NEW TO NORD

[cgk1964]

I'm finally "graduating" from the Yamaha PSR series of keyboards after about 11 years.

I'm considering the ELECTRO 4 SW73 and the 4 HP.

Pros and cons between the two?

In the piano section, is there a strings patch to layer on the piano voice?

Thanks in advance.

[jimmyjames]

cgk, the Electros are all monotimbral...you cannot layer voices. There are some samples that try to do this but you lose the benefits of the quality pianos in the process. The only significant difference between the SW and the HP is semiweighted waterfall keys (i.e. organ keys) versus weighted keys (i.e. piano keys). I believe the PSR's were all synth weighted so you might feel more comfortable with the SW. If layering voices is important to you, you should look at the Nord Stage or perhaps another brand (depending on your budget). That said, if you can live without layering (I have a second keyboard for that - a Casio PX-5S), the Electro 4 is a fabulous keyboard...I'm very happy with my SW.

[cgk1964]

great feedback... does the Nord stage offer the same B-3 Hammond sounds/effects? The PSR is woefully inadequate in that department. Also - I see that there's a sustain pedal and a "Foot switch"... are both only sold as accessories, or are they sold with the keyboards?

[jimmyjames]

The Stage has everything the Electro has plus a synth section and it is multitimbral. The Electro comes without any pedals....not sure about the Stage.

[cgk1964]

The stage comes with a piano style single sustain pedal. You can optionally purchase a triple pedal and use the single one for rotor control.