Nord User Forum

I'm Seriously interested in the Stage 3 Compact, but wondering how significant a difference the keyboard will be coming from my NE5.

There have been a number of posts talking about after touch adding a squishy feel to the key bed, will this have a big impact on playability?

I don't know the answer, but I have the E5 and I have several after touch keyboards (one being a DSI REV2), and I don't think it's going to be an issue for me. It's all subjective but the only issue I have is when I'm going from a heavy action on an acoustic piano to a light action keyboard, in the same song. Some people have absolutely no problem with that -- but I do. I wish I could be more helpful, but If you get an early board, you'll be able to sell it for pretty much what you paid for it if you really don't like the action (I would think). Wish I knew the answer to your question though!

Murphy wrote:but If you get an early board, you'll be able to sell it for pretty much what you paid for it if you really don't like the action (I would think).

Or better yet, get it from a place with a good return policy, either locally or online, and the most you're out is the shipping. But yeah, I'm curious about this too. he NE5D-73 felt better to me than the NS2-73 from a piano-playing perspective, so it might be the AT that made the difference, but I'm not sure.

I'm not on the early purchase list. I wanted to wait until the early bugs had been worked out and at least the initial version of the sound manager is shipping, but your point about being able to sell it for a minimal loss is very true.

My setup is currently an Alesis QS8.2 on the bottom and my NE5 on top. I previously had an NE3 and was looking at adding a third keyboard, but opted for the NE5 which gave me better sample capability and way better splits/layers, but I'm still really missing a more capable synth. I'm pretty sure the Stage would provide that missing piece, although I'm still toying with the idea of adding something like a Yamaha MX49/61 to the setup (even with the Stage 3).

I have the NS3 Compact.
Being a pianist I must say that live, you don't suffer at all from missing the 88 weighted or the HP version.
I have played in a full band with it and that of course is very easy, but also used the compact on more serious performances like funeral/wedding, listening audience.

So for me, the perfect choice, using it live, easy to carry, small space on stage and in car...
In the studio, hocked up to a DAW with Yamaha Montage as master keyboard.

With the next OS update, the midi issue (not being able to play midi notes outside the physical key range of the compact) will be solved, and I have a very good tool for live and studio. Playability being really good.

If you use the Montage as a master keyboard in your studio and not the Nord, it tells something about "keyboard feel"...

Bandinabox wrote:With the next OS update, the midi issue (not being able to play midi notes outside the physical key range of the compact) will be solved

That one's back? I reported it when I got my NS2, and they fixed it, I'm surprised they made the same error again.

Mr_-G- wrote:If you use the Montage as a master keyboard in your studio and not the Nord, it tells something about "keyboard feel"...

I don't think anyone expects any Nord SW action to handle piano sounds as well as a hammer action board. The question is one of whether it's "good enough" when a hammer action is unavailable, and as to this thread in particular, whether there is any difference in that regard between the NE5D w/o AT and the NS3 Compact with. Either way, of course, it will be better if you can trigger it from an action better designed for piano in the first place.

Ok, guess I should have been a bit more specific. I'm interested in how big a difference there will be between the non-aftertouch waterfall keys of the NE5 and the stage 3 compact. I have a fully weighted 88 key Alesis for things that should be played on a weighted key bed.

I hate to be that guy that responds to the question "Do you know the difference between ignorance and arrogance?" with "I don't know and I don't care." In this case, I really don't know and I really don't care. While I suspect the bottom of the key travel may be softer, I don't see how that will affect the playability or be detrimental to playing technique. For all the upgrades I'm going to get from changing from my NE5D-73 to a NS3 Compact, this concern is not even on my radar.
I've been playing my NE5D in Dual KB mode with an Arturia Keylab 88 at home, for controlling the Nord piano sounds, and it feels/sounds great to me... I'm still using my PX-5S x NE5D (occaisionaly adding a Juno Di) for most gigs that I used to use the PX-5S x XK3c x Juno Di. I'm looking forward to October/November and changing to a KL88 x NS3 Compact!
While I would love to make the move now... I'll wait until Nord gets the OS/bug fixes out, software updated/comparable with the NS3, units are in-stock everywhere and maybe even shipping with real sample library CDs and a current owner manual.