Nord User Forum

How would you compare the feel of the NP3 action to the VPC1, for those who own both?

I own the VPC1 and a Nord Electro 5D, but not the NP3. However, I have played on one several times. I also own a grand piano and have experience with a number of other acoustic and non-acoustic actions.

My personal view is: The VPC1 (and all of Kawai's wooden actions), as well as a few other actions such as the Yamaha CP4 action are MUCH better than the Fatar action in the Nord Piano from a pianist's perspective. These are all much closer to acoustic actions than the NP action. More substantial, easier to control in a precise and nuanced way.

However, this does not necessarily imply that any individual player will prefer these - especially if you are not used to (and/or aiming to) play acoustic pianos.

Actually I am using my VPC1 as a piano action sitting under the Nord Electro 5D using the Upper Receive mode... best of both worlds!

Hi,
Vpc1 has a sort of wooden key on the black keys if i remember well. So the touch is different on those. Good or not, it's you to decide. Good control and quiet. What will you connect to it ?
NP3, keys feels more plastic, more noisy, but nice at the end. Very dynamic keyboard, you feel connected to it. Kind of organic.
But one is a controler which needs a computer to complete the experience and the other one is a stand alone keyboard simple to putt in place. Depends on the use you will have. The 2 are good.

That's why my next purchase might be a Kawai MP11 SE, I don't want to have to carry a computer....

@De fursaK: The VPC1 has all wooden keys, black and white, with very similar or the same surfaces.

A VPC1 does not need a computer, just a good sound generator - and my NE5 does very well. I prefer it to a laptop for a number of reasons, most having to do with immediacy and reliability. Now where is that Nord Electro (or Piano) sound module? This would be a killer combo, even if a little heavy to carry. But we might place it on top of a Yamaha CP4, for instance, and have a rather portable setup with fantastic sound and excellent action.

I’m moving that way too. Kawai MP11SE is very likely my replacement for the Stage and Piano that preceded it.

Yes, I know that, there is a nice place under the window with a super nice view that just ask for something like the Kawai to fill it in.....

The action may be great - but I listened to some samples online. It wouldn't work for me. I think the Nord samples are vastly superior.

Yes, agreed, but you use it as a controller for your stage 3' you still have nice other sounds that are better than Nord, Strings, Brass etc...If you try the EX, which is the one with a EX sample, it's a great Piano...but only a few compared to Nord Library for sure...

I got my np3 today. 2400 brand new you can get them now. I have to say the action caught me off guard.

It feels like its trying to be a grand but .. having a hard time at it. Nord trying to calibrate a fatar seems like polishing a turd

The actual sound is amazing. Love the sounds, very authentic. But i might have to get a kawai and just control the nord via midi or something, or return the nord and get an mp11se though i dont think the samples are as good.