Previous Clavia Nord keyboards (such as the Nord Stage) used medium-weighted hammer actions (made by Italian firm Fatar) which allowed players to play a wide variety of sounds with ease. However, for the new Nord Grand, Clavia has joined hands with Japanese piano company Kawai, to come up with an action that will appeal more to the piano purists. The Clavia Nord Grand has a simplistic design, doesn’t come with a pitch bend or mod wheel, and has minimum onboard displays and controls.
Piano Action
The new hammer action on this Nord Grand piano is heavier and has a more piano-like feel. The white key coverings (named ‘Ivory Touch’ by Nord) feel great. The triple sensors that track hammer movement across the keyboard provides a very authentic piano like experience.
Sounds
The Nord Grand comes with a huge collection of sounds, suitable for every situation. Lifelike acoustic pianos, Nord’s famed sample library, and ore.
The keyboard also provides a range of sound-shaping and editing options – seamless transitions, keyboard splits (seven split points with crossfades) and layers. Additional onboard controls allows further manipulation of sounds. A three-band EQ and a selection of piano filters further adds character to acoustic and electric pianos.
You can also connect the included Nord Triple Pedal for a more authentic piano playing experience.
Verdict
Overall, Nord Grand has a great action, editing and layering sounds is easy, its easy to move from realistic acoustic sounds to experimental ones. Its expensive and a bit heavy, but if you want an immersive piano experience, you should consider Nord Grand.
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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