Keyboard action comparison

Everything about Nord keyboards in general; which one to choose, the sound manager, sample editor, and general discussion about the sample and piano libraries.
Normski
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Re: Keyboard action comparison

Post by Normski »

I think it’s great that Clavia give 3 keybed options to choose from. But you really need to play them all to decide if it’s right for you.
I think the HP keybed is a great lightweight option, The clue is in the name hammer Portable. If the OP is looking for a Portable board it’s a great one. I know it’s not for everyone, but for a weekend warrior keyboard player carrying everything they need to gig, it can be the best. And remember the samples organ fx etc are the same. Personally I prefer the electro’s HP as it doesn’t have the aftertouch, which shortens the depth of the keybed. But that’s just me, each to there own.
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Re: Keyboard action comparison

Post by hrestov »

I insist. I have had the nord stage 2exHP and after few months my fingers' joints hurted... It's the only weighted action, in 20years of playing, that have done it to my hands. I sold it and downgrade to nord stage 2 76 HA, and it's far better, another level.
The HP is slow and heavy to play, not fluent, the HA is light and fluent. However, the HA isn't the best piano action, because it's too light (the HP is more pianistic), but it is a good keyboard.
For me, 3000€ for a keyboard with an HP action, is a theft.
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Re: Keyboard action comparison

Post by cleito »

Talking about keybed action,
I have my stage 2 73 for 8 years and like the keybed feel, but I am looking for a midi controller with 61 keys with that similar feeling.
With the less controls possible, I am interested in the keystation 61 mk3 but I can't test it, no big stories near with it.
Can anyone help me with it telling me about the keystation 61 mk3 compared to the waterfall / fatar keys from nord?
Thanks
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Re: Keyboard action comparison

Post by kirsty »

cleito wrote:Talking about keybed action,
I have my stage 2 73 for 8 years and like the keybed feel, but I am looking for a midi controller with 61 keys with that similar feeling.
With the less controls possible, I am interested in the keystation 61 mk3 but I can't test it, no big stories near with it.
Can anyone help me with it telling me about the keystation 61 mk3 compared to the waterfall / fatar keys from nord?
Thanks
Roland RD64 might be an option if you like a weighted keybed like the Stage 2.
I just sold one. It has a fully weighted action, small light and compact.

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Re: Keyboard action comparison

Post by cleito »

kirsty wrote:
Roland RD64 might be an option if you like a weighted keybed like the Stage 2.
I just sold one. It has a fully weighted action, small light and compact.
Cool but the price is 3x.
Also, I prefer a semi weighted keyboard.
But thank you for the suggestion.
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Re: Keyboard action comparison

Post by twofarmers »

I believe both keybeds are made by Fatar, but the HP has less weight and a lot more plastic. Hence the clack noise that most complain about. There is a listing somewhere of the Fatar model numbers used in the keyboards, but I can't find it now. The HA is the heavier metal frame keybed that has a much better feel but can be a pain to haul around. I went with the HP for the lighter weight and less $$. For stage use, I never hear the noisy keybed. But, at home on a quiet system it can be quite distracting.
Last edited by twofarmers on 02 May 2020, 05:23, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Keyboard action comparison

Post by anotherscott »

cleito wrote:I have my stage 2 73 for 8 years and like the keybed feel, but I am looking for a midi controller with 61 keys with that similar feeling.
Although not as heavily sprung, there are other keyboards that use the same Fatar TP8O action. Although discontinued, you might want to keep your eyes open for a Studiologic "VMK161 Organ" which is a soundless controller with an organ action. That action is also used in some other relatively low cost organs like the Hammond XK1C and the (more lightly sprung) Numa Organ 2, but they are still well beyond the price range you'd like to be in.

What will you be playing with this controller? Just organ, or also piano and other instruments?
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Re: Keyboard action comparison

Post by cleito »

anotherscott wrote:
What will you be playing with this controller? Just organ, or also piano and other instruments?

Will use it for piano too when I have to travel somewhere and don't want to bring the nord.
The vmk161 looks cool but I want something clean, no controls, 61 keys, semi weighted.
The midiplus x6, also called amw pro 61 is something similar to the keystation 61 but I'm not sure about the quality of the equipment. But I guess I will have to go with the keystation, I just want to be sure that the keys are not to light.
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Re: Keyboard action comparison

Post by anotherscott »

cleito wrote:Will use it for piano too when I have to travel somewhere and don't want to bring the nord.
What will be your sound source?
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Re: Keyboard action comparison

Post by cleito »

anotherscott wrote:
cleito wrote:Will use it for piano too when I have to travel somewhere and don't want to bring the nord.
What will be your sound source?
Notebook until I get the money for a MacBook lol
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