. I mostly use it as a controller with a piano feel during practice sessions - when we used to have them I plan to use it live as well. I don't want to have to fuss with a computer so this loos like a good solution. Thank you!

taxman wrote:First try to adapt the velocitycurve with a app. There are some on the market for free, some DAWs can make this too. I have an doepfer lmk2+ and had the same problems. I fix it with the midisolution tool. But first test it via pc and App. Edit: I use the App Velocity Curve.exe for Win

AAAhh.. OK. I can 'test' the tool before I buy it. Thank you. I will have to figure out how to link the Korg to my Mac.

The Korg is not my favourite feeling keyed but its a step up from the NS3C in terms of piano key feel. I have a Privia at home as well which I prefer but no MIDI on that guy.

Thanks again.

Jasonpank wrote:

taxman wrote:First try to adapt the velocitycurve with a app. There are some on the market for free, some DAWs can make this too. I have an doepfer lmk2+ and had the same problems. I fix it with the midisolution tool. But first test it via pc and App. Edit: I use the App Velocity Curve.exe for Win

AAAhh.. OK. I can 'test' the tool before I buy it. Thank you. I will have to figure out how to link the Korg to my Mac.

The Korg is not my favourite feeling keyed but its a step up from the NS3C in terms of piano key feel. I have a Privia at home as well which I prefer but no MIDI on that guy.

Thanks again.

You can also test the Privia by connecting it and NS3C to a computer via USB MIDI then using a MIDI Routing app (MidiOX on Windows, Patchbay on Mac) to send MIDI data from the Prova to the NS3. Then, if you like it, you can buy a "USB MIDI Host" (just Google those 3 words) to use it also without a computer.

Roland/Rhodes MK80 just about right to rest a Stage3 Compact on.Beast at 80 pounds and designed to ride a partner keyboard on.Had one for twenty years and miss it at times.
Then I got an HA88 too.The smaller MK60 will still host a second board.They have controller functions too!Bigger menu than an RD300 by far and accepts 'riders'!
Rhodes ain't that bad as is on that model.Acoustic pianos used back in the 'Baldry' band days thirty years ago were alright at the time with some Korg M1 piano mixed in.....

MartinJ2EX wrote:Regarding your list of hammer action keyboards:
I’d be careful, some of these “budget” hammer action pianos can have a decent keybed, but might lack a MIDI port

There are some really nice MIDI hammer action pianos out there, if you don’t need an internal sound engine:
Studiologic SL88 Studio (“regular” graded FATAR action)
Studiologic SL88 Grand (wooden graded FATAR action, double the price of the Studio)
Arturia Keylab 88 mk2

I purchased a used M-Audio Hammer88. I like the feel and I have it hooked up to my NS3C with a velocity controller which seems to provide the correct velocity curve. However, playing a note at any velocity on my NS3C has more of the higher pitched portion of the sound. The Nord sound is full. The Hammer88 sounds muffled - the highs are not present at any velocity.

Is this noticed universally? Is there a cure?

Thank you in advance.