We’ve all seen them. I’m talking about the distinct red keyboards that Nord produces. These revered keyboards have become a gold standard in the music and keyboard industry. They always seem to be in studios, stadiums, and practice spaces. If you’ve ever wondered why they are so special, you’re not alone. This Nord Piano 4 review will tell you everything you need to know about the widely-known keyboard.
Let’s dive in.
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]88 keys
Innovative keyboard action
Seamless transitions
7 split points
Triple pedal included
Massive amount of effects
120-note polyphony
Numeric pad mode[/i2pros][i2cons]Expensive
Takes time to figure out the controls
Red color doesn’t match the feel of all rooms[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Features
Virtual Hammer Action
One of the nicest features of this 88-key keyboard is the Virtual Hammer Action. Basically, this action allows you to repeat a note without lifting it all the way up again. You may not know this, but many keyboards won’t repeat a note unless it lifts all the way back up. Nord recognized this keyboard flaw and capitalized on it with their innovative action.
Split Points
This keyboard also allows up to 7 different split points, which is pretty immense. Splitting allows keyboardists to designate certain sections of a keyboard to different sounds. Having 7 split points is exceptionally convenient because most other keyboards only have 2-3. On top of that, you can adjust each split through cross-fading.
Transitions
Another impressive aspect of this keyboard is the seamless transitions. If you’re on stage or in a studio, you’ll likely need to change sounds in a hurry. This keyboard has some of the most advanced transition capabilities on the market.
Effects
Something else that sets this keyboard apart is the abundance of excellent effects. Here are some of them:
- Compressor
- 3-band EQ
- Tremolo
- Phaser
- Chorus
- Wah
- Ring modulator
- Flanger
- Vibe
- Overdrive
- Amp effects
With this many effects, you have limitless musical control. You could spend hours experimenting and creating fresh sounds, which is very nice. To people that are less experienced with powerful keyboards, the Nord’s abundance of functions might seem daunting. If you don’t understand the effects, this keyboard might seem like a piano with a million buttons. However, it’s not as difficult to learn these controls as it seems. With all the effects, the Nord Piano 4 is a plane and you’re the pilot.
Specifications
This keyboard has an impressive 512MB sample library and 1GB piano memory. The sound bank includes many varieties of grand, upright, digital, electric, and layered pianos. You can connect a sustain pedal and an expression pedal, which is convenient. The keyboard also has a USB, MIDI in/out, stereo out, aux in, and a headphone jack. Keyboardists have the option to use and adjust 3 different types of reverb. Some more specs include an OLED display, advanced layer and split functions, and high-quality string resonance.
What’s in the Box
On top of the keyboard, the box comes with several useful items. You get a music stand, triple pedal board, polishing cloth, instructional DVD, and an expression pedal. Since many keyboards include nothing else in the box, these additional items are a nice touch.
Is It Worth It?
The Nord Piano 4 is valued at $2,999 on Amazon. For a keyboard, this price is quite expensive. You might wonder, is it worth it? To answer this question, you will have to evaluate your needs and desires. Some people might be perfectly fine using a lower-priced keyboard with fewer functions. However, there’s a reason that so many people have chosen Nord. This keyboard is for those who want a highly-immersive musical experience. In terms of performance and sound design, there aren’t many other keyboards that can compete. So, if you’re serious about music and want to get your hands on the industry-standard keyboard, the Piano 4 is more than worth it. But, if you don’t need the quick transitions, endless effects, and excellent sound editing, you might be better off with a different keyboard.
Nord Stage 3 vs. Nord Piano 4
This Nord Piano 4 review will now compare the similarities and differences to the Stage 3. Many people wonder which one is better: The Nord Stage 3 vs Nord Piano 4? The Nord Stage 3 is the more expensive brother to the Piano 4. Like the 4, the Stage 3 has a large sound bank, consisting of all types of pianos. However, the Stage 3 has additional organ sounds that the Piano 4 does not. One area where the Stage 3 lacks is the keyboard’s action. It features a weighted hammer action, whereas the Piano 4 has Nord Virtual Hammer action. The Piano 4’s action simulates a grand piano much more accurately. In terms of connectivity, the Stage 3 has many more options. It has all the connections of the Piano 4, plus things like organ swell, 4 channel outputs, and a program pedal. One minor drawback is the lack of a triple pedal in the box.
Nord Piano 4 vs. Nord Grand
The Nord Grand and Piano 4 are very closely related. However, there are a few notable differences between them. With the Nord Grand, you get 2GB of piano memory instead of 1GB. Out of the 3 keyboards, the Nord Grand probably features the most satisfying action. It’s outfitted with Kawai hammer action, advanced triple sensors, and ivory touch keys. It’s a bit pricier than the Piano 4, but it’s less expensive than the Stage 3. It also has an appealing elevated cabinet. If you want something in between the Piano 4 and Stage 3, the Nord Grand might be a good choice.
Conclusion
Nord produces some of the most advanced keyboards on the market, and the Piano 4 is no exception. This keyboard is also one of the company’s most affordable. Even though its advanced features and functions aren’t for everyone, it certainly suits a wide variety of musicians. For studios and stages, this keyboard is hard to beat. If you’re looking for a keyboard to expand your musical potential, the Nord Piano 4 might be an excellent choice.
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