Nord Grand / NS3C stack -- feedback request

[cphollis]

Anyone tried gigging with a NS3C stacked on top of a Nord Grand? From staring at measurements, looking at pictures, etc. it appears that one would rest nicely on top of another without the need for a two-tier stand, yet have proper spacing, retain easy access to Nord Grand knobs, etc.

If one aligns the NS3C to the far right of the Nord Grand, there appears to be 8 inches available on top for an iPad, small mixer, etc.

Has anyone tried this setup when performing live? I have a stable single-tier stand for the Nord Grand. Yes, the Nord Grand is larger/heavier than my current Nord Piano 4, but I do like improved action and aesthetics. I've got a thin rubber pad to protect the top.

[Yes, I know not a good time to buy either a new Nord Grand or NS3C as new tech is inevitably coming out. But prices for slightly used versions of both are historically low. Besides, I'm putting all my new tech on an iPad.]

Thanks in advance!

[Hlaalu]

As far as aesthetics and functionality go I'm sure they work great together, but it seems that the depth of the upper wooden board of the Grand is not more than 185 mm (7,2"), by a visual extimate. The Stage 3 Compact is 302 mm deep (11,9"), so if you align it so that its keybed is in line with the Grand's panel, you'd have the S3C roughly 117 mm (4,6") exceeding on the back, which is more than 1/3 of the keyboard depth. Not that it's going to fall down easily by itself, but for gigging I don't know, considering the movement on stage and the fact that the cables would be adding even more weight on the back side (and be the easiest thing to be hung onto incidentally). I'm not sure how closer to you you can advance it without compromising accessibility to the Grand's panel either. I'd prefer to have it secured in someway.

[Yes, I know not a good time to buy either a new Nord Grand or NS3C as new tech is inevitably coming out. But prices for slightly used versions of both are historically low. Besides, I'm putting all my new tech on an iPad.]

Don't you already have a NS3 Compact? I may be misremembering though... Because it's true that a new Stage isn't probably far away, but the Grand is pretty new, so if you go for it now without waiting you'd need to pay "only" 3K for the Grand.

[cphollis]

Hi Hiaalu -- I noticed pretty much the same thing. I have a NS3C already, racked over a NP4. This would be me indulging myself with an upgrade to he keybed and general aesthetics. I am more than happy with what my rig does today, with any weak spots dealt with via iPad.

It will certainly be hanging out a few inches, mostly in back. The top of NG would handle any enthusiastic downforce, but maybe not the rebound. Or a cable pull for that matter.

I can experiment a bit prior to purchasing, but I think it's going to have to be secured in some fashion. I may need to give that part a bit more thought.

I have some nice right-angle shiny brass connectors for audio but not pedals yet. I also will build a separate cable harness to fit well with my existing Stay single-tier stand, also coincidentally red as well.

[Mr_-G-]

Maybe design a flat extension that sits on top of the NG upper board, and extends it in depth, adding two metal rods that fit into the two music stand plastic blocks at the back to prevent it sliding backwards? Would that be strong enough? Maybe the overhang is still too large...

[Hlaalu]

Maybe design a flat extension that sits on top of the NG upper board, and extends it in depth, adding two metal rods that fit into the two music stand plastic blocks at the back to prevent it sliding backwards? Would that be strong enough? Maybe the overhang is still too large...

That's an idea! I think you could get away without a proper full extension board but instead just a pair of 90° bented metal rods to be inserted in the music stand holes, and which would work mainly as a "container" to prevent the Stage 3 to wobble backwards and fall down while you play it or operate the panel. More than half of the Stage would still sit ontop of the Grand and I don't think the rods would need to actually "support" its weight from below, if you know what I mean.

[cphollis]

That's a great idea. Find the right size metal rod stock, a cutting tool, something that bends metal, and I think it would work well enough. More of a safety support than a load bearing structure.

EDIT: I wonder if metal rods come in Nord red?

[Hlaalu]

That's a great idea. Find the right size metal rod stock, a cutting tool, something that bends metal, and I think it would work well enough. More of a safety support than a load bearing structure.

I made a custom small stand some time ago to sit ontop of another X stand, it turned out I had to solder some parts, since bending wasn't the most convenient option. As for cutting, I did with a sander (is that how's called in English? - one of these: https://image.made-in-china.com/2f0j00E ... -Tools.jpg). It took me some three hours in total, but definitely doable.

EDIT: I wonder if metal rods come in Nord red?

For my stand I used a spray can I had around for my car. Almost same color, and I had bought the car well before my Stage 3!

[JohnT]

I built a Gibraltar rack for my two keyboards. Instead of the Chrome tubes, I used black tubes. (I'm not that "flashy" and I think they look better with the Nord Red) Complete flexibility, adjustable in all planes left/right, front/back, up/down, angled/flat. I was able to set the keyboards EXACTLY where I wanted them. Mine are set almost as close as a two manual organ. Plenty of real estate under the rack for all my pedals. Very clean and professional looking. It wasn't cheap, but well worth it. The best stand I've ever used. I can never go back to an X, Z or T type stand.

[cphollis]

JohnT, I spent last night researching Gilbraltar stands, based on a thread on Keyboard Corner. They have three offerings it seems: a fully modular pipe and connector offering (which I think most people do), a smaller foldable one with a nice arc to it, and a larger arc'd one that's quite striking and also has room for pedals.

I fancied the big, curved one but realized that certain aspects (e.g bottom keyboard height) weren't adjustable.

JohnT, my only concern with the modular Gilbraltar approach would be setup and knockdown time and complexity. I found a few users who thought it was no big deal. You?

[Mr_-G-]

I built a Gibraltar rack for my two keyboards.

The crowd humbly requests a photo!!