Does the Nord Soft Case really offer adequate protection?

[catosim]

Hi
I used the softcase for several years with no issue, until one day...

Sorry to hear that. As I wrote, I use the "Nord SoftCasePiano73"-Bag - what bag did you use here? There are really differences within the models. A "SoftcaseElectroHP" or "SoftCase73" f.e. is quite different and maybe not that reliable. And in the end, my 73Key is more simple to carry than a 88one - there should surely be other rules for...

Softcase 88.
I wouldn’t go so far that I warn people from using the softcase, bur a hardcase gives better protection. Plain and simple.

[fishtaco]

My 2 cents: the case bag is costly, but the quality makes it worth it. It is a very firm, durable bag. (With NORD nicely written on the side so you can get ripped off in the parking lot after your gig ) Of course, it is not as crushproof as a hardshell case, but it will stand up to some degree of weight.

I watched a band with an 88-key Nord break down after the gig, and the Nord went into a hardshell case with built-in dolly wheels. Give the weight of the 88's, that's the direction I'd go if I have the money.

[M_a_c]

... and longing for the money to hire two guys to carry it...

[232323]

Thanks for the input, everybody! Good to know. I was hoping to convince myself that I could get away with a lighter case (the official Nord one), but it seems like a hard case is just the way to go if I really want to protect the instrument. In a perfect world, I’d use both on a “case by case” basis..but hard to justify throwing down that cash on the Nord model!

[pterm]

I’d use both on a “case by case” basis...

[Skylight]

I use a hard shell Gator case for my NS3C - it weighs more than the keyboard, so the package is indeed heavy. However, we can load up the car with guitars and stands on top. Anything can land on it and the keyboard will be fine.

[Daddy Cool]

I use the Gator Pro-Go Ultimate Gig Bag for Slim 88-Note Keyboards (G-PG-88SLIM). This bag fits my nord Stage 4 88 perfectly and also I have used the same bag for my korg Nautilus 73. If buying it new from a distributor its a bit steep in price but still cheaper than a nord bag and it offers much better protection. This is the only soft bag I use and purchased a second one for my Nautilus. I usually gig 1-3 times a week plus rehearsals so these bags are being put through the ringer and could definitely do a quality test. The bag/case has held up extremely well including the zippers and have nothing bad to say about the product. I was fortunate when I bought mine I just so happened to find it on FB market place brand new in the box for a $180