Nord Stage 4 The Problem with 73 Keys

Here is a solution to the biggest problem with 73 key keyboards

[@manuvanos]

This is definitely a you problem and not a Nord problem

[@matthewgaines10]

You could’ve gotten an 88 key unit. They can’t make everything for everyone. Somebody is going to be unhappy. It might as well be you.

[@jordanbrant6648]

Right like I just rolled my eyes immediately😂if you cared that much you would have just bought an 88 for $6,000

[@jjptech]

Still not answering why it starts at E instead at C

[@jjptech]

Portability*

[@hieu1807]

​@@jjptech A typical 4 string bass starts from E, so the 73 key Nord would fit into most typical bands' need. Also most keyboardists would utilize the upper register section more than the lower in the band. If your band is suffering from the bassist shortage syndrome, then get an 88 to cover the full dynamic range since your band doesn't have to split the money with the bassist anyway.

[@seanychenav]

The lowest bass note of E1 is consistent with typical 4-string bass’s lowest note. Going lower would be 5-string bass with B0 as the lowest note, and the 88 key is pretty much fills that need. The Nord Stage is meant to be a live band gear, so that’s probably why Nord went this route with the 73 keys, for the typical bands who play music that can be represented by 4-string basses. Seems like you need the 88 key version, and the extra length of the Nord Stage 88 is not as painful to deal with, since it fits into some 76-key hard case.

[@ottawabarnburners]

basically, 73 key is for playing with a band where there is a bass player and you don't need to hit those low notes

[@jjptech]

-Finally someone makes a call out about it!!. -As far as I understand the 73 starting from E is for historic reasons, first they where only able to start at C, then the technology improved to make it down to E, then the 88 key did born, I hear that there are even 96 keys Pianos but the lower registers become useless. **Another point to add to the 73-E nonsensical arrangement, is that when you transpose the keyboard, you lost the lower keys from Ab to E that doesn't exist in an 88 keys -The reason why nord won't make this change is because Fatar is the company that makes the keybed of nord keyboards, and up to this point, fatar got stuck to the 73-E arrangement. -For me the Korg Key arrangement makes more sense to me because the Lowest A is way too low, to the point that it became like an ornament at the end of a song. -Still I would prefer something like a 73-76 but with starting with the lower A of an 88 and ending one octave before an 88 keys. For my the higher notes are useless, too high pitched for the music I make. -But, different from you, I would love to have a Fully Whighted keys.

[@frankmangum7208]

Thanks! I'm sick of having to transpose my 73. The roots are more important than useless high notes.

[@jjptech]

@@frankmangum7208 For many styles and instruments... Yes it does.

[@fizgak]

More rock/pop/blues songs are in E than C. This is likely why they went with E. And anyway you're getting the compact version, you're ALWAYS going to have to make sacrifices, especially when splitting the keyboard. This is for live players in a BAND.

[@Kyubiwan]

A0-E7 is *80* keys, not 79. But - yes. I totally concur with the problems that you mention/describe here in this video. In the 2000s - early 2010s, Casio made a handful of 73-key keyboards with a neat C1-C7 range, and none of them have "excessively long edges" at their sides. But unfortunately, pretty much all of them have died out now. CME made some 76-key keyboards with an A0-C7 range. But even those seem to have faded away. Now we are stuck with the stupid E1-E7 / E1-G7 ranges. I'd say that - C1-C7 / A0-C7 ranges could be quite beneficial for most musical styles, except for classical etc in which only 88-key keyboards/pianos would be sufficient (Indeed, even some of my "virtuoso-style" covers of non-classical works strictly use/require a full 88-key range).

[@michaelfenemore1168]

I totally agree with you. I’m going to hang on to my Krome EX forever. I hate 76- and most 73-key boards. I’m always reaching for C which isn’t there. If you tune down an octave, you end up with five useless keys at the bottom. On the Krome, I never miss the A or B below C. Manufacturers respond to the market. If people don’t buy them, they won’t make them. I’m guessing the Korg 73-key layout is not more popular simply because most players have never tried it. Once you’re accustomed to playing a Korg-style 73-key board, it makes it hard to buy any other board.

[@ispianist]

For me this is perfect. Everyone is different i guess. Nord is replicating just like the Rhodes electric piano.

[@dougbrewer4133]

I strongly agree with almost everything you said. Boards with 73 keys need to go lower instead of higher, adding extra keys at the bottom end instead of at the top, so you were absolutely correct to identify the Korg Krome as possibly the only 73 key option which gets it right by going from C1 to C7 instead of the traditional E1 to E7. Like you, I also often find myself looking for extra keys at the bottom end, especially when playing solo with no bass player, so C1 to C7 is much better than E1 to E7. However, as you also rightly point out, one reason for dropping from 88 to 73 keys is for the increased storability and portability created by reducing the length of the keyboard, so Korg messed up big time when they unnecessarily added 5 inches back onto the left hand end of the Krome by placing the joystick at the end instead of above / behind the keys with all the other controls. Roland made the same mistake with their RD64 - reducing the keyboard length to just 64 keys, but then adding 5 or 6 inches back onto the length by adding a few controls onto the left hand end, making it as long as most 73 key models, thereby losing one of the main benefits of cutting down to 64 keys in the first place! The only point where I differ with your assessment is that B0 (B Zero) is low enough for most people. No need for A0 (A Zero) and A0#. The lowest note on a 5 or 6 string bass guitar is B0, so 78 keys from B0 to E7 should also be a big enough range for most keyboard players. I look forward to seeing all of the major keyboard companies read our discussion and change their standard keyboard configurations as a result - to either 73 keys (C1 to C7) or 78 keys (B0 to E7). The latter option should replace 88 keys as the new maximum standard number of keys on a portable digital piano / keyboard.

[@frankmangum7208]

You're the man. You explained it better than I did!

[@Kyubiwan]

Or 78 (C1-F7) could also be good. Helpful for playing Beethoven/Chopin.

[@johnplayer4621]

73 keys from C to C is absolutely bullshit. Nobody plays in C in pop and rock music. C is for beginners who are afraid of the black keys. I have the Nord Stage 4 HA73 and I‘m glad that it starts from E. That’s the problem with all the 61-keys -keyboards. The all are from C to C so that I never have 5 octaves available because I never play in C.

[@jjptech]

That is YOUR approach to music, not everyone's approach

[@LoveLiveMusicTheory]

*I* like the C-C 73 key keyboard...

[@conan5885]

and here I was thinking it was something physically wrong with the keys... unless you're a classical pianist, i don't really think that should be that hard to adjust... For me, it would probably be like the last concern to worry about. Im pretty sure everyone has a preference, but one needs to adjust to what's available, and for the quality Nord offers... i only wish i had those "problems" when i started in the late 80s

[@frankmangum5372]

Yeah well I had those problems in the 80's. And it pissed me off then too.

[@amirprog]

I understand your prefernce, you need the 88 version or sell it and buy something else if if semi weighted is that important to you, you should have know before buying such expensive item, can't havd it all..., you know its not custom made... Moreover, imo as stage 2 owner, the pitch bend placement on top suck bad. Really not ergonomic. I would prefer it on the side, much more comfortable, also, regular pitch wheel design or stick would be more comfortable. Sitting too close to the keys and bending over is a big no no for the spine.

[@hmoore76]

I'd prefer the 76 keys (E to G like Yamaha does it), but only need more keys below when there is no bassist.

[@Noorontwowheels]

Beautiful video good information ❤❤❤❤

[@davidmurphy5647]

i hear ya. but...my left hand does not matter to me- i'm a right hand speed demon. solo city. i need that upper register. i love my roland A-50 (i have several)...76 keys, semi-weighted. and btw, awesome set of boards. i want that 106. that's sweet!! i used to have one. had to toss it. it was done. but i had the exact sound from the intro to "won't get fooled again". i had it at A11. does yours have that somewhere?

[@frankmangum5372]

A 79 would give you everything you have on your 76. Plus all the roots. I'll get back to you on the Juno 106.

[@GospelMusic4Life]

Korg Krome 2024 would be a hot seller.

[@vincentsuazo3499]

Frank good point From A to E 7 .how can we make Nord to do that?

[@frankmangum5372]

I don't know! Call them or something. I am so tired of transposing my keyboard.

[@frankmangum7208]

Well we have to talk to Fatar, since they make the keybed for Nord!

[@franklinhart2056]

Who plays that low? Who's your bassist?

[@frankmangum5372]

Well you have to be careful with your low end. There are other members in the band

[@pluriversus]

And about 68 Keys like Dexibell Vivo S1?

[@caridell]

Frank I found you on KZbin. I'm uploading videos of our band Timepeace from 1997 in Austin, TX at the Steamboat on 6th Street. I sent you a link of you playing, "Milford, Delaware". Our friend videoed that night.

[@frankmangum5372]

OMG! So good to hear from you. I'm glad you are doing well. I listened to some of your new tracks. Very nice! Keep singing!!!

[@caridell]

My contact info is on my website.

[@michaelhagglund7136]

Nord doesn't make their own keybeds, they use Fatar keybeds, except for The Grand. So, unless Fatar decides to offer it, it ain't happening.

[@davlippo7]

Well after reading all the comments this is why they make an 88 key version and so you have to use that if you want all the notes. I'm sure a million surveys and years upon years of conversation has gone into such a design consideration. "They" must think it's not required.

[@jjptech]

Nope

[@vincentsuazo3499]

79 keys from A to E for pianist that do not have room or organist that want more.

[@frankmangum5372]

Yeah I just need the roots, and still get the highs

[@LoveLiveMusicTheory]

That's *80* keys, not 79.

[@vincentsuazo3499]

Yes i agree 79 keys . Nord can you make 79 for pianist and keyboardist?

[@frankmangum5372]

Thanks right!

[@Kyubiwan]

That's 80, not 79

[@nelsonramos208]

Your right

[@davidjemison9480]

Its better to just get the 88 keys sir. Musicians adapt we can't have everything lol

[@jessecohen1]

Ehh I actually think 73 is great, i noticed in my own playing, I rarely play notes under F1

[@vincentsuazo3499]

Please, 79 keys no one have done et befor.

[@frankmangum5372]

I know right!!!

[@Kyubiwan]

It's 80, not 79.

[@sertyfy]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@imandan1966]

Ridiculous video