Choosing Nord Stage 4, help!!

[cphollis]

I know the 88 looks super cool and all, but -- take it from those who've lived with these keyboards for decades -- there are pros and cons to that model. I'd never consider one for what I do.

The sound engines are identical across all the NS4s. So is aftertouch. What you're hearing from forum members here is that certain parts are much easier to play correctly on an unweighted keybed (e.g. organ, synth, etc.). It's also a lot easier to work with aftertouch on unweighted models.

Aftertouch is implemented with a foam sensor strip across the keybed. You press hard, it turns on -- it's a distinct motion. It takes a while to learn to adjust your finger pressure to engage it when you want it, and avoid it when you don't.

That's hard enough to do on an unweighted keybed, it'd be even more difficult on a weighted one, as I'm usually hammering out AP parts and similar. There's also the issue of hand strength -- it takes a while to make your hands strong enough to really rock a weighted keyboard if you haven't grown up playing real acoustic pianos.

Then again, spend enough time with most any keyboard instrument, and you can learn to do all sorts of cool stuff.

[sprazer]

If you have limited transportation, consider the melodica? Seriously,

Hahaha , I actually owe a decent melodica!!!!

like I mentioned , I only play at home and not going to be giggling in a year or two. Even I when I do I will start jamming with a friends at their house so. the stand won't be needed because they have it. I'm planing to get an electro 61D when I'm ready to do so. I'm really now sure about it. I know that knowing if the 88 hammer is able to perform the Clav in the top video would help me make the decision alot!! thanks.

I know the 88 looks super cool and all, but -- take it from those who've lived with these keyboards for decades -- there are pros and cons to that model. I'd never consider one for what I do.

That's hard enough to do on an unweighted keybed, it'd be even more difficult on a weighted one, as I'm usually hammering out AP parts and similar. There's also the issue of hand strength -- it takes a while to make your hands strong enough to really rock a weighted keyboard if you haven't grown up playing real acoustic pianos.

From the bottom of my heart, the compact one looks much cooler!!!!! I love that he control panels fill in across the space!!! and it looks portable. To me the 88 Hammer looks so bulky!!!!

The only thing that keeps me from buy the compact is I came from a piano background, play a few Chopin pieces and all movie and video game scores!! I don't consider myself a classical pianist but when I showed my mentor what I play , he said "you're definitely a classical side"

And I love the idea of having just one board. I mean buying one of the most expensive keyboards and to put in on top stack (not an ideal position to play) will make me regret it?? One thing I know that my finger strength is not a concern, I'm just worried about the playability of the specific style, specifically the percusive clavs ones!!

I'm sorry if I sound like a kid lol. I saved up really bad for this board tho : ( and it's 6k usd from where I live.

[sprazer]

I found this video


This guy plays the clavs effortlessly but he looks like he's very professional. I mean I wonder if a casual player would be able to achieve this? He didn't do the percussive tap on the keys tho. : (

[anotherscott]

Picking up from some other responses... Lots of people are stuck with having to choose between a hammer or non-hammer action, each a compromise because each is better at some things than the other. But you already have and like the ES7, so adding the NS4 Compact is likely the most sensible choice, since you'll be able to use each action for its strengths, whether playing Kawai sounds, Nord sounds, or anything else (e.g. adding sounds from another device/computer, if you so choose). As mentioned, all you have to do to play Nord sounds from your Kawai is run a single MIDI cable.

And then when you do want to travel to jam, you'll already have your light board, instead of having to shell out again for an Electro or whatever, and then not have access to all the cool capabilities of the Stage.

And I love the idea of having just one board. I mean buying one of the most expensive keyboards and to put in on top stack (not an ideal position to play) will make me regret it??

The ES7 has a nicely compact control surface, which doesn't extend far back beyond the keys themselves. Even if you wanted to keep all those controls accessible (which may or may not always be necessary), you could still rest the front of the Nord Compact directly on the Kawai, as long as you come up with a stand arrangement that will support the rear of it. It will be very playable. Remember, even a real Hammond B3 has two keyboards stacked! Alternately, one could arrange the two keyboards in some other way, e.g. at right angles. But I like the stacking approach, which gives you the added benefit of being able to actually play the pair like a 2-manual organ.

[MartinJ2EX]

I have a few questions.

1. I'm starting to get confused now. You guys mentioned about the aftertouch on the compact. Doesn't the 88 model also have it? or it doesn't work as intended as the compact one?

2. Can I still pick the Stage 88 and play those Organ and Clavs on it? Especially the funk clavs I put on the post!! It's crazy!!. I have always been into disco music and this is something I'm so inspired to learn!!!

1. Yes, of course - they all have aftertouch, but I can imagine that the Compact’s aftertouch can be triggered with less force.
There are some issues / bugs with external keyboards in AUX/Extern modes where aftertouch is not received/transmitted etc.
I suppose if you just send MIDI from the controller to the Nord compact on the global channel, there should be no issues

2. I went with the 88 version, with my Stage 2 EX and also with my Stage 4! It’s best of both worlds, I play most of my gigs just with the Stage, without a Controller.
With longer nights and cover sets, I had a 61 key waterfall D3m controller, and later a Numa Organ 2 with its 73 keys very light touch waterfall. For SOME hammond parts or synth parts this can save the day. But for most stuff, I only play my Stage 2/4 88. Also did a Hammond part of a recent song with the 88 - it’s perfectly usable for everything because it’s not as heavy as other piano-focused actions.

[analogika]

I have a few questions.

1. I'm starting to get confused now. You guys mentioned about the aftertouch on the compact. Doesn't the 88 model also have it? or it doesn't work as intended as the compact one?

2. Can I still pick the Stage 88 and play those Organ and Clavs on it? Especially the funk clavs I put on the post!! It's crazy!!. I have always been into disco music and this is something I'm so inspired to learn!!!

The Aftertouch is there on the hammer actions, but the emphasis is on solid key contact, so it feels „separate“ from the actual playing and requires more pressure. On the compacts, it feels much more integrated into the key action — it’s the most organic aftertouch I’ve played in the last 35 years (this is on the Stage 2 and Stage 3 compacts; I assume the 4 is similar).

Organs and Clavs have a super light key action — the Clavs in particular feel almost like you can just puff on the keyboard to play it. I find it weird to use the long-throw, heavy action to play them. It’s possible, though, and I do love the feel of the HP88 for Rhodes and Wurlis…

Since you mention portability: the compact form factor is backpackable. I’ve ridden to rehearsal on a bike with a 73 Nord in the soft bag, as well as been on tour with the Stage 3 Compact in the airplane cabin.

The 88 definitely requires more „lugging“ than carrying.

[sprazer]

Since you mention portability: the compact form factor is backpackable. I’ve ridden to rehearsal on a bike with a 73 Nord in the soft bag, as well as been on tour with the Stage 3 Compact in the airplane cabin.

The 88 definitely requires more „lugging“ than carrying.

Disregard the portability since my skills are very beginner. Not in a couple of years till I can go out to jam. Do you think it's best to just get the 88HA or get the compact with a midi controller weighted to connect to it?

[sprazer]

First of all thanks a tons,Bro. Your post is very assuring. I'm trying to side on the 88HA but also trying to get more opinions here before I make the investment, it's years of saving !!

I had a 61 key waterfall D3m controller, and later a Numa Organ 2 with its 73 keys very light touch waterfall. For SOME hammond parts or synth parts this can save the day. But for most stuff, I only play my Stage 2/4 88

Can you explain abit about the parts you desire the semi-weighted?>

one more question - do you mostly play piano or come from the piano background?

[MartinJ2EX]

I do understand your point, I’ve researched the topic ten years ago before I got my Stage 2 EX - but the main reason I went with the 88 Hammer action then and now, is because I want the full dynamic range the hammer action gives me, even if it means a heavier board to carry.
Also, I love to use splits - I do use all 88 keys regularly.

All opinions aside, you have to compare the actions side by side and decide for yourself!

Actually, I come from an arranger-keyboard background. I didn’t take “piano” lessons but “keyboard” lessons. Playing a real piano was a big adjustment back then, but I knew I wanted a heavier action to improve my piano skills and get rid of my old PSR keyboards - and that’s what I did with my Stage 2 EX. Stage 4 further improved the dynamic range of the keybed.
Summing up,

[cphollis]

I come from a performance piano background, and frequently play a nice acoustic grand at home. My hands are fairly strong as a result.

Better on unweighted: organ, synth, horns, flutes, strings, lead solos, pads, etc, -- the lighter action enables a more convincing technique, and it's easier to engage aftertouch for vibrato effects. Piano parts are a disaster

Better on weighted: acoustic pianos, electric pianos, clav (for me), digital pianos, etc. -- anything with a percussive element. Many of the voices I use on the bottom weighted control have some nice pads behind them (B3 for the win) that I can vary in and out using an expression pedal. Horn lines and synth solos are a disaster.

I hate splits as it's one more thing to pay attention to and potentially get wrong. However, there's lots of real estate on two separate keybeds, so not so bad when I need to do them.

Could I do everything I do now on a single 88? No, not really, not without some substantial re-engineering.

There's also the question of which is easier to schlep -- a single, massive 88 keyboard, or two lighter shorter ones. For me, it's the latter.

Hope this helps.