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I have no loyalty to a DP just because I happen to have it. I've criticized my past DP's heavily, including this one.

BUT -- after playing with the Faz sample, I'm wowed. I don't think there's another board that would do it for me.

And listening to Youtubes, etc. doesn't help. I listened the original recordings of the Faz including Youtube samples and had a negative opinion until I played it. I didn't realize how good it felt for a player and how tweakable the sound is.

Is this the only sample where there's 100% agreement by everyone as the favorite? I don't recall any other sample being voted unanimously at the top of the pile. I haven't heard of a dissenter in two forums so far.

Interesting, you play gigs with a software piano? What kind of a setup do you have?

Cheers,
James
x

+1

FP4 and HP laptop. I use Traktor Audio 2 and plug stereo jacks into FP4 input (so I can always switch to FP4 if there's a software issue.) I either run mono or stereo to my ancient GK keyboard amps and have the onboard speakers of FP4 adding some sound. I use Vintage D and NeoSoul for EP.

I'm playing strictly jazz gigs so I don't need to switch programs once I dial them in. For Vintage D, I'm currently using "In da jazz club?" preset.

I've never been more satisfied with the sound and action of this combo. When I suck, I can only blame myself

New products, sound libraries, etc seem to be praised by their first adopters. I think it has something to do with the higher expectations. I guess we'll have least biased reviews when the hype surrounding a new free library sound (extremely cool Christmas present for Nord users indeed) settles down a bit.

I'm not being paid to use Nord keyboards nor am I given free gear. My enthusiasm comes from the quality of their products from the build quality, the simplistic design layout (excellent for giggers), the weight and portability, the free sample libraries, the constant updates to either the libraries ir the software (like adding functionality i.e. adding Long Release to the NP88), and not least of which, the excellent sound quality and genuine variety.

I have my complaints about the action and I'm not a fan of all of their sounds, but Nord offers a very unique product and approach. I am a multiple repeat buyer and supporter because their product works. No honeymoon here!

Another unpaid member of Club Red here. While I have my criticisms I enjoy Clavia's open concept, and the quality of their instruments. That new piano sound just proves again that their way of doing things is a refreshingly good one.

... waiting ...

I'm going to assume that Nord knows that their action is sub par? I wonder what their thinking is by not implementing at least a decent action with their boards.

I can only assume weight. It would be interesting to discover what the bare action weighs with the Fatar action and then compare that with the better actions out there. The other issue is that Nord has to source actions from somewhere. I imagine the cost of developing their own from scratch would be prohibitive. Maybe they approached Yamaha or Roland or whoever and got shown the door?

Sure they know but I doubt there is anything they can do at the moment. James, any chance of a future joint venture between Kawai and Nord? You are a Nord user and a Kawai employee, I'd bet you dream of something like that happening And a Happy New Year to you I guess

Their thinking is that they are not equipped to manufacture their own keyboards, so they are limited to what is made available to them from other manufacturers, i.e. Fatar. (By contrast, Yamaha, Roland, Kawai, and Casio design and build their own keybeds, and don't offer them to their competitors. Luckily, it is easy to trigger a Nord from another board, which is why I sometimes suggest getting a light, unweighted Nord and then trigger it from the weighted 88 of your choice, leaving the Nord's own keybed as something to be used when playing organ or other sounds where you might not want the weighted action... best of both worlds.)

The other issue would be that their branding is based on boards that are relatively compact and portable, so even if they had a high quality action available to them, they would probably be disinclined to use it if it were to result in a 75 pound board like a Kawai MP-10.

The best way around this issue is not for Nord to develop their own action or even necessarily source a better one but to release a Nord Piano module and charge no more than £500 for it. Problem solved for us all.

Yup, offering modules, be it rack or tabletop, would solve a lot of problems / gripes. They've done it in the past.

I'd love a Stage 2 module, as there are a ton of sounds I'd MIDI to both of my boards. As long as they're at it, double the memory on it.

The original Nord piano was, what, £2000? The keybed was not £1500 of it, 75% of its cost. No way they sell a keyboard-less version for £500. Triple that, maybe...

Let's compromise and go £1000 then? I could consider that - especially if somebody would make a good MIDI only keyboard.

I thinks there is a chink in one's armor. The multiple people discussing their true desire for a module cause of the action. I know this isn't a new topic and understand that Nord has a made a decision to keep their brand low weight.

You also talk about how Nord supports their keyboards with updated sounds and I agree it's a wonderful system. That's until they redesign the memory limit and then you have to go spend another $3000+ (minus resale value of current model,) to stay at their cutting edge. I guess you have to give them credit for such an inventive business model. Though how gracious it would be for Nord to sell a hardware, memory update, so the consumer could avoid the depreciation.

Wow, you're big into this fanboy thing.

First of all, all of us were aware of the limitations of the action before we bought it. And all of us would prefer a better action obviously.

But decisions are made based on what's available at the time. You make it sound like none of us would switch to a different manufacturer if they came up with something better (for gigging).

I myself gave up a new Roland FP7F. I'd switch back and forth without compunction if the need arises.

I have to say that MY COMPLAINT about the action has now been REDUCED because of the velocity response of the new sample. So without changing hardware, a major problem has been handled.

I take your point but the original Nord Piano was £1699. There is not just the key action to consider. It is the physical form factor - the sheer volume of materials. A single unit rack mount box that could be slotted into an off-the-shelf casing with bespoke front panel and connectors and painted red would be a lot cheaper than a Nord Piano to make in terms of basic cost. Throw in the sound engine and away you go. The Kurzweil and General Music modules - that were absolutely competitive in their day with the then current and best stage pianos - retailed around £399 at a time when the equivalent full 88 note stage pianos were £1250 or thereabouts. The Korg SG-Pro-X Rack was £599 at a time when the "mother piano", the SG-Pro-X, was £1499. Maybe I was being optimistic at £500 but there's no way it would need to be even £1000. Assuming the rack mount could be made at, let's say 40% of the cost of the "mother piano", I reckon £800 is entirely realistic against the Nord Piano 2's £2000 list price (or whatever it is).

It's a pipe dream no doubt. But a nice one.

I don't have a NORD but have played one. I too was disappointed by the action for home/studio playing of classical and modern but not pop/rock/blues/jazz music. I wondered though if the keyboard was perfectly fine for gigging with in a band, adequate for solos, and so met the Nord designers requirements. Of course better is always achievable on all or most DP's, just read the forums!