Introducing Nord Piano 6!

[hugoka]

The year is 2025 and not 2015, why are NORD engineers stuck?

[ericL]

It looks nice. It does seem pretty close in timing to the NP5, though I've lost track of the years.

With the Organ 3 and the NP6 announced, maybe Nord will shock us this year with a NE7, yet to be announced?

[analogika]

The year is 2025 and not 2015, why are NORD engineers stuck?

doesn't feel like they're "stuck" — they're just not introducing a completely new line of instruments…

Unlike Korg, who are re-releasing an instrument they built in 2011… (yeah, it boots in one and a half minutes, rather than over three, but…)

What, exactly, would have satisfied you?

[analogika]

It looks nice. It does seem pretty close in timing to the NP5

March 2021.

[changearound]

anyone else feeling an imminent sample release that will make everyone happy? I am.

It will need to be one hell of a sample to satisfy Gambold.

With the demise of NP5, this means Nord are no longer using endless rotary LEDs on any of their keyboards. Also the NP6 is now compatible with the new Nord pedals. Neither of these points is of much benefit to the user but are probably beneficial to the manufacturer as both cost saving and simplification.

When the NE7 finally does arrive it could be quite a significant leap forward with potentially improved organ, synth and effects.

[Evans The Song]

doesn't feel like they're "stuck" — they're just not introducing a completely new line of instruments…

Unlike Korg, who are re-releasing an instrument they built in 2011… (yeah, it boots in one and a half minutes, rather than over three, but…)

What, exactly, would have satisfied you?

Maybe Korg have just realised that they can't actually produce a better keyboard than the Kronos, at least at the moment - so they've tweaked it a bit to cater for those many professionals who still use it on a regular basis, from club gigs to stadium tours, and may need to replace their aging keyboards (Rick Wakeman comes to mind who I believe had to switch to the Nautilus because the Kronos wasn't available anymore). If, as the saying goes, it's (essentially) not broke, why fix it? And I think the point of the original comment about Nord being stuck is that a keyboard like the Kronos had a lot more great features in 2011 when compared to Nord on their flagship keyboard, the Stage 4, in 2025. Yes the Stage 4 is a great instrument, but it could be so much better if Nord listened to their users.

[Mr_-G-]

With the demise of NP5, this means Nord are no longer using endless rotary LEDs on any of their keyboards.

Am I the only one who thinks rotary encoders are way way way better than sliders?

[NoDirection]

I wonder what is behind the weight increase. 700 grams on piano 6- 73. Is it the same Fatar keybed used in Piano 5 or is this a better and heavier type?

[analogika]

And I think the point of the original comment about Nord being stuck is that a keyboard like the Kronos had a lot more great features in 2011 when compared to Nord on their flagship keyboard, the Stage 4, in 2025. Yes the Stage 4 is a great instrument, but it could be so much better if Nord listened to their users.

The Kronos was a completely different class of instrument from the Nord Stage when it came out (as were it’s predecessors when the Stage came out), and they are still completely different instruments now that the Stage 4 is out. The Kronos’ direct competition, IMHO, is MainStage or Gig Performer running on a computer — except that the Kronos is a self-contained unit with a limited selection of VST instruments.

The Stage line has evolved significantly since 2011, with most shortcomings addressed, and some others introduced in the design compromises. But the basic concept is still the same: a multipurpose stage organ/piano/synth limited by what parameters can be given direct access via dedicated front-panel controls.

The Piano line has had some significant enhancements, as well — but is still the same basic concept it’s always been.

The Kronos…boots faster than it used to, has new Sound libraries, and some of the engines have higher polyphony. (Including the PolySix, which I find hilarious for some reason — it’s like releasing a “Prophet 5”, but giving it 16 voices…)

[analogika]

With the demise of NP5, this means Nord are no longer using endless rotary LEDs on any of their keyboards.

Am I the only one who thinks rotary encoders are way way way better than sliders?

No, you’re not.