Pros and Cons
A step forward with each generation — Clavia’s new stage piano makes no exception. Although the Nord Piano 5 is virtually indistinguishable from its predecessor, it benefits from the technical improvements and new features of the latest Nord Stage model.
However, if you are upgrading from a Nord Piano 4, you may need to temper your enthusiasm as you will not be able to load old sound programs into the new model. This is because the Nord Piano 5 has a structurally new engine, which unfortunately does not guarantee upward compatibility.
Fortunately, you can at least transfer all samples 1:1 to the new model. And thanks to the easy operation of the Nord Piano 5, the sound programs should be restored in no time at all. In addition, you can look forward to using completely new functions – especially the sound options benefit from more storage space, layer A/B, and crossfade split functions. In short, the Nord Piano 5 is definitely worth a closer look.
The most striking new feature is that the Nord Piano 5 is now available in both a 73-key and an 88-key version. The hammer-action keyboard with triple-sensor technology (without let-off simulation) has a good grip and well-balanced weighting. Surprisingly, the keyboard feels smooth and easy to play. While piano purists might have their reservations, the keyboard is a well-executed compromise, especially since the Nord Piano 5 offers more than just acoustic piano sounds.
Digital pianos and vintage keyboards are equally important here – the keyboard makes them all a joy to play. I also like that the keyboard responds very directly, which is great for playing vintage piano sounds. Depressing the keys makes a relatively loud noise, but this shouldn’t bother anyone in a live setting. It’s a real shame that the keyboard doesn’t have an Ebony/Ivory Feel finish – you’d expect it in this price range.
In more ways than one, the Nord Piano 5 is a clear winner in this discipline. The piano and sample sections have twice the memory of the Nord Piano 4. With the Nord Piano 5, this means even more XL sounds with greater detail, expressiveness, and nuance — in short, more playing fun!
Additionally, new functions further enhance the playing and sound experience. Previously, you had to combine the piano section and sample synth to create layer sounds, but now both sections are available twice. Want to layer an acoustic and digital piano in the piano section with a pad sound from the sample synth? That’s no problem at all. What about using a different pad sound? Here it is. Also really neat: For a change of pace, you can use the extended KB split and let the sounds fade into each other.
Just like the Nord Stage and Nord Electro, the Nord Piano 5 puts sound first. After all, all these Nord instruments use the same sound libraries. And in this respect, the Nord Stage, Nord Electro, and Nord Piano are way ahead of the competition.
Each sound section has its own sound library. The Nord Piano Library contains all the sounds for the piano section, while the Nord Sample Library is for the sample synth. The fact that these sound libraries are constantly being expanded and are free of charge to Nord users is a real plus. Anyone who buys a Nord instrument today has access to everything that has ever been released for these instruments – and that’s a lot.
The only disadvantage is that not all sounds fit into the internal memory at the same time. However, this is where the next big advantage of Nord instruments comes into play: The Nord Sound Manager software lets you organize the sounds according to your own ideas so that you can compile your favorites from the entire pool.
In principle, you only need to do this once, as the sounds are ready to play every time you switch on the instrument. Of course, nothing is stopping you from creating different setups – for different band projects, for example – and transferring them to the Nord Piano 5 as needed. A small note: A USB to Device port would be very useful for this purpose. Why Clavia stubbornly ignores this feature is beyond me – even entry-level digital pianos that cost a fraction of the price of a Nord Piano 5 offer this feature.
The Nord Piano 5 comes with a selection of sounds already stored in the instrument. You can save this factory setting to your computer using the Sound Manager. Like all sounds, however, it is also available as a free download from the manufacturer’s website.
The acoustic pianos are divided into Grand and Upright categories. An excellent selection – from the brilliant grand concert piano to the small upright, everything is included. What always impresses me about Nord pianos is the richness and vibrancy of the piano sound. Unlike the top dogs of the genre, Nord piano sounds have many subtleties – including rough edges – that give the sounds their individual charm. The richness of detail and authenticity of these sounds is correspondingly high. Top marks!
The Timbre feature is new to the piano section and offers different filter presets depending on the sound category. This is not comparable to a simple EQ, as it is more complex and affects the dynamic behavior of the sound. It truly changes the expressiveness of a sound. You can also turn on/off string resonance, key-off effect (soft release), and pedal noise.
While the additional sounds are nice to have on many digital pianos, this section is much more important for stage pianos. After all, a live performance requires more than just great piano sounds; you also need quality synthesizer, pad, orchestral, and lead sounds.
The Nord Piano 5 comes with a wide range of string ensembles from orchestra pit to transistor electronics. Not to mention the tape-loop strings from the original Mellotron archive. But there is much, much more to discover if you take a look at the entire Nord sample library. Here, too, you will find great attention to detail – simply fantastic!
The sample synth functions easily let you modify the sounds. Nothing for synth freaks, but all the more practical for those who want to quickly play well-rounded sounds and customize them in a few simple steps. One small point of criticism: The Timbre feature is fine, but for my taste, a simple cutoff control would have done the trick.
The latest addition to the Nord Piano Library is a felt piano, making Nord one of the first digital piano manufacturers to finally offer this charming piano sound. Not only is the sound absolutely perfect, it has been optimized for live performances. The clatter of the action is not overly emphasized (which would be distracting in a live performance anyway) – the focus is on the characteristic sound of a felt damper grand piano.
In addition, timbre filters allow you to vary the excellent dynamic expression between super smooth and expressive. A really nice sound with a great tone.
Another strong point of the Nord Piano 5: Electric pianos and vintage keyboards, represented by the ELECTRIC, CLAV and DIGITAL categories. Like the acoustic pianos, the digital pianos also bear the Nord signature: Lively, realistic, dynamic sounds that are simply a joy to play. Whether you prefer the jazzy, soulful, or funky sounds of a Fender Rhodes or a rocking Wurlitzer, you’ll find it all here in the highest quality. The sounds are not only impressive in terms of sound quality but also in terms of playability and articulation. Additionally, there are vintage digital pianos from the 1990s, including numerous DX-7 FM pianos, as well as the wiry sounds of the Roland MKS-20/RD-1000 and, while we’re on the subject of wiry, Clavinet sounds.
It’s great that you also get all the effects you need for authentic vintage keyboard sounds, including amp simulations, phasers, choruses, flangers, wahs, tremolos, and pan modulation. While sound, quality, and selection are also outstanding here, the control options are unfortunately somewhat limited. But the focus here is clearly on easy and fast handling because at some point you’re…
To make sure everything runs smoothly, the Nord Piano 5 has a sophisticated system of settings. For instance, you can save and recall the entire control panel as a patch. 400 memory slots may seem like a lot, but if you really want to go wild, go ahead!
For spontaneous use, there is also a Live Mode, just like in Stage. Here you can save up to five temporary settings to keep while you play. Especially when you have to deal with unexpected changes in the live program, Live Mode is a blessing.
The Nord Piano 5 is easy to use and offers great flexibility. Be it the realistic sounds and effects or the settings in the Edit menu, you can manage everything in no time at all – it’s always pleasantly clear. However, if you are looking for a way to control external devices separately, you will be disappointed. The Nord Piano 5 has no MIDI zone.
There are certainly some points to criticize about the Nord Piano 5. For example, the limited editing options for the (actually great-sounding) effects, the lack of a MIDI control zone for external devices, and the fact that you might expect a keyboard with an ebony/ivory feel. At least there’s a USB to Device port so that you can always have all your sound sets on a USB flash drive if you are working on various music projects.
However, if you are looking for quality, choice, and sound options, then the Nord Piano 5 is the instrument for you. Obviously, sound is a matter of taste. But when it comes to authenticity, variety, and piano sounds with vibrant character and playability, Nord clearly takes the cake.
Playing these sounds at a live gig is a real pleasure. And you can tweak the effects directly – you can get to grips with everything very quickly and easily. With the new layer function, the Nord Piano 5 is now also the perfect alternative for those who can do without the organ and synth sections of the Nord Stage.
Release date: 06.2021
Keyboard: Triple sensor hammer action
Polyphony: 120 voices
Memory: 2 GB (Piano), 1 GB (Sample Synth)
Manufacturer/Distributor: Clavia/Sound Service
Pros and Cons
Jörg Sunderkötter
If you are looking for quality, choice, and sound options, then the Nord Piano 5 is the instrument for you. Obviously, sound is a matter of taste. But when it comes to authenticity, variety, and piano sounds with vibrant character and playability, Nord clearly takes the cake.
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