potential 1st Nord Electro Purchase

[mojomuddywulf]

HI there, thank you for accepting me. I'm completely new to any Nord products keyboards so very naïve about the range. My partner plays Piano ( at home ) but is now looking for a "first" stage piano ( Rhodes, Hammond sounds too) . A reasonably local Nord Electro 61 ( I think perhaps the original version) is available. notes from add

"This original Nord Electro was released in 2001. It contains emulations of a Hammond B3 as well as samples of a Rhodes Stage 73, a Wurlitzer electric piano, a Hohner Clavinet and an acoustic grand piano. This Model 1 instrument from the early millennium is much sought after by purists, for it's simplicity and functionality. "

Is this likely to be reliable, have a good piano sound, and be a worthy entry to a Nord at a price £550. Perhaps then to sell and go for a 71 key if things work out. Or would it be money down the drain , perhaps better to go for a later model?

Will also need a sustain pedal and I guess readily available. Thank you in advance of any reply.

[Rusty Mike]

Hello and welcome!

The piano library that supports the original Electro and the Electro 2 are arguably inferior to that of later models. Nord's Piano Library v5 is much nicer sounding and has a fairly wide variety of piano samples. The Piano Library v5 sounds can be loaded on the Electro 3 and newer models.

In addition, the first two generations of Electro did not have any built-in effects such as reverb, which go a long way toward achieving a more satisfying sound. Again, the Electro 3 was the first of the line to include effects.

Finally, Nord introduced the "HP" model starting with the Electro 3, which is a hammer action style keybed. This has a much more pianistic feel to it, which may be more comfortable for your partner. The prior models use more organ style actions, which are a bit odd when you've come from a pure piano background.

If possible, I would recommend that you look for at least an Electro 3 HP to start, as I believe it would be a more satisfying experience.

Piano style sustain pedals are widely available from many music outlets for very affordable prices.

[cphollis]

Yes, good advice if you can swing it. Rusty points out Electro 3 as the starting point, I'd also offer another big breakpoint in evolution was the Electro 5. The Nord web site has legacy product information.

The most expensive keyboard is the one you end up not liking.

[Tasten-Bert]

Hi,

I completely agree with the posters of above. Electro 1 and 2 lack the flexibillity of adding up-to-date sounds, whereas 3 and 4 lack memory size for the piano samples of the newest soundfiles. At least the 5 is what I would go for. Second hand around 7 - 900 euro should be findable.

Cheers

Edit: check ebay for realistic price levels