Transpose button on any Nords?

Everything about the Nord Electro series; features, specifications, how to operate, and questions about technical issues.
theGman
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Transpose button on any Nords?

Post by theGman »

With all the features on my E3, why is there not a simple "transpose key" button, like you find on even the cheapest keyboards? My point being that if the cheapo boards have this, it can't be rocket science or $$$ for anyone else to have.
Come to think about it, many of them have complete splitting also.

I love the Electro 3, just wonder what they are thinking over in Sweden. :o
Last edited by theGman on 31 Jul 2012, 12:32, edited 2 times in total.
nathansh
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Re: Transpose button on any Nords?

Post by nathansh »

The reason none of the Nord products have a transpose button is that they're professional instruments built for professional keyboardists. And, professional keyboardists can play in all keys.

The Nord Electro DOES have splitting for Hammond, so you achieve a dual manual situation similar to what you'd have on a real Hammond but on a single manual.
Last edited by nathansh on 31 Jul 2012, 12:32, edited 2 times in total.
Jeff_D_in_MD
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Re: Transpose button on any Nords?

Post by Jeff_D_in_MD »

The Electro 3 does have a transpose feature, but it requires a few button presses. I happened to download a copy of the manual because I'm in the market for the 3HP.

Use the System menu to transpose:
  • Hold Shift and the System button.
  • Select Transpose function with the Up/Down buttons.
  • Change the tuning up/down by half steps by pressing and holding Shift and the Up or Down button.
I think you have to manually undo that to get back to 0 transpose for the next number.

I don't like the transpose feature because I usually forget to switch back and because real pianos and organs don't have one.

That being said, I disagree with the logic that pro board = no transpose. Professionals are more likely to unexpectedly be asked to play a tune in a strange key to match the singer's range, and even the best players may have trouble going down a flatted third on the fly, so why not make it easy from the control panel?
Last edited by Jeff_D_in_MD on 31 Jul 2012, 12:32, edited 2 times in total.
anotherscott
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Re: Transpose button on any Nords?

Post by anotherscott »

Right, most boards (even pro ones, including Nords as explained) have transpose functions, though they are more easily accessible on some (like Roland Jupiter 80).
There is a good discussion about its usefulness at http://forums.musicplayer.com/ubbthread ... ransposing
Last edited by anotherscott on 31 Jul 2012, 12:32, edited 2 times in total.
theGman
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Re: Transpose button on any Nords?

Post by theGman »

Oh, Great Nathan, professional keyboardists can and do use a transpose button. I actually CAN play in all keys! Nord Electro can (as noted) transpose, so don't be too elitist! The question is "why do they not just have a simple transpose button" instead of going through all those steps.
I agree with Jeff that a transposition is not a crutch, but can be very helpful if you play in complicated situations. Many other Electro features are designed to be used easily "on the fly", so why not this one? Maybe next model, eh?
Last edited by theGman on 31 Jul 2012, 12:32, edited 2 times in total.
Cute James
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Re: Transpose button on any Nords?

Post by Cute James »

I used to use Transpose far more frequently on the Electro2 (it didn't require as many button pushes to access/change), however since using my Electro3 I've been consciously trying to avoid transpose. I'm still getting there, and there are tunes where I don't feel confident soloing in some keys, however there are others that I used to transpose but now play in their original key - that feels quite satisfying.

Cheers,
James
x
Last edited by Cute James on 31 Jul 2012, 12:32, edited 3 times in total.
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Compagnone
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Re: Transpose button on any Nords?

Post by Compagnone »

I was very concerned about the lack of a transpose button on the E3 when I first got it especially since I regularly play with with capo'd guitars. With a little practice, it is really pretty easy to do on the fly even in live situations. It takes about 3 seconds max... and about the same time after the song is over to "transpose back", if necessary. To anyone on the fence about this, it's really not that hard to master.
Cheers!
Last edited by Compagnone on 31 Jul 2012, 12:32, edited 2 times in total.
Jeff_D_in_MD
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Re: Transpose button on any Nords?

Post by Jeff_D_in_MD »

I met a guy who was a great player in a rock/blues jam situation -- much better chops than me -- but who could only play in C. He just transposed everything.
Last edited by Jeff_D_in_MD on 31 Jul 2012, 12:32, edited 2 times in total.
pent77
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Re: Transpose button on any Nords?

Post by pent77 »

Just got the nord electro 3... I'm new to the nord world... So, how do I transpose on my keyboard? (Playing a gig where lead loves G#. Yuck!) Any help is much appreciated...
anotherscott
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Re: Transpose button on any Nords?

Post by anotherscott »

pent77 wrote:Just got the nord electro 3... I'm new to the nord world... So, how do I transpose on my keyboard?
You found the thread where it is discussed, but you missed the answer?? Just scroll up to the third post...
Last edited by anotherscott on 23 Aug 2012, 00:53, edited 1 time in total.
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