Nord Piano 3 88-key Stage Piano (Discontinued)

89
GEARANK

89 out of 100. Incorporating 10+ ratings and reviews.

Street Price: 

$2,800
Nord Piano 3 88-key Stage Piano

The Nord Piano 3 offers a straightforward interface with dedicated and easily accessible parameter controls. Its triple sensor keybed has improved weighted action keys giving it dynamic response and control at any velocity level.

It contains 1GB worth of sampled acoustic and electric instruments, which can also be interchangeable with the use of the Nord Piano Library. The sample synth section and effects section allow you to customize and tweak these samples in order to create your own blend of unique sounds.

Specifications:

  • Keys: 88, Fully-weighted virtual hammer action
  • Polyphony: 40/60 Voices Polyphony (stereo/mono pianos)
  • Effects: Effects Section (Effect 1, Effect 2, Amp Simulations, Comp and EQ, Master Effects)
  • Audio Inputs: 1 x 1/8" TRS Monitor in
  • Audio Outputs: 2 x 1/4" (left, right), 1 x 1/4" Headphone out
  • Other Connectivity USB, MIDI In/Out/USB, 1 x Volume, 1 x Sustain Pedal
  • Dimension: 50.7" x 4.8" x 13.4"
  • Weight: 4.4 lbs

Pros

There are a number great things about this stage piano mentioned by a lot of users. Firstly, it comes with a huge library of quality of built-in sounds and allows users to transfer new sounds via software. In his MusicRadar review, Dan Goldman mentioned the sample synth section "has also been improved with double the memory, there’s LED indication for your split points, ‘deep’ modes for the authentic modulation effects, and pedal control for effect block 1 (wah, pan, trem)." Secondly, its spring-like action keyboard is lighter compared to those some other stage pianos have used and lets you play more efficiently. Lastly, the controls and display are quite intuitive and straightforward, making it easy to mix and customize sounds.

Cons

The lack of pitch bend or modulation wheel may be an issue for some users. Dan Goldman mentioned in his MusicRadar review that including these "which would significantly improve the NP3’s MIDI controller abilities, and performance while using the Sample Synth section." Nevertheless, this stage piano has pitch and modulation capabilities with the use of the effects section.

Overall

Although on the pricier side, this is a good investment for professionals. The only problem is that it's hard to find a new one available in stores these days, so you might like to see which alternatives we recommend in our guide to The Best Stage Pianos.