Nord User Forum

Hello,

I have an opportunity to buy a used Hammond XK-3 at a really good price ($1000 USD). I'm debating on whether to not buy this and substitute for one of the Nord Electros. For what it's worth, I plan to have the new Roland stage piano 88-key alongside either said Hammond or Nord Electro.

Could somebody opine on the below questions, please?

How do the organ sounds compare between a Hammond and a Nord Electro?

Perhaps I would benefit more from the Nord Electro given I will have more sounds beyond an organ (Rhodes, Wurly, Piano, etc.)?

Thanks!

XK3 is kind of old, not as good as current Hammond models... I think the Nord will sound better.

The XK3 sounds decent, but really needs to be run through a Vent or a Leslie. The Nord organ sounds very nice and the Leslie sim is quite good if you run in stereo. The Nord will certainly offer much more versatility; the AP and EP sounds are excellent, as are a lot of the samples in the "synth" section.

I would buy the XK3. The Hammond-Sound is great, but indeed you should send it trough the ventilator. Nord organ is very nice, but if you what a real-hammond-sound, it is a little bit rough.
@anotherscott: Please be careful - the engine of the XK3 is a wonderful one, which is used in the real B3 and the newer SK-Models (like SK1 or SK2 or XK1c)

BUT !!!
using a Nord and a Hammond means double weight to carry on stage.
AND
I think, the ordians will not recognize the difference between a NORD and a Real HAMMOND!

Good luck!

eibinger wrote:I would buy the XK3. The Hammond-Sound is great, but indeed you should send it trough the ventilator. Nord organ is very nice, but if you what a real-hammond-sound, it is a little bit rough.
@anotherscott: Please be careful - the engine of the XK3 is a wonderful one, which is used in the real B3 and the newer SK-Models (like SK1 or SK2 or XK1c)

Yes, those all use VASE III engines, but the XK3 lags at least in Leslie sim and C/V. But yes, if you''ll put it through a Vent, that could change the equation.

To the OP:

You alluded to maybe expanding your audio canvas (e.g., samples, etc.). If that is something you value over authenticity in one of the available sound engines, the Electro is a no-brainer, a more well-rounded stage instrument (just another opinion of course).

PScooter63 wrote:To the OP:

You alluded to maybe expanding your audio canvas (e.g., samples, etc.). If that is something you value over alledged aunthenticity in only one of the available sound engines, the Electro is a no-brainer, a more well-rounded stage instrument (just another opinion of course).

Yes, PScooter63 is right. Sometimes I use my Nord-Electro5d/73 and for more options you should not (!) buy the electro, buy a stage. Electro is ok, if you need a simple and light instrument, that is able to perform basic-tasks!

Thanks, all. All great and very insightful information