This 'unofficial' Forum is dedicated to the Clavia Nord Keyboards, including the Nord Stage, Nord Electro and Nord Piano. Discuss any issues around Nord's keyboards, share your favorite patches, samples, and music. We are not affiliated with Clavia!
Hey everyone. I just purchased a Electro 73 to gig with (due to its lighter weight). I have a Yamaha P250 which I use mainly for piano, but it's a tank.
I am thrilled with the organ/EP sounds on the Nord but was horrified when I used the Piano sounds last night with the band. I am running the Nord through a Bose L1 with a sub. I tried to tweak all common EQ settings...
What gives?
Anybody else have/had this issue?
David
Last edited by podmed on 31 Jul 2012, 12:33, edited 2 times in total.
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I've had a Yamaha P200 for a long time and bought the Nord Stage 2 a little over a year ago and the Clavia piano samples were quite a shock for me too at the beginning. The P200 piano sample (probably very similar to the P250) is very different from (all) the Clavia Grand samples. It cuts through very well but sounds very artificial which I didn't mind because I was so used to it. I've been using a Bose L1 too and the first few months with the NS2, I was very disappointed with the piano samples (organ/EP have been great from the beginning). I tried different samples, fiddling with the EQ, but nothing really helped. At the beginning, I was using the Bright Grand because it sounds similar to the P200 (which is quite bright too). To my ears, it sounds too thin in the higher regions though (same goes for Lady D). So I started using the Boesendorfer sample which I've been using since. Today, I'm still not a 100% satisfied with it but I can live it.
Btw: Through headphones (I'm using Sennheiser HD 598), the Boesendorfer has always sounded great!
I think the problem is also that the Clavia piano samples aren't very good when using in a mono environment (imo). A good way to test stereo vs mono is with headphones. Put'em on and hit the mono button (Does the Electro 3 have a mono button too?). You'll see that it'll sound quite bad.
This is just my opinion. There are a lot of people who love the Clavia piano sounds. Btw, what did your band say about the piano sounds? Mine wasn't convinced either at first.
Last edited by perfectsam on 31 Jul 2012, 12:33, edited 4 times in total.
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I'm gigging in several bands (jazz, pop etc.) with my NS2 and the BOSE L1 Mod II with subs in stereo, sometimes also in mono with only one speaker. All the Clavia Grands I tried in the band didn't cut thru enough and seemed to be thin. The Upright pianosounds are much better there, i.e. the Black (Petrof), the Queen (Bösendorfer) or the BlueSwede, all of them in mono too.
Last edited by Boyke on 31 Jul 2012, 12:33, edited 2 times in total.
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Well, "Best" piano is a very subjective thing. I think they put a fairly good balance of piano types on by default, giving you the most popular grands with a good variety of uprights, but everyone's taste differs. Nords have a lot of "trouble" sitting in the mix of a live band context due to the nature of the piano and the typical quality of amplification. I put trouble in quotes because that also depends on how you look at it. Nord is striving for accuracy in the sound of the solo piano, and this is at odds with standing out in a live band mix. I have had much success with the pianos by adjusting the dynamics a little higher, EQing the highs up and the mid/lows down, and favoring some of the brighter and more distinctive piano samples, either the Yamaha grand or some of the uprights. Because of the frequency clash with other instruments (bass, guitars, even vocals) you really have to carve out a spot for it.
Last edited by bdodds on 31 Jul 2012, 12:33, edited 2 times in total.
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Thanks everyone for the responses. I ran the Electro into 2 Mackie Monitors and the Piano sounds were awesome. I had it running into Bose L1's, and it sounded horrible. Looks like I am getting rid of the Bose system, and getting a Keyboard amp. Any suggestions? Need something to hear myself - and not my drummer and horrible guitar player....
Last edited by podmed on 31 Jul 2012, 12:33, edited 2 times in total.
The QSC K-Series is very popular among keyboard players. I use a single K10 with an ART Studio MP tube preamp. It boosts the signal of my Electro 3 and gives it an overall warmer, more natural sound. Plenty loud.
The BlueSwede is my go-to piano sound for working with my big band, and I use the Studio Grand 2 when I need a more "pristine" piano. I've been experimenting with the Bright Grand for some Latin stuff, as the overtone structure is better suited. But the BlueSwede has a full body and great sustain, which blends and cuts among the horns.
Last edited by Rusty Mike on 31 Jul 2012, 12:33, edited 3 times in total.
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Mike from Central NJ, USA
Tools: Ten fingers, two feet, middle-age brain, questionable judgement and taste Current Nords: Piano 5 73, Electro 6D 73
Ownership History: Electro 2, Electro 3-73 SW, Electro 3HP, Electro 4D, Stage 2EX 76HP
I have the same set-up as you - minus the ARt Studio MP tube preamp. I'm really happy with the sound of my Electro 3 through the K10 but have always thought it could do with more of a boost. I'm assuming that the preamp you've got does the job well enough?
I'm looking at links to a music shop here in Sydney and there are a couple of pre-amps which match that description. Are any of these the same as the one you've got?
