Nord User Forum

Rusty Mike wrote: Another thought is to wait just a few more months to see if Nord will release an Electro 7 with improved TP-110 action. Make your decision in February.

Hmm, I never thought of that! It would be nice to see what the Electro 7 could look like.

GSI Gemini with an Arturia KeyLab 49 MKII could give you something small and light with good quality. I don't like the drawbars/faders being on the right, but the cool thing otherwise is you can map everything exactly where you want it in terms of controls. Plus the Gemini has plenty of other useful sounds in it too, and the modeled instruments like the Rhodes and Wurli have a different vibe than the Nord versions.

I feel like what you need is a good, lightweight, piano action - not necessarily an (expensive) Nord Piano.

The Piano sounds being the same across the Nord range I think you are as well keeping the Electro (I'm assuming it is a 5 or 6?) and controlling the piano end of it from a good controller keyboard. If you are after the enhanced sample handling of the Piano 5 you'll still have the option to upgrade to the 7 when that turns up.

Interesting no-one suggested picking up a Reface YC for the organ component. I'm guessing these aren't worth a look?

Gambold wrote:Interesting no-one suggested picking up a Reface YC for the organ component. I'm guessing these aren't worth a look?

Well, you said that:

Gambold wrote:Any suggestions for a decent, not stupidly-priced B3 board

So I'm not sure when the price is stupidly, but I personally didn't consider the Yamaha YC hence to the price (on your behalf)

Gambold wrote:Interesting no-one suggested picking up a Reface YC for the organ component. I'm guessing these aren't worth a look?

Depends on how picky you are with your organ sounds. I would 100% get an external Leslie sim pedal for it though. EHX Lester K would be a cheap one that sounds nice and because that particular simulation colors the sound a bit more than some others, it's actually a good fit for the ultra clean and clinical Reface. You won't get any real character out of the Reface on its own, it's a sample-based organ like what you'd find in an old Motif or something. But in a gig situation no one will care and you can find used ones for $200-something.

By stupidly I meant too high, like the new Hammond M Solo - currently retailing for $1300. For a whole 49 keys.

Having a Nord Piano with a Reface sitting on top of it could be tempting. You are right, the organ engine won't come near the Electro but in a gig does it matter, especially since we (sadly) don't play music where specialized registrations are required. It's just the old Jon Lord style wailing away, and maybe some gospel registration for the quieter stuff.

Great advice on the EHX pedal!

It’s a great time to buy a NS3!

Probably the best of both worlds:
Piano 5 + iPad with official IK / Hammond B-3X

+ Crumar D9U or D9X for the Hammond stuff, so you don't lose the drawbars (and controls)
https://www.myrigshop.com

Granted, you'll need some sort of Audio Interface, or USB-C to AUX 3.5 adapter, and a powered USB-Hub, but if you put everything together in a compact package it could look great still.

Hello
I think the Roland VR-09 Combo is a good substitute, it sounds good, it is very light (!), costs little. The patches "remember" different Leslie settings, there are some added organ effects like wheel brake.