Pre-purchase question - Keyboard feel and new samples

[rickshapiro]

I've seriously considering the purchase of a Nord Piano and had a chance to play it next to a RD-700NX and a CP5. I really like the Nord but really felt the keyboard was far behind the others in feel and control. I would like to know from others who own the NP whether they feel they have full control over the acoustic piano sounds, can you get from PPP to FFF, easily play repeated notes and trills? Secondly one of the selling points is the ability to get new sample sets, I'm wondering how ofter Nord does actually provide new sounds, is it every few months, years, etc..

Thanks for your help.

Rick

[Cbas]

Hello.
Sorry I can not help you about the Piano feel, since I have never tried one (I use a Stage Compact).

About the new samples. It is really great. I would say Clavia usually release new samples about every 6-8 months. Sometimes only one sample, sometimes several.
This way the Nord keyboards keep up with newer stuff, while you do not need to buy a new keyboard model.
The samples are the best on the market imo. The most authentic.


Maybe someone els can help you with the "Pianofeel" question.

Have fun
Cbas

[-Toro-]

hi Rick.
regarding the keyboard feel it's the same thing as with sounds. a matter of taste.
i have played a lot of weighted keyboards from different brands and they are all different. but none of them feels like playing the real thing. so what we're talking about here is just different compromises. either you like it or not.

if other players on this forum feel they are in control over the acoustic piano sounds, there's no guarantee you will.

if the keyboard action is a very important thing for you and you don't get the right feeling from the NP, then don't buy the keyboard. you will never be happy with it.

still, if you think the NP has the best piano sounds, then buy it anyway and master it from another controller?

[PianoZac]

Hey Rick,

I've talked to you on other piano forums about this keyboard, but I'll answer again here. I found that although the NP88 action isn't as heavy and not graded like the PHA III on the RD-700NX or as heavy as the NW action of the CP5, it's very expressive and the connection between the action and the piano sounds in the NP88 are first class. Doesn't get any better in a DP. The more I play the NP88 the more I enjoy it. I can play very dynamically on it, just as much or even more than on my previous RD-700GXF with RPU-3 pedals. Unfortunately you mentioned you live a good ways from the only NP88 around you, but I would strongly suggest it's worth the drive on a weekend to spend some time with the NP88. It'll grow on you.

[Bandinabox]

Hi,
I own a Yamaha CP1 and a Clavia Nord Stage 2. Of course I compare them. Both are great.

You can listen to them both at my page http://www.solopianodiary.com/Clavia-No ... eview.html
I have found the Nord Piano Samples to be a bit "unbrushed" and less slick and perfect then Yamaha CP1. The quality of the both piano sounds is top notch but you get another feeling when you play the same peace on the other instrument.
The keys is much better on the Yamaha CP1, quality shines through. Nord Stage 2 is more "loose" and easier to hit to hard.
The velocity curve is quick and you get to the "bottom" really quick. After an hour you adapt. Yamaha CP1 is the winner on the keys. Today I wote Nord Piano Samples to be my preference when it comes to playability.