Nord User Forum

Hi there,

is the keybed of a stag4 comact with waterfall keys a Fatar TP/8O?

The keys feel much stronger compared to a real hammond B-3.
Is it possible to change the springs of the Fatar with lighter ones?

Has anyone ever done this and has experience with which springs (manufacturer and model) can be used? Thanks

Best regards,
Gerhard

This thread might help you get started. I believe a few folks have done something similar.

viewtopic.php?p=134164&hilit=change+springs#p134164

Hi Gerhard,

Uhl Instruments is using smoother springs for their organs which are equipped with the TP/8O keybed, maybe Wolfgang Uhl is open to sell these smooth springs separately, worth to ask him I think

Hi Schorsch, thanks!

I asked him already. He doesn't sell me any springs. The only thing I know, that the Uhl instruments springs are manufactured in Germany.

best regards,
Gerhard

ericL wrote: ↑10 Sep 2024, 22:41 This thread might help you get started. I believe a few folks have done something similar.

viewtopic.php?p=134164&hilit=change+springs#p134164

Thanks!

Here are used the Syntaur KYSP27 springs. They are not available anymore.

gwhs_ wrote: ↑10 Sep 2024, 23:00 Hi Schorsch, thanks!

I asked him already. He doesn't sell me any springs. The only thing I know, that the Uhl instruments springs are manufactured in Germany.

best regards,
Gerhard

Well it was worth to ask but on the other hand I do understand him, since the smooth springs are a differentiator which he seems like to keep on his own

Just be aware that Nord calibrate each keybed to adjust for variation between each key’s spring stiffness. They dont touch the springs physically but adjust the touch curve per key, this is loaded into a chip which is a part of each keybed. So changing springs may have consequences you could not control. Calibration process is briefly shown at the end of this video:

gwhs_ wrote: ↑10 Sep 2024, 22:30 Hi there,

is the keybed of a stag4 comact with waterfall keys a Fatar TP/8O?

The keys feel much stronger compared to a real hammond B-3.
Is it possible to change the springs of the Fatar with lighter ones?

Has anyone ever done this and has experience with which springs (manufacturer and model) can be used? Thanks

Best regards,
Gerhard

I found this amusing. I remember playing a brand-new B3 when I was quite young -- a neighbor had bought one -- and coming away thinking the keybed was unpleasant: stiff, sharp edges, etc.

I guess many decades of playing loosens them up a bit

Valpurgis wrote: ↑11 Sep 2024, 00:47 Just be aware that Nord calibrate each keybed to adjust for variation between each key’s spring stiffness. They dont touch the springs physically but adjust the touch curve per key, this is loaded into a chip which is a part of each keybed. So changing springs may have consequences you could not control

Good point - I thought they do it for the hammer actions only

Schorsch wrote: ↑11 Sep 2024, 14:11

Valpurgis wrote: ↑11 Sep 2024, 00:47 Just be aware that Nord calibrate each keybed to adjust for variation between each key’s spring stiffness. They dont touch the springs physically but adjust the touch curve per key, this is loaded into a chip which is a part of each keybed. So changing springs may have consequences you could not control

Good point - I thought they do it for the hammer actions only

Yes but that calibration is done to compensate for unevenness of keys/sensors, it won't change the mechanical feeling given by how hard/soft the springs are which is the OP point.

Otoh as discussed many times, since Nord Electro/Stage are not just Hammond clones but you are supposed to play also pianos on them, the Nord choice to have a TP8O with harder springs is probably not casual (and anyway they soften a bit after some time of usage ).