NS3 Keyboard Assembly

Everything about the Nord Stage series; features, specifications, how to operate, and questions about technical issues.
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dfresh25
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NS3 Keyboard Assembly

Post by dfresh25 »

Hi,

I bought a whole replacement keyboard assembly for the SW73 a while back. Turns out I don't need it but it was a non-returnable part.

I was wondering about repurposing it into an upper manual for an organ as a MIDI controller. Is this even possible? Would obviously be a giant undertaking and would need to house it in something and find out how to read and transmit to MIDI data via the given connector. Which might be specific to Nord and not possible. Has anyone had any experience in trying something like this? Thanks
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Re: NS3 Keyboard Assembly

Post by maxpiano »

Doepfer provides the MKE electronics which is designed for DYI MIDI projects based on Fatar keyboards, see it here https://doepfer.de/MKE.htm
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Re: NS3 Keyboard Assembly

Post by dfresh25 »

Thanks for the info! Sounds interesting
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Re: NS3 Keyboard Assembly

Post by dfresh25 »

A representative at Doepfer told me that the MKE will only work with Fatar keyboards up to 61 key versions. So unfortunately this idea seems to have hit a dead end.

I will try and sell this assembly on ebay or gut it for parts. Feel free to message me if interested in it. It's a full set of keys, springs, and contact strips. Thanks
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Re: NS3 Keyboard Assembly

Post by wkrbee »

The extra kybd assy goes to a NS3 C73?
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Re: NS3 Keyboard Assembly

Post by Schorsch »

Well, you don't have to add a 73 key midi keyboard to the Nord. If you want to use it as a second manual just for organ you should be fine with 61 keys which is the standard on organs?
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Check this https://chris55.github.io/ns3-program-viewer/ awesome tool to visualize NS2/3 programs and re-create them on the other instrument!

Gear: NS3C, Uhl X4V-1, 2-manual HX3.4 organ made by Tastendoktor, SL88 Studio
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Re: NS3 Keyboard Assembly

Post by maxpiano »

Schorsch wrote: 17 Jan 2025, 10:28 Well, you don't have to add a 73 key midi keyboard to the Nord. If you want to use it as a second manual just for organ you should be fine with 61 keys which is the standard on organs?
Yes but the OP has bought a 73 keys FATAR TP8O spare part and then found he didn't need it, so he wanted to reuse that one as a DYI master keyboard, but Doepfer kit is limited to 61 so he decided it is better to resell it instead (to a Nord owner that needs it or to a spare parts side like Syntaur)
Last edited by maxpiano on 17 Jan 2025, 11:15, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: NS3 Keyboard Assembly

Post by Schorsch »

Ah yes, I did not notice that - thanks Max!

However, it might be worth asking Doepfer if it will work in general with the MKE with just the lowest octave not being scanned - don't know
Regards Schorsch

Check this https://chris55.github.io/ns3-program-viewer/ awesome tool to visualize NS2/3 programs and re-create them on the other instrument!

Gear: NS3C, Uhl X4V-1, 2-manual HX3.4 organ made by Tastendoktor, SL88 Studio
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Re: NS3 Keyboard Assembly

Post by maxpiano »

Schorsch wrote: 17 Jan 2025, 11:10 Ah yes, I did not notice that - thanks Max!

However, it might be worth asking Doepfer if it will work in general with the MKE with just the lowest octave not being scanned - don't know
That's a very valid point, I guess he asked already but why not. Even if probably reselling and getting a ready-made commercial master is easier (if just GSi would release they announced new DK61 waterfall master...) :-)
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Re: NS3 Keyboard Assembly

Post by dfresh25 »

Yes they seemed to specifically say it would not work. Here is my message and reply
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