Anyone will be interested in this new one?

www.nordkeyboards.com

I predict a winner.

The pedal board weighs as much as the C2. Great new stand and music rack.

Not as pretty as an XK set up but better than the C1 legs.

And its not red. Hmmmm.....

I think the stand is unnecessarily ugly. I agree that the pedals are intriguing. Wonder why they did 27 instead of 25 though.

Keyboard has an ad for it

http://www.keyboardmag.com/article/nord-c2-organ/mar-09/94739

In my case not a replacement of my favorite clone but I like it a lot and would be a nice ultralight edition for those of us with C.A.S. (Clone Acquisition Syndrome). Notice they do not show the bench. Hopefully, a bench will be more reasonable than the $855 fold-up bench HS offers, imho, mostly just welded aluminum tubing. Odd that there are not more M.I. benches that go over 25 (or 27 pedals). Reminds me a little bit (the pedals) of that Consolette that was around. That webpage was down for a while when I was looking for pedals later buying B3P pedals and making a conversion box. http://www.rwdesigns.org/ One thing for sure, I think the clone market should have more choices for stands and benches, in fact, I bought a welder (hobby) to make my own (aluminum)

> Wonder why they did 27 instead of 25 though.

Probably 'AGO-Lite' since it is supposed to be a pipe organ clone and not just a Hammond organ clone.

*Gasp!* A half moon switch! I want I want!

(Did you notice how much they focused on the pipe organ stuff? I don't know who would use it, but that's pretty cool. I wonder if they're trying to sell to churches.)

Now we know why the Electro got the C1 engine...

Straight pedals? Weird.

No thanks.

Damn, and I was all set to buy an E3.


Not gonna lie, I'd use the pipe organ. Good for nice, ominous intros and the like.

As a church organist myself, I don't get this one at all, to be honest. I don't see who they're going to sell it to, presuming it doesn't replace the C1.

If a church doesn't already have a decent pipe organ installed (and which organist would then choose to play a clone), then they've already probably bought, or will buy, one of the many electronic models already out there by established specialist organ makers like Makin, Johannes or Allen.

Sure, those organs are by no stretch of the imagination portable, but that isn't usually a requirement for most churches - these things normally stay put. And they look the part. Churches are notoriously conservative, even if the red has been toned down for the C2.

So that leaves who? Classical organists who practice at home? Again, they will probably prefer a more specialist device from the ranges previously mentioned. There is again usually no imperative for things to be portable in such situations.

Also, as Jim points out, that straight pedal board design would preclude serious church players who want to practise at home. Might pick up a few existing C1 and other clonewheel owners at the right price, I guess.

So - nothing new in the Tonehwheel-engine besides better key click? Ok, new output routing possibilities and they moved some controls... It would been more interrestning if it got pianos or some other sample playing abilities a la NE3 and/or pitch stick & mod wheel with an extern section like the Stage. If you're not a really big fan of pipe organ - I see no reason to trade your C1 for a C2, well well... I'm hoping for a new revolutionary stage model before this year is over - they have all the pieces with the C1 (C2?), the Wave, NE3 and the Stage - just put it together (and include the G2X gooseneck vocoder ) and sell it for a reasonable price - pleeaze!

The pedals on the other hand! Hope they have standard midi connection and not an astronomical price like Hammond and Rolands offerrings... these would be nice with my XK1 perhaps... well well...

I was wondering about the straight pedals too. I wonder if that's a price thing, seeing as how Nord seems to make such an effort to get the ergonomics of these boards right. Oh well, maybe the C3…

And kanker's comment about the C1 in the E3 makes sense.

$5 to the first person who can make the C2 pipe organ relevant in a modern pop context! I can see this sound getting huge all of a sudden on the dance hall scene.

Straight pedals is a European thang. They are found on most historic organs.

The concave radiating standard (which Hammond does not conform to anyway with the B-3) was created I believe in the 30's or 40's in America.

Court of the Crimson King

Yep, the stand is ugly, but not necessary for the players who don´t need the pedals.
I like the darker red as well as the moved controls for percussion and chorus/vibrato,- that´s an improvemnt for me.

Monitoring a 2nd keyboard or a complete rig by using a small mixer (not only mp3 or other players) via the headphones out might be interesting too. Imagine a monitor line of the band in addition by using a mixer and in-ear system connected to the headphones out.

Expanded output routing is a nice addition too.

So, what´s the price ? Same as C1 ?

A.C.

Actually, I don't think including the C1 engine in the NE3 has anything to do with them planning the C2 since the organ in the NE3 includes increased adjustability to the C1 engine. If anything, they have just made the same updates to the C1 so it matches the NE3, at least as far as the tonewheel set goes.

One other detail they fumbled, and need to fix before production:

- they moved the percussion switches to the right place, but bolloxed up the order.

Should be On, Soft, Slow, 2nd, NOT On, Slow, Soft, 2nd.

The pedals on a B3 are not concave, but they do radiate.

Does either the c-1 0r c-2 have the light touch when you barely touch it like a B-3? I know my stage doesn't. If so I'm gonna buy.

I wonder how much they paid Hammond for the rights to the "C2" name....as I recall they had issues calling the C1 a "C3" and had to change it...... C2 to me is still a Hammond model pre-1955....

I hope those pedals will upfit my C1

Jake

I have a MIG welder and a bandsaw,I could make something like that in a couple hours out in the garage.

They should develop a stand out of chrome,or polished aluminum,or brushed stainless,for the C1,C2,Electro and Stage.

I'm seeing more and more bands using only a Nord,why not show it off a little?

how about this,does anyone here live near San Jose Ca. and would let me measure their Nord,so I could build a custom stand,with the intent of marketing them?

Yup. The standard is 32 note, concave, and radiating. Concert Hammond models like the RT-3 do have them, but the organ has to be wider to accommodate the extra pedal notes.

Yorgatron, I pm'd you.

You don't think Nord has discovered planned obsolesence do you - like the US car companies used to do. Bring out a new model; make the "old" one passe? Naw...they'd never do a thing like that...

Has it been ascertained yet whether the C2 actually replaces the C1?

I can't imagine them offering both models.

They offer the NE2 alongside the NE3 on their webpage.

Jake

They are just running out their old inventory of NE2's. They will do the same with their C1's. I just think (IMHO) that the changes in the C2 don't justify a 'new' model... The sounds are not improved... just some new pipe organs.. This doesn't jive with Nord's policy of providing free software upgrades, and then waiting and working on a real substantive leap before making a hardware upgrade (as in the NE3).

Is that a policy or just a precedent? They may have made a mistake by spoiling us early by doing that.

I think Nord does a commendable job walking the fine line between new features via hardware vs new features via free software upgrades.

It's hard to stay in business as a successful boutique instrument maker. One false step and you could be gone (ARP Avatar, anyone?)

Agreed! Just seems that the C2 isn't much in the way of a hardware upgrade.

Well, that may be true, but OTOH, Nord might say otherwise. Maybe it has tons more sample memory or something. We might find out once they show it at Meese.

Like Kevin, I can't see them offering the two together, because the C2 as promoted so far would only seem to be an incremental upgrade. It would also lessen my earlier perplexity about potential target audience.

Perhaps the C1 can take this in the form of a system upgrade. Has there been any word to the contrary?

I wonder about the planned obselesence part......I got both these pictures from Nord's site. It appears that the left side endblock is about an inch or so wider than the right side on the C2....My C1 has both ends the same. If the stand isn't width adjustable that could appear to be a "forced upgrade" that wouldn't be immediately obvious. Of course this is just speculation, since there are no published dimensions for the C2. Also, there's always the possibility of an aftermarket stand... This could be interesting in many ways.

Jake

I just picked up a Nord C1, and now they do this to me?! Actually...I won't need to trade up. The key click fix they mention for the C2 never causes problems for me on my C1 -- probably because I go through a Speakeasy Vintage tube preamp into a Leslie 145 -- and that smooths everything out. I'd be interested in the C2 if I could ever get past the Hammond sounds on the C1 -- but I can't (!)

I'm sure the C2/C1 situation is same as the NE2/NE3 situation. They'll talk about both versions of each keyboard type until the earlier version is sold out - then they'll transition to the newest/latest model. NE2 and C1 days are numbered from a manufacturer standpoint...

They both have the light/B3 touch. In fact, I like my Nord C1's keyboard touch as much as I do my B3's! This is not a good keyboard for MIDI interface to piano-ish sounds, though...you'll want a second/piano action controller on stage for that..

I know I'm in the minority (when I hear the word organ I think pipes and Bach, not tonewheels) but to me this adds an entire instrument to the c1 and is a major upgrade. Nowhere else, to my knowledge, can you get pipe organ sounds in a box that uses a pipe organ interface like this. Hopefully, there won't be a polyphony problem when using multiple stops, and a great reverb is included. If they manage to get this right, I know what I'll be saving up for.

I just wonder how well the C2 will do ... C1s only poured out the door the first 6 months after their release, then trickled from then on out. I don't imagine too many C1 owners will sell and trade up just for a pipe organ model and/or new control locations. It will be interesting to watch, though.

Interesting that they put it into a C1 replacement -- a logical choice I suppose. When I first got wind of a pipe organ keyboard from Nord, I thought it was a completely separate instrument, which sort of turned me off.

Odd, though, that Clavia's moving back from vintage instruments into classical instruments. I once (in jest) proposed a single product that would be nothing but classical instruments, a sort of Acousto to the Electro -- pipe organ model with harpsichord, clavichord, and equal-tempered klavier samples -- but it was dismissed in the manner it was offered, as a joke. Now they've got a ton of harpsichord samples for the Stage/Electro3, and a pipe organ model in the C2. I think it's time to start badgering them for hurdy gurdy and harmonium models!

I hope Nord does release too many new models. They could end up being the GM of keyboards by flooding the marketplace.

FWIW the Electro 3s are now priced at US online dealers

$1,899 ( 61 key) and $2,199 ( the 73) street.

That's a 750 premium on the 61 at Nova Musik when compared to the equivalent 2.

Outkaster hates Nords. Just in case that isn't clear.

Then Obama will oust Hans Nordelius and force Nord to make hybrid performer/workstations!

Nope I have access to a real Hammond so it is not a problem. I was just saying that if you flood the market with too many products it could backfire.

So, any word when this is coming out? Sometime ago I was thinking of buying a C1, but once I read the C2 had been announced, I decided to wait for it, because I really like pipe organs. I realize it may not interest those who don't enjoy classical music and have no intention to play it, but it's a great extra to people who like classical as well as rock/funk/jazz/whatever you play with a clonewheel. How much do you think it will sell for compared to the C1?

Also, something I've noticed after carefully analysing the overhead images of both the C1 and C2: the C2 doesn't appear to have the Unison effect. Can someone else confirm this?

Does the NE3 really have the C1 engine? I thought it had the C2 engine (minus the pipes)

According to their website, the specs say it does.

http://www.nordkeyboards.com/main.asp?tm=Products&clpm=Nord_Electro_3&clne3m=Specification

Early speculation on my part

If I recall correctly, the C1 had only 3 models of tonewheels, while the E3 has 4. I don't know if this will carry over to the C2, but the E3 migh have the C2 engine, indeed. Is there adjustable keyclick on the E3? Also, can someone who owns both compare their sounds?

Hmm, was going to post about the C2 being previewed on the London International Music Show, but they seem to have taken it down form their website, along with the leaflet promoting the organ. I wonder what that means. Still, google has it in cache, so for anyone who wants to see it advertised:
http://209.85.229.132/search?q=cache:fMmLDIP14y0J:www.clavia.se/+london+c2+nord&cd=1&hl=pt-PT&ct=clnk&gl=pt

Did anyone visit the place?

NE3 has three levels of keyclick......

I wonder if you could use a set of Hammond pedals from the XK Pro System with the C1 or C2? I don't see why not...

"Fix You" by Coldplay

Ok... not exactly 'modern' , but 'Parallels' by Yes, off 'Going for the One'

is an example of how to use a pipe organ in a 'pop' song.

.

If I got a C2, I'd break into Six Wives right away!

On close to the edge by Yes, about 10-13 minutes in or so. Ha!

Hmm, I don't know. To me it sounds pretty much exactly like the pipe organ I used to play every Sunday at my church gig. I'm sure it's a preset on some keyboard and not a real organ, but it sure sounds like the "pipe" variety to me. Can't put my finger on it exactly, but it's a different quality than a Hammond-type sound. More "breathy" maybe. Besides, the first electric organs were introduced as smaller, lower-cost versions of the pipe organ anyway, so every organ out there is really a "pipe clone!" Or "clonepipe" perhaps.

So, is there any chance of an Electro 3 rack being released anytime soon?

From what Nord has told me, there are no current plans for an Electro 3 rack. I hope that changes

Sounds like the C2 is just the instrument if you are a choir director and organist at a church.

I'd say it's the ideal instrument for me, since I've never had full-fledged organ, and would like to learn all the different sides to organ playing, including classical. I've already learned Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor on the weighted keys and ugly organ patch on my Roland DP so that I can play it when the C2 arrives.

I have a question about knobs and MIDI and CC's and stuff. Can I use the various knobs and buttons on the Nord to, for instance, control an external synth's filter and resonance, or turn the glide on/off? Just generally assign parameters to the various knobs and buttons to control an external VA, is it possible? I guess that's what CControllers are supposed to do, but I'm not sure. My experience with MIDI is limited to the Roland D-50, which has no CC options whatsoever (besides being a pain in the ass to program, the extensive menu diving makes it not have many knobs or buttons.

Cheers

I haven't heard anything on the C2 demos on Nord's website to suggest that it has registrations capable of simulating huge pipe organs - all the ones on the demos sound very "chamber-ish" to me.

In a way, that challenge is even bigger than the "real moving air" quandry faced by Hammond clones. Even more air!

http://www.nordkeyboards.com/home/Visit0604/Visit06.jpg

So I guess this one is ready to hit the stores. What do you reckon, beginning of July?

EDIT: Damn, I love the slightly darker red tinge. That combined with the 2 manuals, the little curved shape on the sides and the overall layout of the controls make it IMO the most beautiful Nord so far. Damn, I'm full of GAS.

EDIT2: Hmm, just checked on eBay, and there's already 3 sellers selling the C2. Is it usual for keyboards to "leak" ala CDs? Sellers starting to sell when they get their copies instead of when they get an okay from Nord?

More like sellers selling vapor.

They have very high ratings, do you really think so?

Plus I've seen similar prices (around €2400)on other websites that are also listing them for sale.

They may come through, but I'll bet that they do not have stock at this very moment.

That's one very impractical keyboard stand

Thats about $60,000 worth of keyboards in that pic

There's something about those red varnished sides that make me almost cream my pants. It's seriously one of the nicest reds out there.

Hmm, can anyone help me with my MIDI question up there:


"I have a question about knobs and MIDI and CC's and stuff. Can I use the various knobs and buttons on the Nord to, for instance, control an external synth's filter and resonance, or turn the glide on/off? Just generally assign parameters to the various knobs and buttons to control an external VA, is it possible? I guess that's what CControllers are supposed to do, but I'm not sure. My experience with MIDI is limited to the Roland D-50, which has no CC options whatsoever (besides being a pain in the ass to program, the extensive menu diving makes it not have many knobs or buttons."

Cheers

I have just received an e-mail from Tomas confirming that the first batch of C2s has left the factory.
And someone please answer my question.

Legit retailers will occasionally pre-sell instruments when delivery is pending. As long as they're upfront about it, I suppose it's cool

So, it seems that neither the Pedal Keys 27 nor the new stand will be available now. Tomas said they're still putting the final touches and it's only gonna be available later this year.

Hi everyone,
Could anyone tell me something about the C2, especially about connecting it to other devices? I am thinking about buying one, but would like to know some details.
1. Would I be able to plug in the Roland PK-7 bass pedal unit (by MIDI)?
2. Does the expression pedal work through the jack-plug?
3. If I want to expand the C2 with a synthesizer, how would that work with the expression pedal?
These seem to be questions for the manufacturer, but I didn't manage to get information from them.
Also, I have been thinking about other instruments (yamaha d-deck, tyros, wersi etc.), but I am essentially a Hammond-/theatre organ player, so a set- up with a Hammond-like basis, plus some synthesizer sounds (responding to the expression pedal) would be ideal for me.
Thanks for any replies!

I haven't checked out the bass pedal unit, but yes, it has and extra MIDI in jack in OMNI mode dedicated to connecting bass pedals, so you'll probably be able to do it.

I don't know exactly what you mean by the second question, though. You're supposed to connect the expression pedal to the dedicated input jack, yes, if that's what you're asking. You must however have a stereo output from the pedal and always use a stereo cable between the pedal and the pedal input on the C2.

I believe the C1 sends swell pedal position as a CC over MIDI. So, depending on the synthesizer you want to connect it to, this might have a different result. Check with your synth to see what CC value it has assigned to the swell pedal input. If it's different than the one the C1 sends, you'll probably need a MIDI remapper inbetween the 2 devices. However, I believe that since it's a pretty standardized parameter, they might have the same MIDI CC number by default.

I'm assuming that the C2 will have the same MIDI capabilities as the C1, so if you have any further question, just check the C1 manual.

EDIT: You can read about a MIDI configuration that I'll try to set up when I get the C2 in my thread: http://forums.musicplayer.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/2089268/MIDI_CC_s_question#Post2089268

Ok, so the C2 is out now!

Every piece of info and the manual is on their website.

Turns out that MIDI settings are indeed global, so I'll probably have to buy a MIDISolutions Events Processor to do what I intended to.

I have seen another page on the C2 with a different layout. Maybe there is some additional information on it: http://www.nordkeyboards.com/downloads/Nord%20C2%20folder.pdf .
Thanks for your reply by the way. I am not familiar with MIDI and other connections, that's why I asked the question about the pedal connection. I was thinking about using my old Roland Juno 106, but I know that is was (one of) the first synth(s) having MIDI, so it won't have the latest features. I'll probably just have to try, and also get some information on MIDI for myself.

Thinking about the future now. Once I get the C2, I'll either:

A) be capable of playing piano/e-piano/clav/etc. on it, and in the future get and Electro 2 rack (or Electro 3, if they ever come out(or even Electro 4, since I don't know how far into the future I'll feel this need). Or just keep playing VSTi's through it, and bring the laptop to gigs. Not my prefered scenario, though.

B) not be capable of playing piano/e-piano/clav/etc. on it, and in the future get a Nord Stage in whatever version it'll be at, which hopefully will also support playing samples from the sample library.

C) not be capable of playing piano/e-piano/clav/etc. on it, and in the future get a Nord Electro 3/4, in case the Stage still not featuring samples from the library.


The reason I still haven't decided is because I'm not very familiar with organ action overall, I've only played fully weighted piano keys and not weighted at all synth-keys.
I'll probably end up getting a Nord Electro 3 1 year and a half from now, it seems like the perfect board for the bread & butter sounds I need.

For now, I'll dedicate myself to learning organ, and plug the C2 into my laptop for some Rhodes and Moog sounds.

still no audio demo clips of this thing. Just poor quality youtube vids

There were some audio demos of the pipe organ in the nord website. I have them saved up in my pc, if you want them let me know. Besides, I'll probably be getting a C2 next week, my local dealer already has it in stock, so if you want, I could demo it myself.