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!