Nord User Forum

It's been something of a tradition, sort of, for Nord to release a piano sample during December.

I say sort of because as you see from the list below, there was a stretch of time where that didn't happen. SO - it's a coin toss! Fingers crossed that the Grinch has not returned to Stockholm:

Piano Sample Release Date
Soft Grand 12/2023
Pearl Upright 12/2022
Baby Upright 12/2017
Royal 3D Grand 12/2016
Velvet Grand 12/2015
Wurlitzer Amp 12/2013
Italian Grand 12/2012

It looks like we have another tradition of Gambold asking this question every December, and I post a link to my list of release dates for new pianos and major sample packs, which would include the "holiday gifts." (Well, this is only the second year in a row, so maybe not a "tradition" yet. )

The "gift" typically shows up on or around the 21st of the month (but not always).

In lieu of reposting what is substantially the same list, here is a direct link. I don't think the link works correctly unless you are logged in. You can also search within my posts for the name of any one of the APs or EPs to find the thread titled, "Nord Christmas Gift ?"

I'll be happy to update if anyone sees anything I missed.

viewtopic.php?p=158828#p158828

Gambold wrote: ↑05 Dec 2024, 19:18 It's been something of a tradition, sort of, for Nord to release a piano sample during December.

Maybe you are lucky this year, and they release a muffled upright

I received strictly confidential information from a friend in Stockholm that after the Mellow, Soft, Velvet and Felt, the new pianos will be the Dusty Upright and Mouldy Grand!

I want to see and XXXXL version of John Cage's prepared piano so I can play 4'33'' at full blast.

>It looks like we have another tradition of Gambold asking this question every December, and I post a link to my list of release dates for new pianos and major sample packs<

Well, I wouldn't want to disappoint. And I would aver that "major sample packs," whatever those are supposed to be, do not qualify as a gift. While I know some people were left breathless over the Symphobia strings, or ecstatic to receive yet another 18th century repro piano from Chris Maene - those don't swing, baby.

It's gotta be a Grand, an Upright, or an EP. Like many here, I'm hoping that Nord's "wet blanket" phase is finally over and we are finished with the muted, muffled, or just kinda crappy piano samples we've been getting for the past few rounds. Here's to a big, loud, Freddie Mercury Bechstein!

It's gotta be a Grand, an Upright, or an EP. Like many here, I'm hoping that Nord's "wet blanket" phase is finally over and we are finished with the muted, muffled, or just kinda crappy piano samples we've been getting for the past few rounds. Here's to a big, loud, Freddie Mercury Bechstein!

Yes, I also hope that nord realizes that it’s about time to offer a premium piano sample file. As memory sizes have increased I think they could launch a 1 GB Steinway or Boesendorfer with a deep, full body in the first 4 or 5 seconds. A blast!

Cheers from Germany

Would a new clav count?

>Would a new clav count?<

No, although one would always be welcome.

What we need is a major new Grand release. Something to take over as the flagship. The White Grand had held that role for five years and counting. It was yet another reason to not get excited about the Stage 4, which had no new A1 sample.

"Major" means not taking an existing model and turning the treble all the way down so it sounds like you are playing inside a giant marshmallow.

"Major means a new make/model that has not been sampled before, or else a revisit to one of the unmatched classics like the Grand Lady D or the Bosendorfer.

"Major" means anything other than a Yamaha.

Yeah, it's a demanding set of requirements. But Nord can handle it.

Since the samples are made available to older hardware generations, why would that have increased excitement over the Stage 4?

As I recall, there was plenty enough hubbub at the time, anyway.