First, why Nord?
It’s indeed difficult to say that there is one main reason why someone would choose Nord keyboards over other brands, as it can depend on the individual’s needs and preferences. However, if there’s one factor to highlight that is often cited as a reason for people choosing Nord keyboards, it would be their high-quality sounds. Nord keyboards are known for their impressive sound engines, which can emulate classic analog and digital synthesizers and produce high-quality, professional-grade sounds. This is particularly important for musicians who are looking for a keyboard that can deliver vintage synth sounds or who want to create complex, layered textures. Additionally, Nord’s sound quality can be particularly appealing for studio producers, who need a keyboard that can deliver top-notch recordings.
Several sound engines include:
- Vintage analog synthesizers: Nord is particularly well-regarded for its ability to emulate classic analog synthesizers, such as the Minimoog, Prophet-5, and ARP 2600.
- Digital synthesizers: In addition to analog sounds, Nord keyboards can also produce a wide range of digital synthesizer sounds, including FM synthesis, wavetable synthesis, and more.
- Electric pianos: Nord keyboards are known for their realistic and expressive electric piano sounds, including emulations of classic instruments such as the Fender Rhodes and Wurlitzer.
- Organs: Nord is also known for its high-quality organ sounds, which can accurately replicate the tonewheel and drawbar sounds of classic organs.
- Sample-based sounds: Many Nord keyboards also include a range of premium sampled sounds, including:
- Grand pianos: Nord’s grand piano sounds are modeled after classic acoustic pianos, and include emulations of instruments such as the Steinway Model D and the Bosendorfer 290 Imperial.
- Upright pianos: In addition to grand pianos, Nord keyboards also offer modeled sounds of upright pianos, such as the Yamaha U1.
- Electric pianos: Nord keyboards also include a range of electric piano sounds, including emulations of classic instruments such as the Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer, and Hohner.
- Clavinet: Nord keyboards offer a modeled clavinet sound, which emulates the distinctive plucky sound of the classic Hohner Clavinet.
- Digital pianos: Nord’s digital piano sounds are modeled after a range of instruments, including the Yamaha DX7, the Roland RD-1000, and the Kawai K1.
How to choose Nord keyboards
- Nord Stage Series:
The Nord Stage series is designed for live performance and offers a wide range of sounds, including piano, organ, and synth sounds. The Stage series has a unique sound engine that allows you to layer and split sounds, making it a versatile option for live performance. It also includes a built-in effects processor and sequencing capabilities, allowing you to create complex soundscapes and backing tracks on the fly.
In essence, you can consider Nord Stage as the combination of all Nord keyboard engines including Nord Electro, Piano, and Lead. The Nord Stage series is ideal for musicians who need a versatile keyboard for live performance. If you’re a pianist, synth player, or organ player who needs a keyboard that can handle multiple sounds and effects, the Stage series is a great option. - Nord Electro Series:
The Nord Electro series is designed for organ players who want to switch between organ and piano sounds. The Electro series has a unique sound engine that emulates the sound of classic Hammond organs, including the B3, C3, and A100 models. It also includes a built-in effects processor, making it a great option for live performance. If you’re a church organist, theater organist, or a musician who needs a keyboard that have variety of sounds and can emulate classic Hammond organs, all in a portable design, the Electro series is a great option. - Nord Piano Series:
The Nord Piano series is designed for pianists and offers high-quality piano sounds with the option to layer and split sounds. The Piano series also includes a built-in effects processor, allowing you to add depth and character to your piano sounds. Additionally, the Piano series has a weighted keybed, making it feel like a real piano. The Nord Piano series is ideal for pianists who need a high-quality piano sound in a portable package. If you’re a classical pianist, jazz pianist, or a musician who needs a keyboard that feels like a real piano, the Piano series is a great option. - Nord Lead Series:
The Nord Lead series is designed for synth players and offers a wide range of synth sounds, including analog, digital, and FM synthesis. The Lead series also has a built-in effects processor, making it a great option for live performance. Additionally, the Lead series has a compact design, making it a great option for travel or for musicians who have limited space. So if you’re a electronic musician, DJ, or a musician who needs a keyboard that can handle complex synth sounds, the Lead series is a great option. - Nord Combo Organ:
Nord Combo Organ is designed specifically for organ players and offers high-quality organ sounds, including pipe organ and Hammond organ sounds. The Nord Combo Organ also includes features specifically designed for organ players, such as a drawbar section and a rotary speaker emulation. It has a compact design, making it a great option for live performance or for musicians who have limited space. Additionally, the Nord Combo Organ includes a built-in effects processor, allowing you to add depth and character to your organ sounds. If you’re a church organist, theater organist, or a musician who needs a keyboard that mimics the real dual drawbar organ, Combo Organ series is for you.