Nord User Forum

Dipol wrote:The Nord Stage 2 is just seriously outdated by now...

Really?

Ok, maybe that was a bit strong. However, if I was in the market for a new stage synth I would buy a Korg Kronos. That is a shame, because I really like Nord products...

I'll be pretty disappointed if they don't release the Stage 3 alongside this.
Until then, we should compare the teaser video with the electro 5D.

1. Screen: This looks like the same screen to me.

2. Knob below screen: The knob in the video is closer to the screen than the one in the pictures on the website in the "click to enlarge" section on the right. There is a split/transpose button between the screen and the mix knob in these pictures. However, I noticed that in the picture of the 5D in the banner at the top of the page, the knob is closer to the screen and there is no grey button above it. Instead there is a black button below. This means the video could be a electro 5 in a different stage of development. (like the banner pic)

3. Segmented LED displays: On the 5D there's a piano section to the left of the program section, and a synth section to the right. Both have red segmented LED displays. These two displays seem roughly to be in the same place on the 5D and the keyboard in the video. However, on the 5D- the instrument selection indicator (the six small LED triangles) are above the segmented display- while in the video- it appears that the selection indicator is above the display. This makes the video keyboard look different from the 5D pictures, but it's a subtle difference.

4. Green LEDs: There appear to be several green LEDs in the video. The only ones I can see in the 5D picture are the split indicators above the keys. Perhaps this is a good sign?

5. General Layout: The layout of these two keyboards seems VERY similar. Disappointingly so. The LED spacing of the "part lower" and "part upper" sections seem to be the same, and the four "ABCD" program selection button lights seem to be in the video as well. It does look, however, that in the video- these lights are shifted to the right, and there are some extra green lights to the left of them.


Conclusion: These look like different keyboards, but only slightly different. It seems more likely that the video is of an Electro 5 in a different stage of development rather than a completely different keyboard. I say this, while still clinging to the hope of a Stage 3 announcement.

a fender strat isn't 9' long or weight 1000 pounds like a concert piano, keyboards in their acoustical form are impractical for giging, unless you can afford the road crew needed
to transport and setup.

This classic cartoon comes to mind:

http://theoatmeal.com/comics/apple

Like many others here I am hoping that a Stage 3 will also be announced this week to surprise us - I guess in the past Nord have tended to release Electros ahead of Stage models - bringing the developments put into Electros & synths into a "super deluxe" Stage package ... Invariably the Electro gets ahead of the Stage in terms of refinements ... I hope this time the Stage 3 will follow the Electro 5 and pull all of it's improved features and memory into a bigger package ... People who want weighted 76 and 88 note boards won't buy the Electro 5 ... I am confused as I was in the market for a Stage 3 to upgrade from my beloved Compact EX but am starting to think the new Electro 5D 73 might give me what I have been yearning for - new organ - extra memory - ability to dip into the sample library ... But really doesn't that mean Nord have weakened their market - they will have seriously p'd off those who have invested in Electro 4D .... And where is the Leslie overdrive ? .... The Stage EX is lovely to use live - the 3 separate volume controls for the sections allowing simple balancing - the A & B sections for layering up to 6 parts ... electro just gives one volume pot and a balance knob, what's that all about ..... In short I am confused .... Electro 5 is basically a Hammond SK1 look alike - Hammond tried to copy Nord, now Nord have copied Hammond to claw back a few lost customers .... But they have lost the thing that makes a Nord unique in the process ... unless ... Unless - they surprise us all this week and unveil the missing Stage 3 ... I just hope they do.

pcarrilho wrote:doesn't make sense this Electro 5....

Exactly how I think.

I consider this Nord Electro 5 as an evolution to the Nord Electro 4. No Revolution, and no replacement for the Nord Stage 2. I would miss the ability to layer 2 pianos, the morphing functions, the yet simple but effective synth engine, etc...

So for all Nord Electro 3/4 and Nord Stage 2 owners, this Nord Electro 5 is perhaps not interesting. But for Nord Electro Electro 2 owners looking for better organs sounds, samples library compatibility, layering and splitting functions, it's surely a weapon of choice ! Even for Nord Stage Classic owners looking for a lighter keyboard.

pcarrilho wrote:doesn't make sense this Electro 5....

Yes, I definitely agree with you