Considering changing my piano 5 for a Nord stage 3 or 4. You have really given me ALOT of information to help me make my decision. I love my piano 5 but the sample synth sounds of organ and even pad and strings are less than what I had expected. Thanks much!
I don't need any of the synth or organ stuff, but the independent effects, spring reverb, & LP/HP filter I'd love to have. I wish they'd made the NP5 with 5 band EQ or at least made the other two bands menu accessible. FYI, if you hit SHIFT & a layer volume knob, you can indeed adjust the piano or sample synth layers simultaneously
I played the Nord Grand the other day and love the Kawai action but the Piano 5 suits my needs more but have never played one and can't find one to play in the shops.....how do they compare action wise? I love how quick and light the Nord grand is to play.
@@germanshepherdlover2613 hi, oddly I didn’t like the action on the Nord Grand. I had one but got rid of it. Funny because I have a real Kawai Grand at home. I like the Nord Piano 5 action quite a bit. It can be a touch sluggish on fast repeats but otherwise very nice to play.
Am I understanding right regarding "Dual pianos"? You say the Stage 3 can't do it, but it can. You press panel A and B together and the two piano engines will sound at the same time. I often use it and set panel B an octave higher to get a fuller sound, but you're free to play two pianos together at the same time. Am I missing something here?
Seems like the way to go is to get the Piano 5 and just use midi controller setup for any missing functionality. You get 80%-85% of the performance...it doesn't seem like its worth double the price for just that last 15%
Thanks for in-depth look. It’s ‘25 now. Could you give couple pros/cons on Stage 4 vs Piano 6? I like more (real) synth engine though I like vibrato on Piano 6 (is it new?). What about keyboards? TNX!
You do realize that Nord Piano 6 was literally just announced yesterday (17 Jan 2025)? It won't even be available in the USA until much, much later this year. No one can comment on it yet since no one has had their hands on it yet (except those who work for Nord) - its not even being distributed to anywhere in the world at this point!
@ of course :) I was looking for voice of experience. i found answers that tru-vibrato and string resonance were available at lest on stage 4. which also has filter and arp, piano 6 does not. so piano 6 trimmed down version to its purpose without crucial advancements.
Could we have a video on Stage 4 MIDI please? I would like to have a laptop running some high end VSTs and integrate them possible in layers with the Nord. Not sure about the potential and possiblities of the Stage 4 - MIDI wise.
I own a Stage 3 (88) and Íve played a Piano 5. I have to say that I have never ever felt such connection between the touch and the sound as with the Piano 5. There is something magic goin on which just makes you want to play, and play, and play for hours…I’m first and foremost a pianist, and for this reason I now consider to sell my Stage3, then buing a Piano 6 and add a Nord Electro 6 for the organs. If you are on the fence between Stage and Piano, just know that if you are playing classical music, the Piano 5 and 6 has MUCH better keybeds than Nord Stage 3/4 (even with the triple sensor keybed now in Stage 4).
Greetings PianoManChuck! Congratulations on acquiring this great Nord Stage 4. Kudos to you for this video and your previous in-depth review with impressive creative performing on this great new Nord. I am still playing my original 88 key Korg Kronos (since 2011). I know that you enjoyed and appreciated that keyboard when it first came out and you acquired it. So now the Korg Kronos is discontinued. Mine is 12 years old and I had been interested in the Nord stage 3 up to last year but wanted to wait for the Nord Stage 4 to come out before I made a decision on my next keyboard. I do want a more real time quick and smooth interaction with the keyboard so that I can avoid menu diving, and this Nord seems to deliver on this superior to other options for live performing. Chuck, is there anything you miss on the Nord that you had on the Kronos? I want to prepare for the change and accept anything that I might miss. Thanks for sharing. Hal
Hi Hal, been a while!! I still have my 2011 Korg Kronos as well. What you need to realize is that the Kronos and the Nord are two very different instruments for two very different purposes. The Kronos is a WORKSTATION where you would take your time to get exactly what you want (with menu diving) so that you can record individual tracks exactly the way you want - this is ideal for a studio setup. The Nord on the other hand is a LIVE PERFORMANCE instrument where you want complete control of everything as quickly as possible without menu diving because you're performing live in realtime in front of an audience (unlike the Kronos where you're doing a track at a time until you have a finished masterpiece). That being said, if given the choice, I'd most likely opt for the Nord because of it being not only a LIVE PERFORMANCE instrument, but when coupled with a DAW you can accomplish the same things you could do with the Kronos as a standalone unit. Aside from that, the Nord has (some of) the best sounding instruments in the industry, not just piano but organ and synth as well (as with some other categories). The Nord is a solid instrument built to withstand the rigors of being on the road.... but overall, the build quality and sound quality are (IMHO) second to none. Additional sounds are a free download away from the Nord website. I think if you decide to take the plunge, you would find that the Nord is one of the best investments you could make not only for sound quality but also for its high resale value. That being said, no - I don't really miss anything on the Kronos by switching over to the Nord, but that's me. PM me if you're interested in purchasing at an awesome price.
@@PianoManChuck Thanks for your very helpful response. I have a bunch of yet-to-be completed song projects lined up and programmed into my Kronos Setlists for recording. I want to complete those first on the Kronos and then I will be sure to contact you before I take the next step. All the best.
Nice comparison Chuck. I have a question though. I have a Stage 3. How is the Piano 5 with two piano engines different than the two panels in the stage 3? I can have panel A set to White Grand and panel B set to another piano sample. Can you explain the difference? Thanks.
Yes, its more affordable because its mainly piano focused (plus sample playback) making it a great stage piano. But if you need excellent tonewheel and other organ sounds and true synthesizer capability, Nord Stage 4 definitely excels!
@@PianoManChuck How about key action? You said, there is no big difference. But it will suit to play some classical things? And it not very noisy? Thank you for your video!
Why do I feel that yours sound better than mine? I set White Grand + Imperial Grand with the reverb (followed your setting) while the sound is the same, but the sustain sounds shorter. Is there any sustain pedal setting that I should look into? NP5
as always, impeccable video chuck, you are simply the best… i think nord has ended the game once and for all, the stage 4 checks all the boxes and has literally all features i have always dreamed of in a keyboard. i was able to test it with headphones and i fell i love with everything, the sound is just so good! really inspiring instrument… i wished i could walk off the store with one in my hands hahaha thanks for the amazing video chuck!
That's exactly how I feel about it! This is the best investment in any keyboard to date (IMHO), and the high resale value puts it ahead of all other instruments!
@@PianoManChuck exactly! completely agree with your words Chuck, indeed its the best investment i can think of. its all a keyboardist would ever ask and need! thanks for providing us with top quality content! love from brazil my friend!
And the Stage 4 costs a little over $3000 dollars more than the Piano 5.. Just buy a separate rompler tone wheel, heck even a Kronos 61 and save some money........
Considering changing my piano 5 for a Nord stage 3 or 4. You have really given me ALOT of information to help me make my decision. I love my piano 5 but the sample synth sounds of organ and even pad and strings are less than what I had expected. Thanks much!
I don't need any of the synth or organ stuff, but the independent effects, spring reverb, & LP/HP filter I'd love to have. I wish they'd made the NP5 with 5 band EQ or at least made the other two bands menu accessible. FYI, if you hit SHIFT & a layer volume knob, you can indeed adjust the piano or sample synth layers simultaneously
The best comparison of these 2 keyboards. Thanks
Really sweet video. I hope in future videos you'd play more of the sounds and controls you're talking about ..
Thanks!
Thanks so much for your ongoing support CJ, its very much appreciated! Glad you found this video helpful!!
@@PianoManChuck always great info!thanks!!
Love my Nord Piano 5. The action is good and reliable. Sounds great too. I’d love a Stage 4 but they are pretty pricey.
I played the Nord Grand the other day and love the Kawai action but the Piano 5 suits my needs more but have never played one and can't find one to play in the shops.....how do they compare action wise? I love how quick and light the Nord grand is to play.
@@germanshepherdlover2613 hi, oddly I didn’t like the action on the Nord Grand. I had one but got rid of it. Funny because I have a real Kawai Grand at home. I like the Nord Piano 5 action quite a bit. It can be a touch sluggish on fast repeats but otherwise very nice to play.
@@supersteveworld l find the Nord HP on my Nord stage 3 HP76 action sluggish when playing piano.
@@germanshepherdlover2613 I wouldn’t describe it as heavy just not great at fast repeats etc
@@supersteveworld l found the Nord Grand action to be very fast and responsive.
Love my piano 5! Nice comparison video. Thanks!
Am I understanding right regarding "Dual pianos"? You say the Stage 3 can't do it, but it can. You press panel A and B together and the two piano engines will sound at the same time. I often use it and set panel B an octave higher to get a fuller sound, but you're free to play two pianos together at the same time. Am I missing something here?
I was about to comment this too, I was worried that the np5 did not do dual.
This information is cool... the bad thing is that clavia doesn't post this information on her website!
thanks dear Chuk you always compare side by side with the truth, no bull... thanks again
Very informative. Thanks Chuck.
Seems like the way to go is to get the Piano 5 and just use midi controller setup for any missing functionality. You get 80%-85% of the performance...it doesn't seem like its worth double the price for just that last 15%
Thanks for in-depth look. It’s ‘25 now. Could you give couple pros/cons on Stage 4 vs Piano 6? I like more (real) synth engine though I like vibrato on Piano 6 (is it new?). What about keyboards? TNX!
You do realize that Nord Piano 6 was literally just announced yesterday (17 Jan 2025)? It won't even be available in the USA until much, much later this year. No one can comment on it yet since no one has had their hands on it yet (except those who work for Nord) - its not even being distributed to anywhere in the world at this point!
@ of course :) I was looking for voice of experience. i found answers that tru-vibrato and string resonance were available at lest on stage 4. which also has filter and arp, piano 6 does not.
so piano 6 trimmed down version to its purpose without crucial advancements.
Really really helpful thank you.
Could we have a video on Stage 4 MIDI please? I would like to have a laptop running some high end VSTs and integrate them possible in layers with the Nord. Not sure about the potential and possiblities of the Stage 4 - MIDI wise.
I own a Stage 3 (88) and Íve played a Piano 5. I have to say that I have never ever felt such connection between the touch and the sound as with the Piano 5. There is something magic goin on which just makes you want to play, and play, and play for hours…I’m first and foremost a pianist, and for this reason I now consider to sell my Stage3, then buing a Piano 6 and add a Nord Electro 6 for the organs. If you are on the fence between Stage and Piano, just know that if you are playing classical music, the Piano 5 and 6 has MUCH better keybeds than Nord Stage 3/4 (even with the triple sensor keybed now in Stage 4).
Greetings PianoManChuck! Congratulations on acquiring this great Nord Stage 4. Kudos to you for this video and your previous in-depth review with impressive creative performing on this great new Nord. I am still playing my original 88 key Korg Kronos (since 2011). I know that you enjoyed and appreciated that keyboard when it first came out and you acquired it. So now the Korg Kronos is discontinued. Mine is 12 years old and I had been interested in the Nord stage 3 up to last year but wanted to wait for the Nord Stage 4 to come out before I made a decision on my next keyboard. I do want a more real time quick and smooth interaction with the keyboard so that I can avoid menu diving, and this Nord seems to deliver on this superior to other options for live performing. Chuck, is there anything you miss on the Nord that you had on the Kronos? I want to prepare for the change and accept anything that I might miss. Thanks for sharing. Hal
Hi Hal, been a while!! I still have my 2011 Korg Kronos as well. What you need to realize is that the Kronos and the Nord are two very different instruments for two very different purposes. The Kronos is a WORKSTATION where you would take your time to get exactly what you want (with menu diving) so that you can record individual tracks exactly the way you want - this is ideal for a studio setup. The Nord on the other hand is a LIVE PERFORMANCE instrument where you want complete control of everything as quickly as possible without menu diving because you're performing live in realtime in front of an audience (unlike the Kronos where you're doing a track at a time until you have a finished masterpiece).
That being said, if given the choice, I'd most likely opt for the Nord because of it being not only a LIVE PERFORMANCE instrument, but when coupled with a DAW you can accomplish the same things you could do with the Kronos as a standalone unit. Aside from that, the Nord has (some of) the best sounding instruments in the industry, not just piano but organ and synth as well (as with some other categories). The Nord is a solid instrument built to withstand the rigors of being on the road.... but overall, the build quality and sound quality are (IMHO) second to none. Additional sounds are a free download away from the Nord website. I think if you decide to take the plunge, you would find that the Nord is one of the best investments you could make not only for sound quality but also for its high resale value. That being said, no - I don't really miss anything on the Kronos by switching over to the Nord, but that's me. PM me if you're interested in purchasing at an awesome price.
@@PianoManChuck Thanks for your very helpful response. I have a bunch of yet-to-be completed song projects lined up and programmed into my Kronos Setlists for recording. I want to complete those first on the Kronos and then I will be sure to contact you before I take the next step. All the best.
Grazie Chuck!
Thorough and useful comparision; thanks Chuck. What speakers or monitors do you recommend to use with either digital piano?
Two amazing boards!
I think so too! Hope all is well Tim.
Anyone compare either to the Grand? I've only played the stage 4 and I wasn't wild about the action.
Nice comparison Chuck. I have a question though. I have a Stage 3. How is the Piano 5 with two piano engines different than the two panels in the stage 3? I can have panel A set to White Grand and panel B set to another piano sample. Can you explain the difference? Thanks.
There is no difference
How cool is that?! 😌
I have access to a stage 3 at church, so I been eyeing the Nord piano 5 bc its so much more affordable
Yes, its more affordable because its mainly piano focused (plus sample playback) making it a great stage piano. But if you need excellent tonewheel and other organ sounds and true synthesizer capability, Nord Stage 4 definitely excels!
@@PianoManChuck How about key action? You said, there is no big difference. But it will suit to play some classical things? And it not very noisy? Thank you for your video!
Why do I feel that yours sound better than mine? I set White Grand + Imperial Grand with the reverb (followed your setting) while the sound is the same, but the sustain sounds shorter. Is there any sustain pedal setting that I should look into? NP5
as always, impeccable video chuck, you are simply the best…
i think nord has ended the game once and for all, the stage 4 checks all the boxes and has literally all features i have always dreamed of in a keyboard.
i was able to test it with headphones and i fell i love with everything, the sound is just so good! really inspiring instrument… i wished i could walk off the store with one in my hands hahaha
thanks for the amazing video chuck!
That's exactly how I feel about it! This is the best investment in any keyboard to date (IMHO), and the high resale value puts it ahead of all other instruments!
@@PianoManChuck exactly! completely agree with your words Chuck, indeed its the best investment i can think of.
its all a keyboardist would ever ask and need!
thanks for providing us with top quality content!
love from brazil my friend!
If you’ve got the bread the stage 4 is the way to go.
Chuck - can you do a 9 month review of the Stage 4?
I agree 100%
“The best investment you’ll ever make”. Certainly mine (after proposing to my wife of course …)!
My wife thinks it's a good investment - she sees less of me = boom boom!
John .... she was watching you write that comment right?? :D:D
And the Stage 4 costs a little over $3000 dollars more than the Piano 5.. Just buy a separate rompler tone wheel, heck even a Kronos 61 and save some money........
Thanks!
@MartinPool - Thanks! Glad you found the video useful :)