Nord Piano Samples in XL size

[docbop]

That is correct but ultimately you are limited by the essential quality of the sample. The factory settings are pretty much as good as they get. The software is best when making layers of different samples, esp various synths and effects.

I thought the Korg stuff was modeled not sampled. The nice thing about modeled is so much can be adjusted if you what to take the time to go down that rabbit hole.

[PScooter63]

That is correct but ultimately you are limited by the essential quality of the sample. The factory settings are pretty much as good as they get. The software is best when making layers of different samples, esp various synths and effects.

I thought the Korg stuff was modeled not sampled. The nice thing about modeled is so much can be adjusted if you what to take the time to go down that rabbit hole.

Korg's US website indicates that this is a sampled instrument, not modeled. All the customization seems to relate to mixing the ancillary sounds such as key clicks and so on.

[kirsty]

>What do you think of the SV2 out of interest?<

Hi Kirsty, yes, the SV-2 is great for Rhodes and Wurlis. I see this keyboard as an inexpensive way to have a Fender Rhodes - it even kind of looks like one. It's a lot cheaper and lighter, and it also has other sounds as well, plus a lot of dial-based customization like the Nords do. There is a built-in tube that offers overdrive to the amp sims - I don't use those much so I can't say if it's more a gimmick than anything else. It looks cool. A major plus is the RH3 keybed - the weight and action really help bring out the sounds of the EPs. My Electro is a waterfall keybed so I can't get that same kind of response and bounce.

The downsides are that after the EPs, the rest of the sounds are just so-so, especially compared to what Nord offers. A lot of new players might not notice that, but once you've played a Nord, you are spoiled for life! The acoustic keyboards are adequate - there are quite a few of them but only about 2-3 are worth using. A lot of them sound a little murky to me. I play the "Italian" and the "Rock" ones pretty exclusively - on the Electro most of my time is with either the White or the Bright. The organs are all under-par and can only be customized (sort of) with the software, in a prickly interface that is extensive but cumbersome to use. I just use the Jazz Hammond or whatever it is and the rotor, which requires its own pedal (no double duty for the damper, like on the Electro).

The "samples" like the strings, horns and the rest are somewhat useable but nothing like what Nord offers. Let me know what string samples you liked on the SV-2 - maybe I need to give them another chance! I've never been overwhelmed by Nord's string samples, even though they have like a thousand of them. Most of the time I use an M1 sample that a forum user posted here years ago...it sounds fuller than anything I can find in the Nord sample library.

The SV-2 also has a Clavichord with all the usual options too, but I never play that so I can't comment on it.

Botttom line - this is an excellent stage keyboard for someone who wants to primarily play Rhodes, Wurli, and some acoustic piano. If I wasn't so lazy I would bring it along with my Electro for gigs, and use it for all the EPs and the harder rhythmic songs on acoustic - like I Feel the Earth Move by Carole King. The keybed would help drive those along. But I'm not a spring chicken anymore and I really like the swiss-army features and low-weight portability of the Electro.

While I spend a lot more of my home time on the Nord, I do make an effort to play the SV-2 at least once a week to keep my fingers strong, since waterfall keybeds don't promote good technique, IMHO.

--Eric

Thanks for your insight Eric which is useful.

The appeal to me are the Rhodes primarily although i'm not too unhappy with the Nord EP's either. LIke i said the strings appeared impressive on the SV. I guess i'm just wanting something new to play with lol.

I'm keeping my eyes peeled for a second hand one as new ones seem to have risen from £1200>£1800 range lately, but they don't seem to crop up that often.

Kirsty