Few musicians, it seems, would pass up the opportunity to get up close and intimate with a Nord instrument or two — and having played (though never owned) one, it’s not hard to see why.
Beyond the iconic red shells and renowned high build quality and impressive functionality and sounds, what is the real difference between Nord’s four keyboard lines which have piano sounds on board?
We’re looking at The Piano, The Grand, The Stage and The Electro to find out.
Check out the best Nord deals on Reverb
Criteria
We’ll be looking at the current offerings from Nord in each category — that is, the ones they still sell new and consider current.
That is:
- Nord Piano 4
- Nord Piano 5
- Nord Piano 6
- Nord Grand
- Nord Grand 2 (Buy on Amazon)
- Nord Stage 3
- Nord Stage 4
- Nord Electro 5
- Nord Electro 6
- Nord Electro 7
Comparison
Keyboard
Overview
There’s quite a variation in the type of keybed used on piano-capable Nord keyboards, from weighted hammer action which provide the most realistic simulation of a acoustic piano feel, to semi-weighted waterfall keys which are a happy middle-ground on instruments which may also be used for synth and organ playing.
All five models in the current Nord Piano range (Piano 4, Piano 5 in 88 and 73 keys and Piano 6 in 88 and 73 keys) have a weighted hammer action.
The Nord Grands step this up a little with keybeds made by Kawai. The Grand 2 has the latest premium Kawai hammer action keybed, which is likely the most realistic feeling and heaviest keyboard.
The Nord Stage 3 88-key model has a weighted action keyboard, while the 76 key has a “portable” version which is a little lighter in weight, and the compact model has a semi-weighted waterfall style.
On the Nord Stage 4, both 88 and 73 key models have the weighted hammer action while the compact has a semi-weighted keybed.
The Nord Electro HP models (Electro 5 HP, Electro 6 HP 73 and Electro 7 HP 73) have portable hammer action while the 73 and 61 key models have semi-weighted waterfall.
The Nord Grand and Nord Stage keys can respond to aftertouch, however this is not a required feature of standard piano playing.
Which is Best?
The feel of a piano keyboard is entirely subjective, even across acoustic pianos of the same make and model which may have slight manufacturing differences or environmental factors.
However, most pianists agree that, without any other considerations such as weight and portability, a fully weighted keyboard is best for an authentic feel, playing experience, and for getting more nuanced playing (although in the digital realm that is also determined somewhat by the sounds available and how well they are integrated with the keyboard system.)
For the most authentic feeling alone, consider the Nord Piano or Nord Grand. If you are happy with a semi-weighted keyboard, which is still heavier than a synth/organ action one, and you don’t mind losing the full 88 key range, look at the Compact Stage 3 or Stage 4, or the smaller Electros.
Buy the Nord Piano or Nord Grand on Amazon
Sounds
Overview
Nord’s acoustic piano sounds have always been top-notch, and with the inclusion of at least 1GB of storage for the Nord Piano Library on every model we’re looking at here, there is a wide variety of different pianos to choose from.
In reality, most people will be highly satisfied even with the single piano engine on the earlier models of the Nord Piano, Nord Grand or the Electros, but for additional realism, the two engine versions seem to be the way to go. That means the latest Nord Piano or Nord Grand or the Nord Stage 3/4.
Polyphony is all but standard across all instruments, excepting the Nord Piano 4 which for some reason doesn’t have the specification given, and the Nord Electro 5 which only has a polyphony of 40 in stereo or 60 in monaural sound. 120 notes of polyphony is very acceptable for the majority of piano work, the Electro 5 will likely leave musicians wanting more.
Which is Best?
We’d have to plump for the Nord Piano 6 or Nord Grand 2 simply because they have the most advanced of the piano engines on board, along with two gigabytes of memory for the Nord Piano Library.
Buy the Piano 6 and Grand 2 on Amazon
Pedals
Overview
Pedals are of great importance to all but the very beginning pianist. At very least you’ll want the sustain pedal. The soft pedal allows you a greater range of dynamics in your playing, though it isn’t necessary for a great amount of music. The sostenuto pedal is even less common, and allows you to sustain currently held notes by depressing it, without sustaining any subsequent notes.
Unsurprisingly, all Nord keyboards can utilise at least the single sustain pedal, which is a simple on/off affair. The Single Pedal 2 is a continuous pedal which can be used for sustain but also pedal noise and half-damping features on the Grand 2 and Stage 4.
Alternatively, the triple pedals can be used with the Piano 6, Grand, Grand 2, Stage 3 and Stage 4. Both are great for pianists; the second version also offers features more suitable for other sections of the keyboard.
Which is Best?
The triple pedal definitely gives the player all the options they might need for playing the piano.
Effects
Most effects are not of great concern to more traditional pianists, and really come into their own for use with organ and synth voices.
That said, some of the effects can be well used if electric pianos are being used.
All Nord models featured here have a wide variety of effects, with variations arguably of little significance to pianists.
Nord Piano Library
All models we’ve featured here use version 6 of the Nord Piano Library.
Users can choose to download four different versions of each acoustic grand/upright piano sample in the library, considering file size and intended use.
- Extra Large version (XL)
- Stereo sampled
- Detailed velocity mapping
- String resonance for entire range
- Fully mapped keyboard
- Large version (L)
- Stereo sampled
- Detailed velocity mapping
- String resonance for entire range
- Medium version (M)
- Stereo sampled
- Detailed velocity mapping
- String resonance for middle range
- Small version (S)
- Stereo sampled
- Detailed velocity mapping
There are currently 13 grand pianos, 14 upright pianos, 3 historical grand pianos, along with other keyboard instruments.
Size and Weight
The dimensions of each instrument are important to know if you are calculating studio space availability, cases for travelling and so on. Similarly, the weight is important to know if you are going to be moving the instrument a lot.
There isn’t a significant difference in size between models with the same number of keys. Weight varies only by a couple of kilograms (6 lbs) in similar comparison, and is primarily affected by the key weight chosen, with Kawai’s weighted keys the heaviest, followed by weighted hammer action, followed by semi-weighted waterfall.
In this respect, smaller and lighter keyboards will be obtained by choosing one with fewer keys, as by nature the 61, 73 and 61 key models take less space and are lighter in weight.
Other Features
We have concentrated on the ability of each keyboard to provide a good experience for piano playing. It is worth knowing that some models offer additional sounds and features, including organ and synth sections. If these are also important to you, this can be factored into your purchase decision. However, it’s beyond the scope of this article to detail those additions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, any one of these Nord keyboards will do an admirable job as a piano. Ultimately, the newer models with the fully weighted keys and improved sound engine will give the more authentic experience. That said, earlier models are still a good investment.
Nord makes fantastic instruments, but there are very good digital piano offerings from other manufacturers including Yamaha, Casio and Roland.
Some of these articles may help as you make buying decisions:
- Best digital pianos for different skill levels (2025 Edition)
- 10 best digital pianos and music keyboards for kids (2025 edition)
- Casio 88-note keyboards and digital pianos explored
- Yamaha Piaggero NP keyboards: all models specification comparison
- Yamaha Digital Piano ranges compared: Clavinova, Arius, Portables
- Roland FP portable digital pianos features and comparison
- Roland GP Grand Piano Series features and comparison
- Keyboard Finder: Digital Pianos
Specifications
Below is a table outlining the main piano-related specifications for each model discussed in this article.
Nord Piano 4 | Nord Piano 5 | Nord Piano 6 | Nord Grand | Nord Grand 2 | Nord Stage 3 | Nord Stage 4 | Nord Electro 5 | Nord Electro 6 | Nord Electro 7 | |
Keybed | Weighted Hammer Action | 88/73: Weighted Hammer Action | 88/73: Weighted Hammer Action | Responsive Kawai Hammer Action | New generation Premium Kawai Hammer Action keybed | – 88: Weighted Hammer Action – HP76: Hammer Action Portable – Compact: Semi-weighted Waterfall | – 88/73: Weighted Hammer Action – Compact: Semi Weighted Waterfall | – 5 HP: Hammer Action Portable – 5D 73/61: Semi-weighted Waterfall | – HP 73: Hammer Action Portable – 73/61: Semi-weighted Waterfall | – 7 61/7 73: Semi-Weighted Waterfall – 7 HP: Hammer Action Portable |
Premium Triple Sensor Keybed | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | N | N | N |
Pedals | Triple Pedal 1, Single Pedal 1 | Triple Pedal 1, Single Pedal 1 | Triple Pedal 2, Single Pedal 2, Triple Pedal 1, Single Pedal 1 | Triple Pedal 1, Single Pedal 1 | Triple Pedal 2, Single Pedal 2, Triple Pedal 1, Single Pedal 1 | Nord Triple Pedal 1, Nord Single Pedal 1 | Triple Pedal 2, Single Pedal 2, Triple Pedal 1, Single Pedal 1 | Single Pedal 1 | Single Pedal 1 | Nord Sustain Pedal 2, Nord Triple Pedal 1, switch type, expression pedal |
Aftertouch | N | N | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | N |
Pitch Stick/Mod Wheel | N | N | N | N | N | Y | Y | N | N | N |
Program Memory | 400 locations | 512 locations | 400 locations | 400 locations | 576 locations | 400 locations | 512 locations | 400 locations | 400 locations | 500 locations |
Piano | 1 piano engine with string resonance, pedal noise, soft/long release and Timbre presets | 2 piano engines with string resonance, pedal noise, layer detune, soft/long release and Timbre presets | 2 independent piano engines with built-in string resonance, pedal noise and Timbre presets | Piano engine with string resonance, pedal noise, Soft Release and Timbre presets | 2 independent piano engines with string resonance, pedal noise, Soft Release and Timbre presets | 2 piano layers (Panel A+B) with string resonance, pedal noise, Timbre presets and Layer detune | 2 independent piano engines with string resonance, pedal noise, Dynamic Compression, Unison and Timbre presets | Piano engine with string resonance, long release and Dynamic Curves | Piano engine with string resonance, long release and Dynamic Curves | Piano engine with string resonance, long release and Dynamic Curves |
Polyphony | – | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 40 stereo/60 mono | 120 | 120 |
Layers/parts | 120 | 2 layers | 2 layers | 1 layer | 2 layers | 2 layers (Panel A+B) | 2 layers | – | 1 layer | 1 layer |
Nord Piano Library | 1GB | 2GB | 2GB | 2GB | 2GB | 2GB | 2GB | 1GB | 1GB | 1GB |
Effects | 6 effects, per layer | 6 effects (6×1) | 6 effects, per layer (6×4) | 6 effects (6×1) | 6 effects, per layer (6×4) | 6 effects, per layer (6×2) | 6 effects, per layer (6×6) | 6 effects, per layer | 6 effects, per layer | 6 effects, per layer |
General | 1 effect section per layer | 1 effect section | Complete, independent effects sections per layer | 1 effect section | Complete, independent effects sections per layer | 1 effect section per layer (Panel A+B) | Complete, independent effects sections per layer/part | 1 effect section per layer | 1 effect section per layer | 1 effect section per layer |
Effect 1 / Mod 1 | Pan, Tremolo, Wah and Ring Modulator | Pan, Tremolo, Wah and Ring Modulator | Tremolo, Pan 1 (Soft), Pan 2 (Hard), Spin, Wah, Ring Modulator | Pan, Tremolo, Wah and Ring Modulator | Tremolo, Pan 1 (Soft), Pan 2 (Hard), Spin, Wah, Ring Modulator | Auto-Pan, Tremolo, Ring Mod, Wah, Auto-Wah 1 and Auto-Wah 2 | Auto-Pan, Tremolo, Ring Mod, Auto-Wah, Wah and Pump +variations | Tremolo, Pan, Wah, Ring Modulator | Tremolo, Pan, Wah, Ring Modulator | Tremolo, Pan 1 (Soft), Pan 2 (Hard), Wah, Ring Modulator |
Effect 2 / Mod 2 | Phaser 1, Phaser 2, Flanger, Chorus 1, Chorus 2 and Vibe | Phaser 1, Phaser 2, Flanger, Chorus 1, Chorus 2 and Vibe | Phaser 1, Phaser 2, Flanger, Chorus 1, Chorus 2, Vibe, Spin + Stereo/Mono options | Phaser, Flanger, Chorus, Vibe +Depth | Phaser 1, Phaser 2, Flanger, Chorus 1, Chorus 2, Vibe, Spin + Stereo/Mono options | Phaser 1+2, Flanger, Vibe, Chorus 1 and Chorus 2 | Phaser, Flanger, Chorus, Vibe, Ensemble, Spin +variations | Phaser, Flanger, Chorus, Vibe +Deep mode | Phaser, Flanger, Chorus, Vibe +Deep mode | Phaser, Flanger, Chorus, Vibe, Ensemble |
Amp Simulation | Twin, Jc, Small, Tube Distortion, Stereo Compressor | Twin, Jc, Small, Tube Distortion, Stereo Compressor | Twin, JC and Small. Each with Alternate Tone option | Twin, JC, Small, Compressor and Tube Overdrive | Twin, JC and Small. Each with Alternate Tone option | Twin, JC and Small with Overdrive | Twin, JC and Small models with Overdrive +variations | Twin, JC, Small, Tube Distortion, Compressor | Twin, JC, Small, Tube Distortion, Compressor | Twin, Small, Suitcase, JC, Brit amp |
Equaliser | 3 band, Sweepable Mid | 3 band, Sweepable Mid with Global option | 3-band with sweepable mid – per Layer or Global | 3 band, Sweepable Mid | 3-band with sweepable mid – per Layer or Global | 3 band, Mid sweep, LP24 and HP24 filters with resonance | 3 band, Mid sweep, LP24 and HP24 filters with resonance +variations | 3 band, Sweepable Mid | 3 band, Sweepable Mid | 3 band, Sweepable Mid |
Delay | Stereo Delay with Tap Tempo | Stereo Delay with Tap Tempo and Ping-Pong mode | Tap-Tempo, Ping-Pong with 3 amounts, Global option, Feedback filters, Flam | Stereo delay with Tap Tempo | Tap-Tempo, Ping-Pong with 3 amounts, Global option, Feedback filters, Flam | Master Clock syncable, Ping-Pong, Analog modes | Master Clock syncable, Ping-Pong, Analog modes, Global option, Feedback filters and effects | Stereo Delay with feedback/mix, Tap Tempo and Ping-Pong mode | Stereo Delay with feedback/mix, Tap Tempo and Ping-Pong mode | Stereo Delay with feedback/mix, Tap Tempo and Ping-Pong mode |
Compressor | Stereo Compressor | Stereo Compressor | Stereo Compressor – per Layer or Global | Stereo Compressor | Stereo Compressor – per Layer or Global | Fast mode | Fast mode and Global option | Stereo Compressor | Stereo Compressor | Amount control and global option |
Reverb | Reverb (3 sizes + Bright Mode and Chorale) | Reverb (5 sizes + Dark/Bright Mode and Chorale option) | Global Reverb (amount controllable globally or per Layer) Spring, Booth, Room, Stage, Hall and Cathedral, Pre-Delay, Chorale and Bright/Dark modes. | Room, Stage and Hall +Bright mode | Global Reverb (amount controllable globally or per Layer) Spring, Booth, Room, Stage, Hall and Cathedral, Pre-Delay, Chorale and Bright/Dark modes. | Room 1, Room 2, Stage 1, Stage 2, Hall 1 and Hall 2 modes | Spring, Booth, Room, Stage, Hall and Cathedral modes +variations | Hall, Stage and Room +soft mode | Hall, Stage and Room +Bright mode | Spring, Room, Stage, Hall, Cathedral |
WxDxH | 1287x342x120mm (50.7×13.4×4.7″) | – 88: 1287x342x120mm (50.7×13.4×4.7″) – 73: 1070x342x120mm (42,1×13.4×4.7″) | – 88: 1282 mm (50.5″), 121 mm (4.7″), 349 mm (13.7″) – 73: 1069 mm (42″), 121 mm (4.7″), 349 mm (13.7″) | 1286x168x387 (50.7×6.6×15,2″) | 1286x396x174mm (50,6×15,6×6,8″) | – 88: 1282x342x121mm (50.5×13.5×4.7”) – HP76: 1120x354x127mm (44×13.9×5”) – Compact: 1066x312x106mm (42×12.2×4.2”) | – 88: 1282x349x121mm (50.5×13.7×4.7”) – 73: 1069x349x121mm (42×13.7×4.7”) – Compact: 1066x322x104mm (42×12.7×4.1”) | – 61: 900x97x296 mm (35.4×3.8×11.7″) – 73: 1066x97x296 mm (42×3.8×11.7″) – HP: 1074x121x344 (42.3×4.8×13.5″) | – 61: 900x97x296 mm (35.4×3.8×11.7″) – 73: 1066x97x296 mm (42×3.8×11.7″) – HP: 1074x121x344 (42.3×4.8×13.5″) | – 61: 901x104x294 mm (35.5×4.1×11.6″) – 73: 1066x104x294 mm (42×4.1×11.6″) – HP: 1070x130x341 (42.1×5.1×13.4″) |
Weight | 18,5 kg (40.1 lbs) | – 88: 18,5 kg (40.1 lbs) – 73: 15,5 kg (34.1 lbs) | – 88: 19.2 kg (42.3 lbs) – 73: 16.2 kg (35.7 lbs) | 20,9 kg (46.0 lbs) | 21,3 kg (47 lbs) | – 88: 19 kg (41.8 lb) – 73: 12.5 kg (27.5 lb) – Compact: 10 kg (22 lb) | – 88: 19.6 kg (43.2 lb) – 73: 16.7 kg (36.8 lb) – Compact: 10.4 kg (22.9 lb) | – 61: 8.1 kg (17.85 lbs) – 73: 9.2 kg (20.28 lbs) – HP: 11.4 kg (25.13 lbs) | – 61: 8.1 kg (17.85 lbs) – 73: 9.2 kg (20.28 lbs) – HP: 11.4 kg (25.13 lbs) | – 61: 8.3 kg (18.3 lbs) – 73: 9.5 kg (20.9 lbs) – HP: 13 kg (28.66 lbs) |
