I was initially unsure about getting the 88-key Nord Stage 4, especially for playing organ or synth parts, but thank you for this video-it has helped me a lot. A few years ago, I had the Yamaha YC88, and while I thought its action was great for piano playing, it was difficult to get decent organ riffs out of it because the action was rather heavy. I currently have a Montage M8x, which is also an 88-key keyboard, but I was on the fence about getting the Nord Stage 4 in either the 88-key or compact version. Now, I think I’ll go for the 88-key model, as I might end up using it as my main piano-playing board and the action sounds like it will allow me to play organ and synth parts without to much bother.
Great video, as always - thank you! I hand arthritis and am searching for a 73/76 note compromise that with allow me to get the best depth of expression on piano parts, while having lighter action that will ease my hand pain and also allow me to play organ licks. Have you tried Nord Electro 6D73 waterfall action for piano playing? Same question on the Stage 4 73 triple action waterfall action. Thanks and keep up the great work!
Grand 1 (keybed by Kawai) had the perfekt balance and feel for me. The 2 is not there and I don’t like it as much. I’m looking forward to try the Montage m8x and it’s GEX keybed, but I’m sad to say are really hard to find here in Sweden. Not even the self proclaimed ”biggest” music store in Stockholm have it on display. Apparently Yamaha limiting display units for some reason according to the store. Great way to sell the instrument not letting people try it! Thanx Yamaha.
I loved the CP/YC88 action but I also think it is a bit overweighted compared to a real grand even (I own a Yamaha C3X grand piano)... the problem is more exacerbated due to the fulcrum point too... still I really enjoyed my time playing the C7 sound on the CP88.
As it is for action, i would like to see the comparison with added the P525 piano of Yamaha. This is such a nice playable action. As an instrument is not the same as the models you tested here. But the action of it can stand the test. Also a thing to mention is the price difference between Nord and Yamaha.
Thanks! Great video. I actually play on a NS4 and as a pianist, the key action left me really disappointed for an instrument of this worth. It is a GREAT workstation for everything... Seriousely, I'm impressed every day since I own it. BUT: the feeling of the keys action is too important for me to not considering de YC88.
For those Nords it does sound like you have raised the treble (or bright timbre)- in general it sounds like that on all you videos. Am I right about that?
Thank you for your helpful and inspiring videos. They helped me decide on purchasing a Nord Grand 2. I have NO regrets!!!! It inspires me to play more and gives me the tools to be more creative.
For Piano, I'd agree as I've got the same GF action at home. The original Nord Grand has the RH action from Kawai which isn't as good but the Nord samples work well with it, I've not played the Grand 2 yet. As an action which is a good compromise for Piano/Organ/synth id say the Stage 4 HA is great. I like the CP88 too but I don't like Yamaha samples half as much as the stuff from Nord.
@@Echochamber79 All personal preference of course - but the Roland has the best action I have ever tried. For me it is between that and the Kawai MP11 - Roland has a slight edge for me. Strictly speaking feel of the keyboard action here.
@@tuneunleashed I like the M8x a lot. The SL88 is terrible. Way too sluggish key return, doesn't feel like a piano at all (or a really, really bad one). The keys are so unnaturally resistant to your touch and feel nothing like a good, normal hammer action. The best description I found elsewhere was "it's like running on sand at the beach". They changed to an upgraded action on their never Numa pianos because of all the complaints - which is much better. Still a far cry from both Yamaha and Roland.
@@dutnakke SL88 Grand not the Studio the Grand. It has the same Keybed as the Nord Stage 3 and the Nord Piano 5 except it’s grade and you have multiple velocity settings.
I'm seriously looking at Nord Stage 4. Thanks for all the details you provide.
I was initially unsure about getting the 88-key Nord Stage 4, especially for playing organ or synth parts, but thank you for this video-it has helped me a lot. A few years ago, I had the Yamaha YC88, and while I thought its action was great for piano playing, it was difficult to get decent organ riffs out of it because the action was rather heavy. I currently have a Montage M8x, which is also an 88-key keyboard, but I was on the fence about getting the Nord Stage 4 in either the 88-key or compact version. Now, I think I’ll go for the 88-key model, as I might end up using it as my main piano-playing board and the action sounds like it will allow me to play organ and synth parts without to much bother.
The YC 88 is awesome!
It is great you compare action of these keyboards. I would love to see the comparison to K2700.
Both the Nord and the Kurzweil use the Fatar TP40L keyboard. So about/exactly the same feel.
Great video, as always - thank you! I hand arthritis and am searching for a 73/76 note compromise that with allow me to get the best depth of expression on piano parts, while having lighter action that will ease my hand pain and also allow me to play organ licks. Have you tried Nord Electro 6D73 waterfall action for piano playing? Same question on the Stage 4 73 triple action waterfall action. Thanks and keep up the great work!
Particularly bring8n* across the 2 vs 4 weight/ bounce nuance.. great help thank you . Connection, yes 👍😀
Grand 1 (keybed by Kawai) had the perfekt balance and feel for me. The 2 is not there and I don’t like it as much. I’m looking forward to try the Montage m8x and it’s GEX keybed, but I’m sad to say are really hard to find here in Sweden. Not even the self proclaimed ”biggest” music store in Stockholm have it on display. Apparently Yamaha limiting display units for some reason according to the store. Great way to sell the instrument not letting people try it! Thanx Yamaha.
I loved the CP/YC88 action but I also think it is a bit overweighted compared to a real grand even (I own a Yamaha C3X grand piano)... the problem is more exacerbated due to the fulcrum point too... still I really enjoyed my time playing the C7 sound on the CP88.
I really my M8X keybed, really play well, I did not been tired playing hours. My pas board was the stage 3 88.
Is the M8X keybed "lighter" than the Stage 3 88 ?
As it is for action, i would like to see the comparison with added the P525 piano of Yamaha. This is such a nice playable action. As an instrument is not the same as the models you tested here. But the action of it can stand the test. Also a thing to mention is the price difference between Nord and Yamaha.
Thanks! Great video. I actually play on a NS4 and as a pianist, the key action left me really disappointed for an instrument of this worth. It is a GREAT workstation for everything... Seriousely, I'm impressed every day since I own it. BUT: the feeling of the keys action is too important for me to not considering de YC88.
How is Nord Stage 3 compared to NS 4 and Grand Piano 2 ?
Kawhi VPC1 and Studiologic SL88 Grand
For those Nords it does sound like you have raised the treble (or bright timbre)- in general it sounds like that on all you videos. Am I right about that?
No, those were all normal timbre and I didn’t have any EQ on the board. I also don’t use any EQ or effects post processing.
@@DSoundman ok - strange.
Maybe there’s something in the export/youtube processing that screws with it a little?
Thank you for your helpful and inspiring videos. They helped me decide on purchasing a Nord Grand 2. I have NO regrets!!!! It inspires me to play more and gives me the tools to be more creative.
Nothing comes close to the action of the Kawai MP11SE
For Piano, I'd agree as I've got the same GF action at home. The original Nord Grand has the RH action from Kawai which isn't as good but the Nord samples work well with it, I've not played the Grand 2 yet. As an action which is a good compromise for Piano/Organ/synth id say the Stage 4 HA is great. I like the CP88 too but I don't like Yamaha samples half as much as the stuff from Nord.
Action isn't everything.
So… which keyboard can actually handle reproducing Billy Joel’s Angry Young Man???… I am yet to find a keyboard action that does…
Roland RD-2000 beats them all hands down.
Hmm, never played a Roland RD-2000 would think the Yamaha YC is hard to beat for action though.
@@Echochamber79 All personal preference of course - but the Roland has the best action I have ever tried. For me it is between that and the Kawai MP11 - Roland has a slight edge for me. Strictly speaking feel of the keyboard action here.
Meh…it’s good but the Montage M8X has something to say. Studiologic SL88 Grand is a beast!
@@tuneunleashed I like the M8x a lot. The SL88 is terrible. Way too sluggish key return, doesn't feel like a piano at all (or a really, really bad one). The keys are so unnaturally resistant to your touch and feel nothing like a good, normal hammer action. The best description I found elsewhere was "it's like running on sand at the beach". They changed to an upgraded action on their never Numa pianos because of all the complaints - which is much better. Still a far cry from both Yamaha and Roland.
@@dutnakke SL88 Grand not the Studio the Grand. It has the same Keybed as the Nord Stage 3 and the Nord Piano 5 except it’s grade and you have multiple velocity settings.