Nord User Forum

Hello!

Right now one of my local seller got an interesting deal, some Piano 5 73 keys for 2400 bucks instead of 2800. Usually i would go for the 88 keys version, but the fact that i can get a Piano 5 for 600 euros less than a 88 keys makes me really hesitating.

Ive been practicing piano since more that 15 years now, but im not a "big" music performer, im usually using the piano to compose pieces, play some harmonies and melodies in all kind of genres. Indeed i rarely find mylsef using the last 15 keys on a 88 keys piano, but it can sometimes happen. Im not planning on performing extremly hard and complex pieces

Im wondering if ditching those 15 keys for 600 euros could be worth, but at the same time im affraid, of course, to have buyer regrets later.

Its really hard for me to decide here, i would like to have some external advices.

Thanks you

Hi,

this is quite a common question, and no standard answer can be given to this as it highly relates to what you are playing.

Note that on a 73 key Piano 5 you are missing a couple of keys on both ends, at the very bottom and the very top of the keyboard. If you do not need any of such keys now you will be fine with a 73 key Piano I guess, but from my point of view the main reason for using a 73 key Piano 5 is the better portability of the instrument compared to the 88 key version, since it requires less space and has less weight.

If you have no need to carry it around I would go for the 88 key version to not get limited for future use, even if you think that you are not using the missing keys now.

"Note that on a 73 key Piano 5 you are missing a couple of keys on both ends, at the very bottom and the very top of the keyboard" that is very good to know i was actually wondering about this, thank you.

Yea you are right the safest route would be the 88 keys. But saving 600 bucks honestly wouldnt hurt in my situation.. I will continue to think about that

I'm thinking the same direction as Schorsch and want to add one point:

Depending on what music you play, you may not need the extra keys - as long as you don't want to split the keyboard to play bass in the left hand or things like that. Then you might need every key you can get as the split points on a Nord are not very flexible and let you easily loose an octave in total. But this is more for stage use, not so important in a studio.

In the end, it's up to you to decide.

It depends on what you’re mainly playing: classical pieces or "modern" stuff.

I’m playing both types of music and do need the full 88 keys from time to time. That’s why I chose the 88 model.

Its a big difference in portability!

The Piano 73 fits into the Nord Electro 6HP Soft Bag - But for the 88 you have to use the much bigger and heavier Nord Soft Case 88.
I guess it's a total weight difference:

73 - Instrument + bag = 15,5 + 2,8 = 18,3 kg.
88 - Instrument + case = 18,5 + 7,6 = 26,1 kg.

Go for the 73 if you need portability

sipsip wrote:"Note that on a 73 key Piano 5 you are missing a couple of keys on both ends, at the very bottom and the very top of the keyboard" that is very good to know i was actually wondering about this, thank you.

Just compare the images of the two models on Nord's product page for the Piano 5, and you will see which keys are missing at both ends: https://www.nordkeyboards.com/products/nord-piano-5

If you currently have access to any 88-key keyboard, mask off the keys that the 73 doesn't have, and play it for a while. You'll soon know whether or not you really miss being able to hit those masked off keys.

FZiegler wrote:I'm thinking the same direction as Schorsch and want to add one point:

Depending on what music you play, you may not need the extra keys - as long as you don't want to split the keyboard to play bass in the left hand or things like that. Then you might need every key you can get as the split points on a Nord are not very flexible and let you easily loose an octave in total. But this is more for stage use, not so important in a studio.

In the end, it's up to you to decide.

I didnt think about the split option you are right!! Im totally planning to use split function a lot. I guess i really should go for the 88 then..

Nordlicht wrote:It depends on what you’re mainly playing: classical pieces or "modern" stuff.

I’m playing both types of music and do need the full 88 keys from time to time. That’s why I chose the 88 model.

im playing lots of different stuff but im not "locked" into classical and not planning on playing extra-complex stuff

NoDirection wrote:Its a big difference in portability!

The Piano 73 fits into the Nord Electro 6HP Soft Bag - But for the 88 you have to use the much bigger and heavier Nord Soft Case 88.
I guess it's a total weight difference:

73 - Instrument + bag = 15,5 + 2,8 = 18,3 kg.
88 - Instrument + case = 18,5 + 7,6 = 26,1 kg.

Go for the 73 if you need portability

oooof! now you are making me reconsidering if i should go for the 73 or 88 honestly. This is for studio and stage use, so yea if i can something lighter i would preferably go for it.. Really hard choice here..

anotherscott wrote:If you currently have access to any 88-key keyboard, mask off the keys that the 73 doesn't have, and play it for a while. You'll soon know whether or not you really miss being able to hit those masked off keys.

Yes im doing that on my ES110 since yesterday. I think i would be ok with it for minimum 90% of the stuff i play.