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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 พ.ค. 2023
- In this video I compare the Nord Stage 4 to the Yamaha YC88 and talk about the functionality differences between the two. The Nord Stage 4 is a beast when it comes to sounds and capabilities, but even though the YC series is almost $3000 less, it still maintains some of the key stage piano functionality and has some great sounds as well!
What do you think? Is the Nord Stage 4 worth the extra cash over the Yamaha YC88, or does the Yamaha fit the bill for you?
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Yamaha's piano's tend to have a bit more presence and brilliance, whereas the Nord pianos sound a bit softer and more intimate.
Thought it too, may be because yamaha samples from their pianos and their pianos are brighter
No es eso los pianos de nord 4 son los 3 más importantes steinway bosendofer Yamaha y Yamaha es solo piano Yamaha
@@francoalvarado8776 Sorry but I don’t speak Spanish (or Portuguese?).
@@vanessajazp6341 select text, right click, voilà, it's translated
In general I’ve found Yamaha is tweaked to sit in a mix while Not is more neutral.
The Royal Grand by Nord sounded different because the setup the mics where a pianist plays so it would match closely to how a piano sound when you play it.
I’ve always been a Nord guy, but I REALLY like this YC-88 and find it to be more versatile in many ways (despite less layer parts) at considerably less $$!
The piano sounds on all the Yamahas sound good.
Buy the YC and give it a test drive. The worst that could happen is you send it back within 45 days. The best case scenario is you end up keeping it and retiring your Nord.
What an amazing demo. Loved your playing. Thanks 🙏🏻
That's why I bought a YC61 for my top keyboard, which has the plastic organ-like keys, so it doesn't hurt to play typical organ type slides and swells. I also have a Yamaha CP88 on the bottom, which has basically the same piano sounds as the CP88 and I get the wooden keybed and great sounding pianos.
Both of those combined are less money than one Nord.
Great point about the organ-like keys.
This was fascinating and very engaging comparison, and of the two I the mellower sounds of the Nord. thank you for your post, I've just subscribed.
nicely done and detailed video!loving the YC88 here with the built in audio interface
What a great comparison! Love both units. Thank you so much!
100% correct about the Yamaha! Other than all those extra synrhs I don't know what the hell people are talking about. Maybe a couple of extra layers but I play in a rock and roll band and overall the Yamaha is superior stage piano for performing Rock and Roll music or even for solo live performance
Great presentation, clear and concise. I look forward to future videos focusing on various sounds and capabilities of each board.
I have been performing on keys for 55 years now. In the late 1980s I bought the first digital piano. Every time technology advanced enough for it to be worthwhile, I bought a new one. By the year 2008 I had become very discouraged that hardware pianos were not advancing as fast as software pianos were, it was taking 10 years to get a tiny improvement. So this year, with few years left in life, I bought lots of pianos, because the only way to know if a Dpiano is any good is to work with it for at least 6 months. So, I gave my Yamaha P95 away after 10 years of use, and replaced it with a Roland RD-2000 with the V-Piano (modeled), a Kurtzweil PC4, a FantomO with a SuperNatural piano, a Korg KromeEX with the big piano sample, and a Yamaha DGX-670. Which one was the outstanding best, far better than any, the inexpensive Yamaha, the finest Dpiano I have ever heard and played. Any Dpiano worth a look MUST have extensive editing of the piano sound and touch response, and a good keybed or it is 100% useless. To a piano master, audio engineer, audiophile, musician, and sound designer...I have a very VERY critical ear, and an extremely critical ear for the acoustic piano sound. After a short time editing the Yamaha DGX-670 piano I had the greatest Dpiano for practice at home with my chosen headphones ever in my life. Yes, technology usually means the latest is the best, but I am saying I am not disappointed practicing on a Dpiano for the first time in 35 years. The sound, the keybed, the interaction between the mechanics of the keybed and the software is perfect, the 3pedal system is perfect, the soft pedal for the first time in my life sounds like a soft felt pedal, the sustain with half damping is perfect and the range is adjustable in the software! Finally, a pedal system that perfectly simulates an acoustic. The editing of sound is so good, that in a short time I created a second piano patch for ambient piano that sounds as good as any software soft felt ambient piano. And adding the soft pedal to my ambient piano patch makes a wonderful added color to the sound. For a Dpiano to accomplish all that I demand of it, is so rare, this is the first time. And it only cost me $750.00 on sale for $100 off, I bought the whole package (keyboard, stand and pedal system) for $1000.00. Any Dpiano that would please this extremist in piano sound should be amazing to anyone else. Nothing else to buy out there, this is the one....FINALLY!! And is priced for everyone too, don't know what Yamaha was thinking when they made this, but they just made every one of the 1000s of different Dpianos out there obsolete. (NOTE: I live in a tiny apartment and for the love of my neighbors only practice with headphones. I would prefer an acoustic grand piano, but that is not possible. I perform on stage with the best Concert Grands in the world and some not so great, adapting to all the actions and voicing/tuning is a time earned skill of mine).
I agreed about your thoughts about DGX 670. I got one myself. I have been on stage for nearly sixty years. Now retired.
It is amazing playing the DGX, I can close my eyes and dream I am performing on a stage with a Steinway Concert D. I just released a video of a piano solo with a soft ambient piano I built on the DGX. And then recorded on the DGX, I don't need a computer to record, just a good USB stick, and the quality was amazing. th-cam.com/video/WtRlHVSdEIM/w-d-xo.htmlsi=eYNfX0YSTLqhJSsh@@knmyak
I have a DGX 670 myself. Great bit of kit
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Love my DGX 670. It is a phenomenal digital piano.
Hi, Thanks for a great comparison. Just adding to the info where some are talking about synth samples on YC. YC has a proper 8 operator FM engine. Same as Montage. Just not as editable. With OS 1.3 - 15 original DX7 paches were added with original velocity sensivity (109) for the real DX7 feel, 1 TX81Z patch and 16 very nice modern patches in the style of produced electronic music. Best!
I have a YC88 and absolutely love it.
this is super helpful! also, you know how to play, man! loved the chords.
Thank you for this timely comparison. I’ve been a Nord Stage guy beginning with the so-called Classic or NS1 to NS2 to NS3 - all 88’s - because I’m a pianist who plays organ, ep’s and synths. And now I’m saving my shekels for the NS4 - which, though spendy, appears to be quite the upgrade from the 6 year old NS3.
weighted or un-weighted keys?
Great video man! Idk how I'm just discovering your channel. Definitely subscribing.
Yamaha for me, definitely in a mix with a full band. It cuts through.
The Nord is warmer, so a somewhat nicer feel solo but it has too much mud to my taste. I would roll off below 120 hz in a mix anyway.
Great video and wonderful production quality. Thanks!
For me Yamaha is a way to go now. Theyve got a range of nice stage keyboards such as yc, cp, ck, reface. Also Yamahas weighted action is much better
Underrated comment 🤙🏾
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve always been a fan of Yamaha
Thanks for the upload !
I have both pianos. A NS4 88 and a YC73. Love them both. I was concerned about Fatar TP40 keybed on the Nord, but after an hour of playing I really enjoy it. It’s lighter than the Yamaha but excellent compromise for Piano, EP, Synth, and Organ. Triple sensor allows very intricate rhythmic playing. Yamaha is incredible value and is plenty for most applications. However, the Nord is a beast. It is like a Yamaha YC plus a Nord Wave Synth. There’s no comparison. You can layer 2 organs, 2 Pianos, and 3 Synths at the same time with hands on live controls. Frigg’n amazing for massive sound scapes. You can get lost in the Nord for hours. I’m a Yamaha fan (3 Yamaha stage pianos) but Nord wins this one. Can’t go wrong with either.
This dude is rich
What reason could one possibly have for owning both?
@@F0CKSTR0T couple of my kids are playing and recording music. I let them use the Yamaha YC and CP. if they weren’t using the other pianos all the time I probably wouldn’t have bought the Nord.
@@Dxrshu or perhaps just hard working and frugal in other areas. A Nord is not out of reach of anyone with average income. The NS4 88 can be found for $150/mo interest free at times. Maybe still tough for some but it’s not out of reach with some planing and saving.
Why would anyone want to layer 2 pianos, 2 organs and 3 synths? How many musical situations would possibly call for that?
I know this is a comparison but thank you for playing them! sounds amazing on both, though I do prefer the Yamaha sounds.
We have a YC88 for a house piano at our church then we also have a piano player that brings his Nord in. Both great options
The Nord definitely needed that reverb added in order to absorb those twangy after sound artifacts.
I guess, I’d go with the YC88 and a (used) Access Virus Polar (37keys) or Snow (module). Never liked the Nord Lead Synth sound that much. YC88 + Virus would probably my favorite sound combo for less $$. (But that’s personal taste)
I love my Yamaha YC. But the Nord is pretty sweet as well
Great video thanks. I play in covers bands - Motown, soul, blues, etc so just need an easy to use board that does the basics - piano, B3, Wurli really well. I was a Nord fan but the addition of complex synths, effects etc (7 layers WTF!!!) is overcomplicated and useless for what I do. Seems that Nord have moved away from the 'stage' board concept to more of a studio one. So I've bought the YC88 and not a NS4. Delighted with the YC - great keybed (if like me you're a piano player at heart), does all I need in the live mix and has saved me weight and cost.
Cool Video. Thank you very much 😊. How about comparing the YC to the Nord Electro instead? Wouldn’t that be more fair?
Thank you for a very comprehensive review and sound comparison. Could you please let me know if there is a good cathedral pipe organ sound in the NS4 or the YC88. I've watched quite a few demonstration videos and not seen a convincing cathedral organ sound.
As much as I love the nord. It’s Yamaha for me. Even their intermediate versions sounds amazing. Perhaps it’s the brilliance the Yamaha gives that makes me go for it.
Yep. I was thinking about getting a Nord, but I instead got a CP88 (which is basically the YC without the organ). I couldn't be happier with my decision to go with the Yamaha, because the action on the Nord SUCKS!! I think Hamburg Grand is pretty comparable to White Grand, just as long as you add some EQ. And the CP cost me, how much? Like $2500. I'd say that's a killer deal
the Felt Upright sound has to be my favorite, which sounded great on both, but I think the subtle texture to the sound of the Yamaha took the cake for me
Same for me, they seem to have captured the sound that the string makes with felt on top of them. You can clearly hear that on the Yamaha
I'm a bit surprised that Nord didn't add the XLR outs to the Stage 4. It's becoming pretty common on flagship workstations, especially boards meant for live playing. The Stage would be the perfect line to add that functionality.
Yes, but when I recorded in a pro studio one of the sound guys surprisingly told me that Nord Stage got balanced outs on TSR. Still not XLR but you don’t need a DI box.
@@filippobuccianelli4606 the bigger problem I think is that I can't plug it in directly to a stage box, so you still need to convert from TRS to XLR.
That’s indeed ridiculous for a $4.000+ stage (!!) piano
@@wieselt
Yup. At this price, it should be included.
Yes, it would. Combo outs that allow XLR, TRS and standard unbalanced 1/4” outs would be cool.
That said, (unless one needs to use 3 or 4 outs) a solution is to use the headphone output with a Y cable. It’s output is considerably hotter than the unbalanced outs.
If the Nord is better, it isn’t better by a factor of two. My music would need to be quite lucrative to justify the cost. For small time local gigging or a hobby, $3,000 is the extreme of what I would pay for any one piece of gear. The Yamaha had me at hello. My practicality bias would drive me to a YC-88 or Kurzweil K2700.
Get the YC88 you will Thank me later 😂 The Kurzweil is in amazing machine but their keybed is very bad. I tried it at my local store. If you are going to do runs, scales, and improvisation, it is not good.
@@ispianist
Thanks
You must have read my mind 😂😂😂
Absolutely spot on, reason why I ended up with a Kurzweil PC4 for the church and what an amazing machine it is for that purpose with so much more to be explored. Will probably never buy a Nord although it sounds good. By the way I replaced my YC on the PC4, the Yamaha sounds good and has a good Keybed but on the PA it has a much weaker and plain sound compared to the Kurzweil
I was supplied a Nord on a gig one time and couldn’t figure out how to get a piano sound!
The keyboard tech was getting stoned and left me to figure it out and was a big fail.
I’ll never ever own a NORD. Loser keyboard for performance on the go.
8:30 you should try adjusting the touch curve on the YC88 to Hard. The Nord sounds like it's setup for more resistance.
Exactly! Totally agree with you!
Feature aside, the harmonics, ring, clarity and simulated sound of the pedals and the plate are FAR superior on the piano patch of the Nord in the opening sequence. Yamaha keys sounded well-sampled but flat, though I think Yamaha overall does a much better job than many other manufacturers. Your playing and phrasing was gorgeous by the way! #IMHO
God bless you, thank you for your videos I really enjoy them. My church is trying to upgrade our keyboard and one of the options was the Nord stage 4 but we were also hoping to find a more economical alternative. Could you recommend one or two options of which keyboard sounds great under 3 grand? Thank you in advance!
For 6k, I don't even know what I would expect out of a keyboard, but it'd certainly be a hell of a lot more than what the Stage 4 is said to be capable of. Give me Keyscape and Omnisphere sound library's inside of a keyboard with a great build and excellent keys/and tons of knob of function control and I'd pay 6k for that.
Very smart man 👍
As a Nord Stage 3 and Keyscape user I've got to say there are many times i much prefer the nord sounds to Keyscape. I wouldn't be able to do my job without the versatile Nord piano library, but to each their own
I got a 4000 laptop, ABleton, Keyscape, Omnisphere and other beautiful vsts. Combined with 2 controllers, best gig combination. I even got a Kronos 2 which i also use it as a controller :)))
@@JanPrzeWhat ? Lol I also own both and there is not comparison. The keyscape library sounds way better. Even the Native Instruments The Grandeur sounds better than the Nord. It does have greater velocity, tone, string resonance and the list goes on. Also the Rhodes and the rest of the libraries sound amazing.
@@ispianistNegative, I use Keyscape and Stage3 for years, S3 hands down all day everyday. Can’t compare the software to the actual physical engines in the Stage 3, I can easily pick out the sonic differences between the two, and I own too many other workstations to name…
I recently saw a keyboard player in a major act playing a Nord Stage 73 or 88, and a Stage compact on the top tier for organ and synth sounds. Killer set up and an excellent musician.
Post link please
NORD BABY!!!!!👍👍👍👍Rich, Bright, Moody, Robust, Truer sounds. Love the samples I heard from another demo of the Nord stage4..= IMPRESSIVE!!! Love to own one. I own a decent Yam 88 purchased in early 2000's, and love it...and a Yam Acoustic Guitar..Beautiful!!! But need to move up after I sin a lottery lol!!!! Thank You for the Demo! Much Appreciated!!🙋♀️😁🎶
That white grand of nord has always been my fav but the yahama keyboards have always had way more of a presence in the sounds. I am trading in my kawai mp7se for the ck88 that yahama just came out with. Nothing is better than the rh3 action. That’s why it’s in the nord grands and the kawais, but i like the yahama because of the cfx patch, batteries, and organs
Well there’s the action on the mp11se but it’s a big hulk. At home I really want the NV10S in my life.
Brighter sound of the Yamaha might work better live though I tend to prefer the darker fuller tone of the Nord. The Yamaha however has that treasure trove of Yamaha sounds from the DX up.
I really like the organ on the Nord better. Nothing wrong with the YC, but the Nord Organ is more colorful and a little phatter. However, I could never play organ solos on a weighted keybed, I prefer light and fast keys for that. Thank you for the demo!
Right, same here. I like a light synth style keyboard for organ! Hate it for piano though.. lol
YC61 - waterfall keys and all the great sounds. Perfect as my 2nd keyboard/organ.
The Yamaha YC has a unique KILLER feature: it’s an audio interface, you can simply plug-in your iPad via a single USB-C cable and play all your iOS synths, including all the synths in Logic. It’s like a super Kronos!
I think you try to say Midi Controller feature. Not an audio interface. Audio interface is used to recording audio in wave signal.
@@rpstate9974it is actually recognized as an audio soundcard, not just as a MIDI device.
@@rpstate9974no its not thats called a computer.
I have tested Nord Stage 4 two weeks ago, I have finally bought a ........ Numa X 73 Studiologic -> 1000 € value. Outstanding insturment.
Can't afford either but glad I found you 👍
Seems like adding a bit equalizer to boost bottom on this Yamaha and (for some voices) just a touch of filter movement can make both practically indistinguishable. Though out of the box NORD does sounds fuller and more dynamic. Would it justify 3K$ difference, probably not for me.
I used to mix Yamaha from PLG150AP pianos with Roland Integra pianos exact MIDI doubles just for the "touch of that Roland's fatness/fullness" thus adding a little bit of the sub-frequencies that Roland has and Yamaha PLG is missing in a lot of the presets. But again it's PLG150AP, which is about 25 years old. 😄The pianos form the modern Yamaha sampled pianos are as amazing as most of the other sampled keyboards.
Synths on the other hand - I would prefer desktop/mini/micro boxes anyways.
The Yamaha is so incredibly musical and organic, absolutely beautiful! But the Nord is just next level, above and beyond. Is it a $3G difference? Heck no! I'd pick the Yamaha for that very reason.
@@jessecohen1 For the 3k difference you could pick up a pretty nice synth or real waterfall keys organ!
Yes ..Both great keyboards.. I tried out a YC73..Very nice but those pitch and mod levers felt terrible..I sent it back. The Nord pitch stick and mod feel great. The synth section on the Stage is powerful and useful! Plus having the sampled sounds and the sampler give so many choices for patch design. Using my Vini Vent ll on the organ and am very happy with the one keyboard gig machine!
It would have been nice to see some numbers - there are weights that can make the action heaviness more objective.
I always start any test of digital piano by checking the action for noise (especially on the way up of keys) and measuring the action downweight (including initial move of the keys and values needed to trigger the sound (and sustain the sound).
Michael
Hello! Great review sir. Question. Which keybed action feels "heavier"? 😊
I think the Nord, but only by a tiny bit…might have been my imagination! 😂
@@DSoundman, thank you for this man!! For as long as the action is not sluggish 😊
Great comparison. Basically regarding pianos, it comes down to whether you are a Steinway (Nord) or a CFX / C7 (Yamaha) fan. If you are more into the classical sound, the Nord might be the better choice. If you have into classical & rock, the Yamaha might be the best option.
Regarding the organs, Yamaha definitely vastly improved the rotary swell on their latest 1.3 update, so I'd say they are pretty much even. I think you can tweak the organs on either to sound the way you want them.
For the price, the Nord is not worth #3000 more...it's just not that much better than the Yamaha. You are paying for a Nord brand, whereas the Yamaha is new & trying to make a name starting at a lower price. These are both high quality keyboards and very well done. With money being a factor, I would definitely choose the YC. I believe the YC also has the Imperial Bosendorfer piano as well as the Yamaha pianos...
I currently have a Yamaha Montage 8, and while re-watching parts of this video (the piano comparisons), the CFX I have on the Montage is the same as the YC. The Steinway library I bought (American Grand) for my Montage sounds pretty much identical to the Nord piano...it made the comparisons between the YC and Nord pianos make more sense knowing what pianos are being compared against each other.
I think your statement about the Yamaha being new is not correct. Yamaha was founded in 1887 and they produced musical instruments before Nord was invented. The Nord company has been around since 1983. I think their cost comes from how they assemble their product, it’s handmade. Not to diminish the quality but I think you pay for the “handmade” deal. I think they are over priced. Yamaha has done something that no other portable keyboard has done for me, they nail the touch and feel of a piano. Even the P-45 series of Yamaha feels awesome. When your talking about piano and styles, 50 years ago, there were no portable keyboard anything. And classical, jazz, rock, church you name it they were played on 2 types of keyboard feels, Piano or Organ feels. Piano’s weighted, hammer actioned keys. Organs, soft, lighter and not meant for dynamic responses. With that being said, Yamaha has always nailed the touch and feel of that piano, even on its toy pianos.
Can you tell us what that was you were playing at the intro? Can you link to sheet music?
good comparison. I'd choose the Nord most times bc the pianos are better and updated on occasion. But Yamaha's are great work horses. They get it done just fine for live. For recording I'd probably prefer the Nord.
An interesting idea is the YC88 + ipad Pro vs. the Nord Stage 4. I say this as the YC88 makes layering ipad synths with the onboard sounds very easy with just one cable.
While I think the Nord is the better all in one keyboard, the YC88 + ipad is a cheaper and interesting option.
Do you have any example of that combination? Sounds really good 4 me
I will say once I got the Osmose to control the YC I noticed the dynamics are messed up on my YC73. You have to turn up the "64" to actually activate the samples. The Osmose played the YC far better so the YC has some unrealized punch that isn't available out of the box. You have to fix it yourself and save it for each live set. As far as the levers I custom created and installed lever extensions that are much better. No I can manipulate both levers in my hand simultaneously very easy and it's super controllable. Here's a secret. Save your YC live set with with all voices on but two turned down this way you always see what the other voices are without having to turn them on and they are always on without turning them on and turn them up (fade in) as required.
Very nice review man! I am seriously considering buying a YC88 since February. NS4 is ridiculously expensive for me...
Is it possible for me to input notes or add layers from a separate synth by connecting it to a YC88? I believe a separate professional synth shouldn't cost me another $3000 if I have to buy one...
BUY IT. I have it and it’s a cold joint!!
Это точно, везде свой пятак всунут.
Great comparison - now you'd just need to buy an Roland RD 2000 - since I'd love to see a comparison as well 😅
Both have incredible sound.
Telling factor for me is, is the Nord $3,000 better than the Yamaha?
The YC73 has differently shaped keys that are more organ-like, yeah? Man it would be nice to have those keys with the feel of this bed and aftertouch
Could you do a video comparing layered sounds so that we can know how much having those extra layers in Nord is really gonna matter?
Layering of the Nord with live balancing is amazing. I run White Grand piano as my Base layer sometimes mixed with strings, and then have an electric piano I blend in with the piano section volume knob when I want that Rhodes sound added for rhythm, a X3 organ controlled by swell pedal and ambient pads on the wheel.. Able to quickly increase/decrease any of the additional 3 sounds with ONE MOTION is incredible.
And sometimes, listening back to a recording with piano and organ, (of myself playing) it really sounds like two different people playing a piano and an organ individually, because I can swell the organ while the piano stays level
As a soundengineer with 25 years experience: If you have to use a stage keyboard, Yamahas 10 out of 10 times. They fit the mix. I really do not like the Nords, very hard to make them sit in the mix.
I get what he means though. NORD is very dominant and "standalone" so EQ wise and dynamics you'd have to kinda downgrade them back in to the mix ....powerful stuff if you are doing a piano and some singing, but i get the comment.
Just like having an actual baby grand piano and try playing dance music with it😂
@@scaryrobot it is the fake phasey stereo image, but yes also tonal balance. Lot’s of resonance and not in a natural way. The dynamics are also out of whack. A lot more fader riding to make it sit in the arrangement than other stage keyboards (or actual pianos and it’s electro-mechanical varieties)
@@renesoleana1414 I have recorded and reinforced pianos of all kinds. The Nord line-up has a particularly bad implementation of it’s digital representation of pianos.
I would have to agree! We struggle with the right balance in the mix for Nord stage 3
I’ve been a keyboard player for over 50 years. After checking out many keyboards I bought a Yamaha Montage 8, which was very hard to find. The Nord is a very nice instrument but can’t come near the voice architecture of the Montage.
Hi, can you talk about the split. Is there a Google bass sound, both keys ?
Well, they both sound great. It's a wonderful time for keyboard players.
love the Nord. Sounds more realistic overall... plus there are more features.
That is just subjective. Yamaha uses sample pianos not modeling engines. Wich means all pianos had been recorded from real pianos. You probably like the piano tone of the nords. They use steinway pianos for their piano sampling. Just sound little bit different. I think the YC88 is better value for the money. If you are a piano player the YC88 is gonna be a not brainer because the keybed.
When will the electro 7D be updated?
Honestly both sound great
Maybe I missed this but the Yamaha has a real FM engine not sampled FM/DX sounds plus the latest OS created F4/5/6 FM synth like voices so you could have these acting as a synth with the other A & B voices. Hopefully Yamaha will keep expanding on this concept since true FM is essentially limitless. I'm not familiar with the NS4 synthesis engine. Yamaha could conceivably add more organs too and keep expanding the memory. Typically all for free. The general voice true FM organs are really smooth and organic.
If Yamaha added FM Editing possibilities (the drawbars actually seem to do this job) - something like a fully controllable iOS App that let you edit the FM engine like it was a DX synth - that would REALLY be killer!
Nord is something else. No other manufacturer comes close to the default fatty piano sound, smooth and dynamic as well.
Just for pianos? Many other manufacturers come close, or exceed. The thing that makes Nords awesome is that they do *everything* at an above average quality point, not that they are the best at any one particular thing. For Piano sounds specifically, check Kurzweils, Yamahas, and Rolands.
@@NickLandess it’s a matter of taste. We feel and hear differently. Choices are always appreciated on the market… I own multiple yamahas (doing music on amateur level, as hobby) but when I hear a Nord, eyes closed, I know it’s a Nord.
@@Amateur2k I play music at an above amateur level - im not a full time musician, but get paid well to gig a few times a month with different groups. My primary board has been a nord (first an electro 3, then a stage 2, now a stage 2 EX) for over 10 years now. And I love it - I'm not trying to dis Nords at all - they're awessome. But they are very rarely "the best" at anything. I have a clav sound that I would put up against most anything on the market after years of tweaking it, but other than that, I think there are boards out there that would probably be a slight improvement on my piano/rhodes/wurly/hammond/synth sounds. But there's nothing else out there that would give me the same quality in one box on stage.
@@NickLandess your view is much appreciated
I’d prefer the S4 due to the synth programming capabilities on hard and more authentic sounding organs and controls. Not just the piano differentials. BUT for those who get these boards and go straight into MIDI, I don’t understand why you’d spend the 6k for a keyboard you’re not using any of the onboard functions! Go for the YC for that matter, or if you’re strictly MIDI go for the AKAI MPK88. Just makes me cringe to see these Nord products not being used to their capabilities, and then folks have the “it’s not worth the money” comments.
I have always been a fan of Yamaha keyboards, but the Nord's warmth and resonance are unmatched. That's why they’re perfect church settings.
Originally a piano player myself, and to my ears, neither piano sounded 'real', my favorite electronic stage piano is still the old Kawai MP11SE. As well as its piano sounds, it's got some great sounding electric tyne sounds, the rest of the sounds can be better done with a powerful computer, vst instruments, and lightweight midi controllers: keyboards, MPE controllers, knobs, sliders, surfaces, and pedals......
The main question mark is whether the cp88 is a flagship piano library that yamaha will continue to build for many years like the nord. I would hate to invest in the cp88 and then yamaha pull the plug 🔌
Thanks. What do you suggest for a non player who wants to write music?
I sold my Nord because the sound on it droned on and on in the background and got very muddy. Proper release of the sustain pedal was an absolute necessity.
The uploading of new sounds took forever and I thought the keyboard felt cheap.
It would be interesting to see how the Nord compares to the newer and cheaper CK88
Got a chance to play the CK88 today at my local music store its pretty solid honestly. They combined a few things from the CP and YC into one package. A few missing features but plays amazingly. The keybed is similar to the MX88 and Modx8
the first play for the yc88 have the Japanese bgm song with a little bit bright and sad its like a bright cello with a violin emotion
the Stage 4 giving me a more European experience or more western feeling it got put me into somekind of tinker bell and Peter Pan world its more fantasy and warm sunlight feeling also with a warm wind feeling.
Hi amazing video i just have an anwser, i just receive my stage 4 88 and i noted in the black part downside have the 4 holes without parafused its normal u can chel in your for pleasure? Thank u sorry for english mistakes im italian kkk thnk u
Dream stage piano
I'd say YC88 wins this if price is a factor. If not a Nord is a Nord and it is a fantastic keyboard. However, this Yamaha is off the hook! A great keyboard! Plus, I like a piano feel.
for me there's just something authentic about the Nord pianos, i get taken right back to primary school sitting in front of my first ever upright when i close my eyes with the Nord... i don't get that with ANY other brand.. so i feel that close personal intimate connection with the music and instrument for me is why i'd go Nord every time..
Use the CP88 and a nord stage 4 73. Nord stage has a more soft keybed so a completely different feel from the CP88 keybead which is more important. I used to prefer the yamaha, but now I like both. Guess Cp88 reminds of the yc krybead? Agree on the organ playing is better on the NordAdding the legs, notestand to the nord also makes up for a very convenient package to bring with a pair of bose S1s to rehearsals and gigs. With the cp88 you need an additional stand. Then its the preference of sample strings(cp88) or real sounds over va syntsounds(nord). Best combo perhaps is the nordstage 73 with a montage/modx.😊
Cara o som do nord parece ser de outro mundo
What do u think about AKG-K92 Headphone sir? Thank you sir!!
Contemplating a 1st time Nord 88 purchase, curious how the Nord Stage 3 88 keybed feels compared to the Nord Stage 4 88. Improved or about the same? In addition to all the other upgrades is the NS4 88 keybed worth the extra$$? Thanks for this helpful video!
The stage 3 and stage 4 have the same keybed, with the stage 4 having the triple sensor added. They feel basically the same in terms of weight, but after comparing both side by side, it feels to me that the 4 has a heavier velocity mapping, even though the physical resistance is roughly the same. I noticed that on the 4 when I set the velocity setting to “medium,” it felt pretty close to the stage 3. Hope that helps.
Stage 3 has a toy like keybed, meaning cheap. If what the guy that just responded to you says it's true then the Nord 4 keybed is not that much better. The Yamaha has the best keybed by far. It draws ýou in to play it and the sounds are amazing.
@@nightworkband7715 Yamahas have always had great key beds. It’s true that if the stage 4 had the montage keybed it’d be unstoppable. BUT I wouldn’t go so far to say that it feels like a toy. It’s just a matter of personal preference. I would hate playing organ and clav lines on the Yamaha keybed.
@@marcuswilespage I played the stage 3 at GC when it first came out for all of about 1 minute. It was a terrible piano playing experience. So here is my point. I could never be happy with that keybed so the Nord is a definite no for me, and to be fair I do emphasize "for me" The Yamaha has an amazing piano playing experience and great sounding organs etc. Is the action perfect for organ playing? Maybe not but I can still play pretty easily and get rockin organs for live performing. So if piano feel means nothing and plasric waterfall keys and organs means everything, pay $3000 more for the Nord. I think they are called stage "pianos" for a reason so in my mind the action is extremely important. The Yamaha does everything well. With that action, the Nord falls very short. Even if the Nord sounds were much better than the YC88 I would pass for that reason but they are not better. In fact the Yamaha surpassed Nord with the Y C Series which is why so many features were copied by Nord
@@nightworkband7715 the Yamaha does some things well and many things poorly, namely anything synth or organ related. But it is all a matter of opinion. Having a Nord at my disposal has been a huge help for me from everything from playing in wedding bands and church bands to touring to producing full time. Couldn’t imagine it any other way. It has been a big part of my journey to find a career in music, honestly,
I played on today it is the Best Nord(Red Keyboard I ever played) with that being said the Keynes although great felt at times to light even when adjusting the velocity curves for my feel of play. But I under why it is lighter which makes playing the organ and snyth patches easier. But the cost is WAAAAAY waaaaay out there. Even for someone like me who can afford Id have to have a better reason to actually buy it except for red being my favorite color. LOL.
Nord stage 3 is cheaper
Nice comparison. I just bought the YC 73 because I wanted the lighter weight and I thought that the weighted action was a good compromise for playing EP’s and organs. I think the price of the Nord is completely ridiculous. For 2 X the price, the Nord is not 2 X better than the YC. In fact, the YC holds its own very well with the Nord. The built in audio interface on the YC is something that no one has been talking about very much. Not only does it help with live performance but it makes using the YC as a controller much easier. For literally half the price, I’ll take the YC. In a live performance, I don’t think anyone in the audience will be dissing the sound quality of the YC
Not only audio interface, but also analog Inputs on the YC !
Nords are like cars I would never buy them new. Used however can be a more comparable option
Cries in Montage 8
What are you playing these through - speakers or an amp?
pls put diesser on your vocal mic. The sibilance sounds so sharp
I love my YC 61 ❤
Wish you would edit talking out between switching keys... You clear my audio palette with your diolog. Add the info about sounds selected after... Just a suggestion. I still appreciate your video.
Thanks for the suggestion!
My goodness the Yamaha sounds AMAZING!
Should the white Nord be in contention and add to the competition also ?…I’m referring to the Dexibell S 10
I think the Yamaha YC88 still better option. The dexibell msrp is close to 4000
Is the shimmer synth pad available with the nordstage 3? Or only 4
Ambos são bons no que pretende entregar. YC timbres mais vivo, possui mais brilho. NS timbre mais fechado, porém te cativa a sempre ouvir. Tudo depende do que pode desembolsar do seu dinheiro. Para nós que moramos no Brasil ambos são caro, mas pagar mais de R$ 40 mil em um teclado onde ninguem repara se é NS ou YC é loucura. Ego vai de cada um.
I'll take the yamaha
He made the Yamaha more fatty.
He is the one who EQ the sound
Me, too. I like the Yamaha sound. I just bought the Yamaha p-125a since I don’t need all the bells & whistles. I see a lot of churches have the nord, which is why I came to see this review.
Take it, its shit
2 Yamahas
I repair a lot of Yamahas the Nord is built like a tank! Key bead is better
I’ve always loved Yamaha and all their models of keyboards. Even cheaper ones have faithful reproductions of that rich Yamaha acoustic piano sounds. Yamaha keyboard actions are great for people used to real pianos too. But, I just finally pulled the trigger and bought a new Nord Stage 3. Only had it for a week but I have zero regrets, it just has more of the sounds I need that are SO good and clean, Wurlitzer, Clav, etc. and the fact that you can always upload more sounds was a win for me!
Thank you for the video. You play really nice music 🎉
I have a Stage 3 and considering both of these stage pianos because I want 88 keys. I'm not a synth person so synth samples are plenty for me. Look at them from that POV then it's $3000 for a synth. Sound wise if I was doing a lot of solo piano I might go for the Stage 4 the Nord sound are a tiny bit fuller, but playing in group setting then the Yamaha sound and other inputs like mic's or other boards. I've read a lot of people who like the YC 88 keybed for it AP feel. So in the end that price difference is big and if synth samples are enough I would buy the YC, plus that $3000 saving you could buy a small laptop and lots of piano and synth libraries and still have money left over. The Stage 4 and YC are different but not that different to me.
The whole thing with nord is that the ns4 88 is below 20 kg of weight. Meaning you get all of these features in a portable package. No competitor can do that atm, the Montage 8 is 29!! kg. Other than that I agree, the price tag is insane.
@@JBrm Actually the Yamaha YC 88 is about one pound lighter.
You’re right, I just looked it up because I would have sworn the Yamaha was heavier when I’ve carted them around! 😂
And the stage has aftertouch
Yes! Buy the YC88 and an Access Virus, a Prophet 12 or even a Deepmind 12. You will save money and have much better synths (not to forget the real FM engine of the YC88)