Nord Keyboard Pipe Organ Secrets: Demo and Tutorial

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The Nord keyboard pipe organ emulation is amazing with the Nord Electro 5, Nord Electro 6, and the Nord Stage 3. In this video, we take things a step further by layering a sampled pipe organ on top of the standard pipe organ to create some more advanced soundscapes and options you may not have first realized.
You'll see a demonstration/ tutorial of the pipe organ using the Nord Electro 6 and the Nord Stage 3 keyboard. Also covered will be a brief review of "dynamics" and reverb used. A couple of different organ drawbars settings are investigated along with a tutorial on how organ preset 1 and preset 2 works on each of the keyboards.
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Marc
Credits:
The video that inspired this video lesson/tutorial/training: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJnZmZmfeL6Kock (starts at: 13:07)
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[@canyoubelievethis220]

In case anyone hasn't told you lately ... you are sick!!!!!!!!! The last two minutes of the video proved that all of my goose bumps were working. Can't wait to hear more of your videos. Thank you so much for taking the time to share. So, so much appreciated!

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hello @Know Me - that is very nice of you to say. Glad you like the videos! There is quite a bit of content online, and even more, if you take a look at the free and paid course available at www.MyKeysToMusic.com. Thanks for watching, and enjoy your Nord board!

[@John-we7jx]

Great video - I am looking for a keyboard to learn pipe organ on and this was very helpful. I have listened to a lot of pipe organ music, live and recorded , and think the Nord sound very respectable. As you noted there is a huge variation of sound between pipe organs so don’t really understand disparaging comments on the Nord reproduction.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hey John. Thanks for the comment here. I agree with what you are saying here. Although the Nord boards don't fully represent every aspect of pipe organ reproduction, they do offer a good starting point. Also considering the many drawbar combinations, there is a wide variety to be had. Good luck on your learning journey. I have to admit, I don't often get people leaving comments who are "learning the pipe organ" - I believe this is a unique calling! 👌

[@noiselabproject9659]

After being a Guitar n Synth Guy for many years am soooo glad I got an electro 6 earlier this year as my first non Synth keyboard. Its now become my new fave toy along with my DSI Prophet Rev 2 bought a few months before, between them they cover so much ground and ooze hands on quality too

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hey Noiselab Project! Great to know the Nord E6 is fitting in nicely with the rest of your gear. It really has a lot of flexibility and some great sounds too - especially on the electromechanical side of things. That Prophet looks amazing but I haven't really explored it deeply. A friend of mine who owns a studio in NH swears by the Prophet 6. Thanks for watching!

[@noiselabproject9659]

@@MyKeysToMusic would like the more old school style Prophet 6 or the OB6 also from DSI (Sequental) but they are really expensive, aye

[@noiselabproject9659]

and once I had pimped out my E6 via the online sample libries I was amazed how cool that bit was for Orchestral and String Machines ..... now I rarely need to bother booting up my Kontakt vst for its sample libraries either, yeahy

[@MyKeysToMusic]

I noticed they are quite a bit more expensive in fact. I find it very interesting that so many years after the initial release of the first synths, the marketplace continues to go ga ga over them here in 2019. It goes to show you that the human has a fascination with raw sound design that can lead to making music.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

No matter how advanced the world of computers get with VSTs, there appears to be a never-ending attraction to having an actual device with knobs, buttons and switches for sound creation.

[@TheJohnPersson]

These pipe organs are EXTREMELEY unrealisic. I wonder why they didnt use the nord C2D pipe in the electro and stage models with real sampled organ stops. A stop can only be in all the way or out all the way on a pipe organ. This hammond-style with being able to pull stops out half way is just weird..

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@John Persson Thanks for the comment here. I've gotten feedback here agreeing with you on this (the sound). I think the label of "pipe organ" is a bit of a misnomer as the settings are limited and not in the spirit of a real pipe organ. Perhaps this feature was just a way to get a basic (generic) pipe organ-like sound in the hands of those who find themselves in a worship setting often with their Nord keyboard. Nord is meticulous in imitating the B3, but imitating a pipe organ is a different animal altogether. So, thanks for the comment!

[@ldifalco2010]

The preset button not seamlessly transitioning is exactly how an organ stop would work. For example, on a real Hammond B3 organ, pressing the white on black keys (presets) results in the same manner. The sound of the notes being played will change the moment a preset is selected. I'm sure it's purposely part of the modeling algorithm. But your point is taken. And as I have mentioned in your posts before, Nord failed to include the Cancel drawbar 9 feature within the E6 for some reason so their B3 model is not 100 percent accurate. What would be nice in a future update would be to add the option for seamless transition of the organ preset in the system menu (but don't hold your breath :) ) Great video as always.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hi Lou! I'm always impressed with your knowledge in these areas so let me first say thank you for your comments. I figured there was a good reason for the feature to work as it does and considering seamless transitions is relatively new, perhaps it was never even considered for use with the presets. I think I lump this kind of thinking with other features they provide in the organ area which don't necessarily line up with traditional emulation such as the ability to add a sustain pedal and a pitch bend to the organ engine (Stage 3). So, I agree, would love the choice to have seamless transitions for organ presets just as they do with the programs. But, like you, not holding my breath and we'll live without this feature :) It seems to me the cancel drawbar 9 would be fairly easy for them to provide in an update...

[@Anthony.Oboist.Pianist]

Do you know much about purchasing pipe organ sounds through Synthonia? I’m looking to buy a nord stage 3 for pipe organ use at church

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@Anthony Bucci Radogna I don't much about the pipe organ packs but their demos sound good. I assume you are talking about these?: www.synthonia.com/marketplace/nord-keyboards-bundle-pipes-and-samples-grand-church-organ-detail Here is a video I've done on my experience purchasing another pack from that same company if you want to get an idea of the process: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWXZend7nrCil9U

[@teashea1]

So well done. The Nord does well in this regard.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Thanks Thomas! Nice to hear from you - been a while.

[@bdmax17]

Hi Marc, thanks for this video! I have been looking for a good pipe organ sound as I never really used any pipe settings so I do appreciate this video. Thanks again 👍

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hey Ben. So happy the video helped get you started with the Pipe Organ. As I have quickly learned here over the last couple of days thanks to the good comments from the people watching this video, there is a LOT more to the pipe organ than people first realize. You could easily have an entire series of videos just going over all the aspects of pipe organ usage, history, and modern emulation techniques. Thanks for stopping by.

[@monsterjazzlicks]

I totally dismissed the Electro 6D Pipe Organ but you have actually inspired me to investigate it now! I'm still working my way through your excellent paid-for tutorial series which is excellent! Cheers, Paul Seaman

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hey Paul! Yes, you should check out the pipe organ! It's one of those things I originally discounted at first too.

[@monsterjazzlicks]

Marc, once you create a PRESET, it remains in place for the two Pipes and the B3 - whilst you cycle through the Organ engine models.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@@monsterjazzlicks Good tip Paul!

[@germanshepherdlover2613]

Goosebumps time, those pipe organs ❤ Subscribed. Are the pipe organ sounds in the Electro 6 the same as the stage 3?

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@pidmjproductions986]

Great video!!!

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Glad you like it!

[@stewartpaxton5260]

Hey Marc! First of all thanks as always for your informative videos, and hey though you say you’re “not a particular fan of the pipe organ but more a synth guy of the 80’s”, well - you can always use that sound for the intro of George Michael’s “Faith”, I’ve recently employed this same sound as we’re currently rehearsing the song! Cheers!

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Thanks for your comment Stewart and good of you to mention the beginning of the song "Faith" which I just re-listened to now on Spotify. Man, that song has a great beginning and a snap to imitate with the Nord. Thanks for stopping by!

[@MRFThorne]

Great presentation, Marc. It is easy to overlook that you have the Cathedral Organ 2 and 3 options in the built-in Sample library with the Nord Stage 3, which instantly adds so much flexibility to the pipe organ sound. Did I hear a snippet of the Phantom of the Opera at the end there? :) Best wishes, Mark

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hi Mark! The power of the sampler player in the Nord keyboards combined with either of the other engines produces real magic at times. So, I wanted to take a moment and surface that fact to more users. And yes, that snippet at the end was from Phantom. I couldn't resist giving a nod to that particular piece haha. 💪 Thanks for your comment!

[@SDG51]

I am commenting for your algorithm. You are awesome.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Thank you! Appreciate that 👍🎹

[@sadrand]

Hey Mark. I have an Electro 6 and really enjoying your lessons. I have a question. I can’t seem to get the reverb to work with the organ engine. It works fine with the piano and synth engines but not the organ (no matter which organ is chosen). I must have something set wrong but I can’t figure out what. Any ideas?

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hello sadrand. Did you change the output routing? Go to system settings on your keyboard and go to page 6 out of 14 on the display. If you set your Global Output routing to L = Main and R = Organ, then reverb on the organ will not work unless the rotary speaker is on and then you are only getting a reflection of the reverb. Try changing the settings for the output routing mode back to "Stereo" instead and test that. Please report back. By the way, I believe this is by design.

[@sadrand]

My Keys To Music Yep, that was it. Thanks so much, I would never have figured that out on my own.

[@sadrand]

MeTechie Thanks. I am currently about halfway through “Mastering the Nord Electro 6.” It’s an incredibly thorough course and it’s been very helpful. Thanks again!

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@@sadrand ​ @sadrand Glad to hear you worked this out! Have with your Nord. If you want to go all the way you can consider the lessons at www.MyKeysToMusic.com. Either way, I'll continue with the content here on KZbin on related topics. Thanks for stopping by!

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@@sadrand Terrific! Thank you so much for being a student. Ya, I wasn't sure because the KZbin names are different than the actual student names in the course sometimes. So thanks for the update and glad the course has been helpful!

[@kempez2]

Great video thanks. Do you know how the LED drawbars on the HP electro behave with preset 1 and 2? Are they the same as the Stage 3 LED drawbars or do you need to hold it down like the physical drawbars on the electro D model?

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Great question @Paul Kemp There's a distinct advantage with the digital drawbars in that you don't have to hold anything. You simply navigate to preset one and make your changes. Then you navigate to preset two and make your changes. There's nothing to hold and no monkey business. If I could have a Stage 3 compact with digital drawbars, that would be ideal.

[@MrNot4saken]

Great sound just imagine what you could do with the nord stage 3 2 slots for organ and 2 slots for synth /sample section

[@MrNot4saken]

now I see you using the stage

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@@MrNot4saken Yes, that combo would be interesting (and powerful). And what I like is that the organ engines don't use any polyphony from the stack. Nice to hear from you David.

[@kaykayco]

Hi Marc. Thanks as usual for your help. As you may have guessed, Im pretty new to the Nord . Another question I have. I want to move the Organ engine output to come out of Channel 3 or 4 . At the moment it is coming out of the default Channel 1 in the output. I have bassline split coming out of Channel 3 and then Synth and Piano engines coming out of Channel 4. Just wanted to get the Organ engine also out of Channel 4. Thanks, Kaykay

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hi Kaykay. Thanks for your question. Is it possible for you to break down what you'd like by panel by filling in the "x" values below for me? If you can describe it like this, it would be easier for me to understand and to see if it's possible: *Panel A* Organ (output channel x) Piano (output channel x) Synth (output channel x) *Panel B* Organ (output channel x) Piano (output channel x) Synth (output channel x) Thanks! Marc

[@MrNot4saken]

Great Video

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Thanks David!

[@reksubbn3961]

My son has a Nord Stage 3. I am particularly interested in the Pipe organ sounds. Does this tutorial apply to the Stage 3? Thanks. Haha. You just changed to the Stage 3 while I was watching. Cheers.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hello - thanks for the comment. Yes, it's nice to have some pipe organ options for the Stage 3 as well as the Nord Electros. My only side comment to this is to say that some people have been critical when it comes to pipe organ sounds on most keyboards - especially if that person comes from a background of playing traditional, "real" pipe organs. The idea is that keyboard manufacturers typically represent the classic and often over-used "all stops out" type of voicings (demonstrated here as well). Yet, this is only one of many options available on a real pipe organ and some are frustrated by this fact. But in the end, people in worship settings tend to favor the Nord Stage simply because it can provide traditional pipe organ sounds as well as other sounds used in gospel (B3). At the same time, a Nord Stage 3 can provide "inspirational synth sounds/pads/backdrops" from the synth engine while the player can introduce a strong piano melody over the top. One such example is this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4GVk6F3pa57mK8 Good luck on your research!

[@reksubbn3961]

@@MyKeysToMusic yes I have heard the negative comments. But not too many churches have pipe organs and most modern churches require a large range of sounds. I am in a more traditional church, although their musical style is expanding (largely due to me!) It has fantastic speakers but a very limited keyboard. The Nord stage 3 sounds perfect but way too complicated for me to take full advantage in my life time. I am very excited with these options! Thanks so much.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@reksubbn Hope all is well and sorry for the delay here. Yes, the Stage 3 is used a LOT in worship settings all over the world for the same reasons you've mentioned above. Cheers!

[@reksubbn3961]

Hello again Mark. I was looking at my Synth preset organ sounds and noted that my G13 setting was empty whereas others on KZbin had a Cathedral organ option. Are there additional sounds that I need to download? ( The cathedral organ option appears to be included as a layer in other settings) Cheers.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@reksubbn sorry for the delay on this response here. I may have swapped the sample around prior to making that video which could explain the difference.

[@twelverighteousmen1469]

@@MyKeysToMusic thanks. Yes starting to work out how to store settings in Song mode. Still a bit vague on the storing Live settings. Maybe I just need to read the instructions! Do you have a video explaining the LIVE settings? Thanks

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@@twelverighteousmen1469 Glad to know you are making things happen! I have a video on LIVE settings in the full course called "Master the Nord Stage 3" but not on KZbin.

[@pidmjproductions986]

Can you add a choir sound to that? On the Rolands, Korgs and others you have more multitimbral options etc....

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Phil, I think the short answer to your question is yes. You could add a choir on the second synth on Panel B and mix the two panels. What Nord needs is like 4 panels so we’re can blend up to 4 synth/samples at the same time. Gotta keep dreaming. Maybe with the Nord Stage 4 someday??

[@LuisFlores-xr5bu]

There are some pretty cool church organs in the Nord User Forum, if you can´t find them, reply me

[@diegocavallaro4749]

Hi, these sound are also in Nord Electro 6 HP?

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hi Diego! Yes, the sounds you heard in this video above are all available for the Nord Electro 6HP. In fact, they work with any Electro 5 or 6 for that matter.

[@pidmjproductions986]

Fantastic:

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hi Phil! Thank you...

[@MrNot4saken]

you could also morph the stops on thee organ

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Yes, morphing the drawbars is also a neat feature that I don't often talk about. It is mentioned in the video I reference w however. Thanks for the reminder on that!

[@jeromegodelle8759]

I am very sorry because It doesn't seem to sound like a real pipe organ, never, on any of your configurations. I am wondering if you are advertising for Nord? Nord makes very good products with many interesting sounds. But synth pipe organs are so far from real church organs!!

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@ Jérôme Godelle Thanks for your comment. Well, I'm not affiliated with Nord at all and at this point I'm not even sure the manufacturer has knowledge that I do these videos. But I have decided that Nord keyboards and related keyboard tech is my main focus for the KZbin channel. As far as pipe organs go, I agree that there's is nothing like a real pipe organ and no keyboard is going to come close. And I'll go a step further and say no two "real" pipe organs sound the same to begin with. So, I don't believe the point of this video was to say that Nord has created the best, most authentic pipe organ ever heard. Rather I wanted to explore a technique that takes advantage of both the pipe organ in the organ engine combined with a pipe organ sample to provide a thicker, more enriched sound with these items working together. Hope that explains things. I have watched many videos on some of the world's greatest pipe organs and I'm so impressed with the craft and ultimately the sound they make which is in large part a product of not only the organ itself but the hall it'splayed in.

[@arikast5157]

I agree... Nord's pipe organs are surprisingly bad, given how good their other sounds are (piano, EP). And everyone seems to think pipe organs are just about the loud brassy wedding march sounds, completely overlooking the beauty of the flute stops, especially on the attack when you hear the flue first opening. Many excellent organ emulators exist, but sadly Nord isn't one of them. I remember being impressed by the Hammond pipe organ emulation in a store once, completely synthesized (no samples). Dunno why Nord can't do similar.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@@arikast5157 Agree. It appears that the type of pipe that is being emulated here is the brassy/wedding march type for the most part. And although you can adjust the drawbars, the fundamental sound, in the end, is the same. It would be interesting to see more emphasis on emulating the various timbres and the many organ stops available for a traditional large pipe organ providing a wider variety of effects and options. This is especially important given that Nord keyboards are used so heavily in worship environments (or at least that the impression I get from many people here on the channel). Dreaming here for a second, if you had the option to select "pipe organ" on the Nord, there could be a selector to list another 30+ options within that representing perhaps a variety of popular stop combinations and options for flue first opening ad stuff like that. Perhaps they had to draw the line somewhere as to what their main focus would be. Now it does make sense that Hammond would be the ones to have the best emulation since that is their main thing. Nord keys do cover a lot more ground (piano, EP, Synth, Samples) but it would nice to enhance offerings for the pipe a bit beyond the two they provide today on the Electro 6 and Stage 3. Thanks for your comment!