Stage 3 88 noisy keybed

[NordNerd431]

So I’m on my second Stage 3 88 in the past several months, with both boards having the same issue. Many of the white keys make an audible thud upon release. My second Stage was recently repaired in the US, but the issue remains. Is this a known problem with HA Fatar keybeds? I never had a keybed issue with Rolands, Korgs, or Yamahas like this. If I didn’t love the Nord sounds so much, I would’ve given up on it months ago. Any feedback would be helpful. Thanks.

[baekgaard]

As far as I know, some have reported noisy keys on early generation NP3 keyboards, but (from reading here) it doesn't appear to be a(n) (widespread) issue with the NS3. The keys in all Nord boards are Fatar, but they are not exactly the same -- even the NP HA and NS HA keys are different (sensors, aftertouch, maybe weight).

As for other manufacturers, I've had one Yamaha keyboard where I ended up replacing half the individual keys, one Roland keyboard that has lost some of the weights (so it's somewhat uneven to play but I live with it) and one Roland keyboard that Roland had to replace the entire keybed completely. I've never owned any Korg devices, though

[NordNerd431]

As far as I know, some have reported noisy keys on early generation NP3 keyboards, but (from reading here) it doesn't appear to be a(n) (widespread) issue with the NS3. The keys in all Nord boards are Fatar, but they are not exactly the same -- even the NP HA and NS HA keys are different (sensors, aftertouch, maybe weight).

As for other manufacturers, I've had one Yamaha keyboard where I ended up replacing half the individual keys, one Roland keyboard that has lost some of the weights (so it's somewhat uneven to play but I live with it) and one Roland keyboard that Roland had to replace the entire keybed completely. I've never owned any Korg devices, though

Thanks for your response! I’m still unsure what to do here. Try my luck with a 3rd, or send it back for repair? It just takes over a month to get my keyboard back from repair (from an out of state repair center), and I feel the problem should’ve already been fixed this last time (unless this is the normal behavior of this type of keybed - which is why I posted my question.)

[maxpiano]

A Fatar HA keybed in a full metal case will always be noisier than the same or other in plastic or wooden cases, so it depends on what is your “noise threshold”. Personally I don’t care about the noise the keys make, particularly when playing in a live situation (gig or rehearsal) which is where a stage piano can be used at its best and the PA sound level makes that noise practically irrelevant, imho.

[NordNerd431]

A Fatar HA keybed in a full metal case will always be noisier than the same or other in plastic or wooden cases, so it depends on what is your “noise threshold”. Personally I don’t care about the noise the keys make, particularly when playing in a live situation (gig or rehearsal) which is where a stage piano can be used at its best and the PA sound level makes that noise practically irrelevant, imho.

It’s possible that the metal case may contribute to the noise. But then I would expect each key to be similar regarding noise. This is not the case. A few keys are absolutely quiet. Most have a mild “thwap” upon release. And a few are more pronounced. Seems like a quality control issue, no?

[jdwosh]

Cant speak for the Stage HA keybed. I have one of the early editions of the NP3 with HA keybed- huge problems with thumping and clacking noisy keys. I have sent it out TWICE to authorized Nord repair centers for the retrofit "thicker felt" instillation - each time it returns with some improvement in the noise level. It is only temporary, though, with the noise returning after 4-6 months. I am now about to send it out for "repair" a third time in less than two years. Very upsetting and frustrating for me- I play mostly at home with headphones or studio monitors at low volumes and the sound of the keys is distracting beyond belief. Nord and/or dealers and service people don't seem to want to replace the piano or the keybed, but continue to insist on these "fixes" with repeated felt instillations which seem only to temporize the problem- not fix it. I don't think this noise is normal (or acceptable)- I have two acoustic pianos and a Yamaha clavinova and Roland Triton digital instrument and never have experienced this kind of keyboard noise.

[maxpiano]

A Fatar HA keybed in a full metal case will always be noisier than the same or other in plastic or wooden cases, so it depends on what is your “noise threshold”. Personally I don’t care about the noise the keys make, particularly when playing in a live situation (gig or rehearsal) which is where a stage piano can be used at its best and the PA sound level makes that noise practically irrelevant, imho.

It’s possible that the metal case may contribute to the noise. But then I would expect each key to be similar regarding noise. This is not the case. A few keys are absolutely quiet. Most have a mild “thwap” upon release. And a few are more pronounced. Seems like a quality control issue, no?

Agree, if the problem you experience is relevant and specific to a few keys, so not a generalized one, then it is an issue to be checked. It all depends on how much that “more pronounced” is.

[NordNerd431]

Pablo is working on what the next step will be. I will update when the issue has been resolved.

[aaddixx]

hi guys. Same here. I think the felt under hammers is too thin or too soft and after a while hammers start to knock the chassis. In my stage 3 i can hear it when i put my stage 3 on the stand but in specific position, now i find a way to avoid this knock on release. on the table everything is perfect. Nord service in my country checked my stage 3 on their table and said everything fine, and i should change a stand. I feel like an idiot I think all troubles with piano 3 or some stage 3 is because of flexing of the housing while using on the stand. when i push up the chassis with my hand and then play a bit i can hear mosty every key making this kind of noise. in my opinion only way to fix it is to use thicker felt or use at least 1mm felt under whole keyed. Look at the video. Stand is directly under knocking key.

[IanzKeys]

Hi,

I also think that the Fatar keybed could benefit from thicker felt, but the "dull" thud sounds normal - to me at least. The thing to listen for is when the hammers start to make a clicking or tapping sound.

I still have a Yamaha CP-300, and the hammers in that make more noise than the Stage 3.