(Detachable?) Handle for the Nord stage 3 compact

[thirstyears]

Okay just hear me out. I would like a way to attach a hard case handle to my Nord stage 3 compact. This would make lifting the keyboard itself into or out of a case by myself much much easier.

I am old and my back and knees are not what they once were. As a young engineer at kurzweil in the '80s I hurt my back trying to lift a k250 by myself too many times. Having to grab a keyboard and tuck it under your arm is bad enough. Lowering it into a case sitting on the floor is near impossible. Some sort of handle would make all of that much easier.

Even though the enclosure of the Nord is made of aluminum and steel, I don't think this is a wise idea. Putting it on the front underneath the keys would probably be too much for that thin strip of steel and end up bowing it outwards. Putting it on the back, probably the same thing. Probably void the warranty too.

Another approach would be to have some sort of a strap with two handles that I could wrap around both ends of the keyboard. But that would probably put too much mechanical pressure on the front panel hardware. Perhaps having two individual straps on either end with a wooden rod as a handle would prevent any inward pressure from the straps against the front panel hardware. Still, sounds a little unstable.

Lastly, I could imagine some large 3D printed heavy duty resin material that was shaped as a clip that would go around the back of the keyboard and the front of the keyboard and snap into place. A case or luggage or soft handle could then be attached to the clip and the entire weight of the keyboard would be supported by the handle and the clip.

Anybody ever hear of anything like this? Anybody ever dream of anything like this? I saw the Casio CTS 300 recently, with its integrated handle, and I drooled. What a great little toy to bring to guitar circles and campfires.

Thank you in advance for your perspectives. Please don't be mean.

[thirstyears]

*** moved topic from General Forum to Nord Stage Forum ***

[thirstyears]

Hi,

this is an interesting idea! I have no clue how to do it but maybe others have some ideas and solutions, looking forward to further comments

[anotherscott]

What if you try to adapt not the NS3C, but the case? There are cases with a very low border and a sort of dome to remove as a cover. There are even people who play with the instrument left on the body of the case.

Unless, I can imagine to attach 2 straps to the wooden side cheeks of the instrument. That's the only of your versions I'd consider for myself. Downside: wide span; I don't like to carry the instrument that way, rather lift it in the middle (both hands clearly offset, one in front, one behind).

I have a Casio CT-S1 with the very same handle as your CT-S300 - but even for this piece of plastic, they write that you never should use the "handle" as a handle (even if you can). It's a nice thing from a user's point of view, but obviously not so much from the engineers'. And at least my CT-S1 has only 61 keys, so there's less torsion if you want to lift the instrument by the handle.

By the way, I use a soft case to carry my NS3C and almost never put in on the floor when unpacking: either on top of two chairs or if necessary on top of the stand (1st tier) to grab it and pack it on the 2nd tier of the stand. I don't feel any need to add some device as an aid. This is rather the case with a second, weighted keyboard.

[cphollis]

Maybe have someone help you when lifting the keyboard to the stand?

The Nord supplied case is just about perfect with useful handles. Can't imagine needed a handle on the unit itself.

[ESFlash]

@thirstyears

Here's an easy, sturdy, low cost, DIY low profile solution that won't look terrible and still permit you to use a case. Pluss it'll barely add any weight to your rig.

Get a Nylon Strap about 1 7/8" to 2" wide, which is about the width of an automobile seat belt. Fabric supply store or online. It it were me, I'd go with black.

Next, buy a few fender washers, a few regular size cut washers and six #8 3/4" (19mm) oval head wood screws.

The idea is to run the nylon strap across the back of your board and secure it to each cheek block.

Leave some slack so you can still connect and disconnect cables.

Secure the ends of the strap to each of the left/right cheek blocks using the screws and fender washers.

I suggest 2 to 3 screws/washers on each end; perhaps a triangle arrangement maybe with two standard washers and one fender. You'll have to play with the layout once you have your materials.

Make sure to pre-drill pilot holes for the screws so you don't split the maple. Consider a 7/64" bit for #8's into maple.

With the correct size bit for the screw diameter you choose; you'd be hard pressed to rip that strap out of the cheek blocks once it is secured to the maple.

And should you decide you want to remove the strap, it's a simple matter to refill the holes and put a dab of paint or stain over the fill.

You should also consider singeing the ends of nylon with a cigarette lighter to keep the ends from fraying.

The cool thing is that the weight is somewhat distributed across the board and you can grab the strap while the board remains in its bag and lift. I'm thinking Nord or Gator bag --- however this idea works with a hard case and if it's a black strap it probably won't be that noticeable.

Good luck and perhaps post some pictures if you follow through on this --- interesting project for sure