Nord Stage 2 EX Compact/Fatar TP8O issue

[heavy_keys]

Hi everyone,

I just bought an NS 2 EX 73, brand new/factory sealed and...

...The keybed is as I read on the forum - a little bit too springy (not quite a problem). I was somehow aware of Fatar keybed drawbacks (especially hammer-action ones) used by Nord and Kurzweil, leaving me no choice than picking the simplest and smallest/lightest one (semi-weighted/waterfall), hoping for lower noise and less possible problems. I also have an Yamaha CP40 for heavier keys anyway...

There is though some minor issue that bothers me:

- Besides the general physical noise of the keys (springs, resonance of the metal body), there is a key (F5, the second F from middle C to the right) that has a particular and annoying "ticking" when pressed medium-to-hard. I'm using this boards just at home for my personal pleasure and with my headphones on, this is the only noise that I can hear from the keybed. I repeat, it's a physical/mechanical noise (it does not affect the audio output or functionality/velocity of that key). I would describe it as "a sharp tick" when the key is pressed medium/hard and nothing when depressed. It's like some small piece of metal or plastic is hitting another part of metal/plastic etc. I can also press the key softly near the bottom (no noise) and then apply some pressure to get that "tick". I could also describe it as "a piece of plastic cracking" but it couldn't crack every time I press that key, right?

I'd appreciate any thoughts/suggestions from the forum members that experienced similar issues with this keybed in Stage Compact or Electro...

Thanks,

h_k

[Streef]

As you just bought this unit, I suggest you return it and get another one. All keys should sound about the same, and if there is a mechanical klick, it will likely wear /tear and may malfunction in the future.

(but I don't have the 73 waterfall, so others please comment..)

[heavy_keys]

As you just bought this unit, I suggest you return it and get another one. All keys should sound about the same, and if there is a mechanical klick, it will likely wear /tear and may malfunction in the future.

My reseller suggested that the noise will go away in time... It's hard for me to predict, as hard as making a decision to send it back. The online store I bought it from resides in other European country and as this "third-party keybed misfortune" happens for Nord and Kurzweil, it's a great chance to get another imperfect one instead...

When I say "third-party keybed misfortune" I'm not making a general assumption and point my finger on Fatar only. It seems that Nord & Kurz have a more "spartan" approach implementing these in their "steel tanks", made especially for on-stage noisy environment. I have a "contemporary" example to support my theory: Korg Havian 30 - it sports the same Fatar TP100LR also found in HP Nords & Artis/Forte SE and it behaves a lot quieter!

[heavy_keys]

Maybe this thread has some more info for you? nord-stage-forum-f3/ns2-73-compact-eliminating-creaking-t7647.html

[heavy_keys]

Maybe this thread has some more info for you? nord-stage-forum-f3/ns2-73-compact-eliminating-creaking-t7647.html

Thanks man!

I'm not mentally prepared yet for opening my new unit but this manual and other youtube videos on how to open and repair a Nord got me thinking a lot more positive. It's like I'm already there...

As I saw on the internet, many keybeds have some white grease in some mechanical contact points (especially hammer-weighted ones), probably for preventing noise and wearing. What kind of grease should I look for and where?

Another curiosity I have is about the springs which are so hard/strong. I've read something about different versions of Fatar TP8 used in other/older boards that are less springy. Can those be found anywhere and replaced safely?

[heavy_keys]

I finally opened my NS2EX73 and I'm trying to convince myself that the keybed doesn't look too bad...

It's clear that the Fatar quality standard (finish, at least) is way below anything. Poor plastic everywhere and the worse: 50-60% of the right side of the chassis was torn. They probably left an area without that metal bracing/reinforcement so they can "snap" the frame and discard those 3 extra keys (from 76 to 73), but it's raw though. Even the left side has some tearing...

If you look in proper lighting, the keys too seem very much like used, even with minor scratches. Maybe Nord is tweaking something and than cleans/wipes them out...

The weird noise I though it was from the spring, it wasn't, as I removed the spring and the noise was still there. I've moved forward and released the key latch so I may see something beneath the key. As I didn't remove the whole keybed from the case, I wasn't able to remove the key completely but it was enough for me to see something unusual near the rubber contact. I'm talking about a small plastic burr (if it's the correct word) that came out beneath the metal frame, exactly in the hole left for the key bit to press on the rubber contact. As the key was pressed a bit harder, the key bit was pinching the thing (burr) and: "tzing, tzing" - noise! I was able to successfully cut that with a small cutter, without touching the rubber contact and done! The noise was gooone....

So, I've decided to make this compromise and keep it, as the rest of the unit is immaculate...