Nord Grand Layering vs. Piano

[Station Weather]

I just got a Nord Grand (my first Nord) and I'm wondering - is it possible to set up a split so one side of the split has layered piano + synth and the other side of the split has just piano? When I worked through the user manual I didn't see that was possible.
Also, am I mistaken in thinking there is only one split point?
Also - can you use an expression pedal to fade in and out a sample synth layer?

I'm trying to figure out whether I need to return the Grand and switch to Nord piano to get some stage sound layering abilities, but I really love the Grand and hoping I can use it for what I'm hoping I can...

[maxpiano]

Hi and welcome to NUF, unfortunately you cannot do the partial layering you're asking for on NG (which is possible on NP5 instead).

As stated in NG manual, KBD SPLIT paragraph

The Nord Grand keyboard can be split into two zones. either with the Piano sound to the left and the sample synth sound to the right – when set to PNO/SYNT – or in the reverse configuration with the SYNT/PNO setting.

Assigning Expression Pedal to volume of a section is instead possible (see Pedals/Volume switch on each NG Section)

[Station Weather]

Thanks, that's helpful. Such a bummer you can't do that on such an expensive keyboard!

[maxpiano]

Thanks, that's helpful. Such a bummer you can't do that on such an expensive keyboard!

The fact a keyboard is more or less expensive is meaningless, there are as or more expensive keyboards that have less keys and play 1 note at a time only... but you other aspects play (actual features or "soft" like brand etc.)

Nord Grand is aimed primarily at piano players and it was derived from NP4, reusing its HW architecture with the only addition of Kawai keyboard and new chassis+panel; maybe in the future they will make a NG2 with NP5 engine (not sure at all they will, just a guess) but for now those are the specs and what you get.

I suggest to check carefully also the NP5 specs before deciding to go for it, you may end up finding you actually want more (like a Nord Stage...), it all depends on your needs and target usage. A jazz piano player would be just OK with a Nord Grand, a keyboardist playing in a pop-rock band would not and he/she may find even a Nord Stage not being enough (alone): detailing your needs and checking them against each model (nord or not) specifications is the good practice.