Nord User Forum

Hi,
I've got a Nord Stage 3 (since October) and a Nord Stage 1 for years now. I really like the sounds and possibilities of the NS3, but sometimes I got some physical problems while I'm playing. Mainly (muscular?) pain in my fingers/hand. I think it's because of the keyboard touch. If I compare it to my NS1 for me the NS1 feels more natural, smoother to play. It's like the NS3 keys gives to much resistance. First I though it was because I bought the NS3 brand new and it needs some time, but I still get the physical issues.
Anyone with the some problems? I don't think I can fix it with changing something inside of the NS3..?

Maybe the Nord Electro or so would be a better option for me (NS3 compact would be to much a 'keyboard' touch I think).

Like to hear your thoughts.

Which NS3 do you have, the 76 HP or the 88 HA?

In my eyes, the NS3-HP76 has the lightest keybed, I think. The Electro-HP should be close. But then, of course, not with the best repetition.

The NS3 compact which I have is rather stiff. The Electro D is practically the same - but without aftertouch. Might be the same problem for your hands. I like that waterfall keybed, even if it's not the best for acoustic pianos.

Which NS3 do you have, the 76 HP or the 88 HA?

I've got the 76HP.

In my eyes, the NS3-HP76 has the lightest keybed, I think. The Electro-HP should be close. But then, of course, not with the best repetition.

The NS3 compact which I have is rather stiff. The Electro D is practically the same - but without aftertouch. Might be the same problem for your hands. I like that waterfall keybed, even if it's not the best for acoustic pianos.

Thanks for the info. I can imagine it feels light with the HP76, but also not very natural in my opinion.

JOGRO91 wrote:

Which NS3 do you have, the 76 HP or the 88 HA?

I've got the 76HP.

The HP76 uses a Fatar TP100 action (as do the hammer action Electros). Your old Stage 1 (76 or 88) used some version of the Fatar TP40 action. So it's not your imagination that the action is entirely different. You could try the NS3 88 (HA) which uses a TP40. If not identical, it should at least be a lot closer to the feel of your original Stage. I think most people agree that the HP is a tougher action to play, but it allowed them to get the weight down to under 28 lbs.

anotherscott wrote:

JOGRO91 wrote:

Which NS3 do you have, the 76 HP or the 88 HA?

I've got the 76HP.

The HP76 uses a Fatar TP100 action (as do the hammer action Electros). Your old Stage 1 (76 or 88) used some version of the Fatar TP40 action. So it's not your imagination that the action is entirely different. You could try the NS3 88 (HA) which uses a TP40. If not identical, it should at least be a lot closer to the feel of your original Stage. I think most people agree that the HP is a tougher action to play, but it allowed them to get the weight down to under 28 lbs.

Thanks a lot. And the Nord Stage 2 HA76 is also TP40?

JOGRO91 wrote:And the Nord Stage 2 HA76 is also TP40?

Yes. That was the last model to use that action in a 76. They switched to the TP100 with the NS2 EX.

I originally bought an NS3 HP76 back in November 2017 and tried it for just over 3 weeks but I ended up with quite severe right shoulder, arm and hand muscle pain (and a little pain in the left hand/arm) each time I'd been playing it for only 20 minutes or so.
Consequently, I returned it for an NS3 Compact as I'd been using several Electro (2, 4 & 5) Compacts for over a decade. Never had a problem since.
Several years previously I had spent a couple of hours playing the NS2 HA76 in a shop without any fatigue whatsoever which was why I hoped the 76-note NS3 would be cool.
But as has been pointed out, the keybeds for the NS2 HA76 (TP40) and NS3 HP76 (TP100) are different; VERY different indeed based on my experience.
I actually play a lot of piano (rock/prog/pop) on the NS3 Compact and unlike some, I find it an excellent controller.
I wiil admit though that I do need to use my old Roland FP-7F to get the required subtlety for solo classical stuff.

When this topic has come up before, the consensus has been "it's not the keybed". Many experienced players point to using proper technique, staying relaxed when playing, etc. You don't mention whether you're playing with a live band or not. If you can't hear yourself, that leads to banging on the keyboard, hand pain, etc.

The other thing you might consider is a hand exerciser. Cured my hand pain in a week for almost no money. The rubber band things in this kit work perfectly:

That may be "the consensus" but I've been playing piano (classically trained) and keyboards for over 50 years (since I was around 7) and the NS3 HP76 was the first and only time EVER that a keyboard caused me to have muscular pain...