Nord User Forum

Hi,

Maybe this question has been asked before, but can you please clarify whether the Nord Stage 4 Compact is better for piano playing compared to Nord Stage 2 Compact?  I.e. is the feel of the keyboard more suitable for piano playing.

Unfortunately I do not have possibility to try it out in practise.

Thank you!

Mechanically is the same Fatar TP8O, of course a brand new one will seem stiffer than a multi-year used one; the presence of the third sensor may help a bit with detection of repeated notes, but in terms of "piano feel" it is still the usual waterfall/springed type of NS2 SW73, so don't you expect any substantial difference (just to be clear)

I just upgraded from a Stage 2 EX Compact to a Stage 4 Compact about a week ago, and I find the Stage 4 to be quieter and has a smoother response. The triple-sensor keybed definitely makes a positive difference in sensitivity, but more than that the options available to tailor the response and sound on the Stage 4 (timbre, keyboard touch and dynamic compression) really allow you to get the response you want and do it on the fly. If you are used to playing a Stage 2 you will definitely like the Stage 4 better, once you get comfortable with the options mentioned above.

Thank you for your responses here! I definitely should try to play one.

Any other having opinions on the keybed of NS4 Compact for piano playing?

sparre wrote: 25 Jun 2025, 11:07 Thank you for your responses here! I definitely should try to play one.

Any other having opinions on the keybed of NS4 Compact for piano playing?

The NS4C keybed is a nice upgrade over the NS2 EX. Love mine.

I, for one, would never recommend playing piano parts on an unweighted keybed like the NS4C for several reasons. Sure, it can be done. but it's certainly not ideal.

I don't know how much may have been changes to the physical action over the years vs. possible improvements in Nord's velocity mapping of the samples to the actions, but to me, even the Nord Stage 3 compact was better for piano playability than the Nord Stage 2 was, crossing my threshold of "I can't enjoy playing piano on this" to "yeah, this is okay." And I like the NS4 even more.

Thank you guys! Really need to try one out...

I agree with cphollis, it’s a compromise to play piano on a semi weighted keybed if you are used to a weighted hammer action. However the triple sensor action helps not missing quick repeats and makes the experience more forgivable. Think many use a hammer action controller under the Compact via the AUX KB function. Note that you then won’t benefit from the triple sensor action if implemented on the controller, the Compact only reacts to dual sensor midi.

Valpurgis wrote: 27 Jun 2025, 17:20 I Think many use a hammer action controller under the Compact via the AUX KB function. Note that you then won’t benefit from the triple sensor action if implemented on the controller, the Compact only reacts to dual sensor midi.

There is no such thing as dual/triple sensor MIDI, note messages are still the same, just the sequence of ON/OFF generation changes when a repetition involving the mid contact happens depending on how each keyboard (having a triple sensor keybed) controller implements it, i.e with or without a Note OFF between mid-contact repetitions.

See also viewtopic.php?t=18954

I am well aware of this, it has been discussed ad nauseam in previous topics. My point was to tell that a triple sensor keyboard (like my MP11) when sending repeated Note On without Note Off will only trigger one key stroke on NS4C, while it will work as intended with Pianoteq. That what I simplified as dual sensor midi vs triple sensor midi, sorry causing confusion/complications. Nord is aware of this and told me that they might look into it many months ago. Its also been discussed here:
https://forum.pianoworld.com/ubbthreads ... mpact.html