If you are a fan of the Nord line of digital and stage piano instruments, then you should know that there is a new addition to their line-up! The Nord Piano 5 is a newly released digital piano from the renowned Swedish company, Nord.
The Nord Piano 5 builds upon the already impressive foundation of its predecessor, the Nord Piano 4, offering a range of new and improved features.
There are many similarities across the Nord line of pianos, with the Nord Piano 5, Nord Stage 3, and Nord Grand sharing many of the same sounds and features.
Today we take a deep dive into everything the Nord Piano 5 has to offer to uncover all the new features and upgrades over the previous model.
More: For more reviews of top Nord instruments, check out the following articles:
The NEW Nord Stage 4 is Here! (In-Depth Review)
Nord Electro 6 Full Review: The Best Lightweight Stage-Piano?
The New Nord Piano 5 Review – An Upgraded Classic
Contents
Storage
As well as advanced features and enhanced sound quality, the Nord Piano 5 has an upgraded storage capacity.
This is the main upgrade over the previous Nord Piano 4, where the memory is now doubled for both the piano section (now 2GB) and the synth section (now 1GB).
This is a common upgrade that Nord makes to their digital pianos and is a welcome and useful one.
Now Nord allows you to load more of their excellent samples and sounds from their Nord Piano Library and Nord Sample Library, and you can have 20 models of piano and Rhodes loaded into the Piano 5 at once.
The White Grand is just one example of the fantastic piano sounds that Nord offers, and there are numerous options to listen to and load in or swap out.
These piano and Rhodes sounds in particular take up a lot of internal memory on the Nords, especially if you want to opt for the XL-size versions, which offer the most expressiveness and control over the dynamics of the sound.
For example, the XL white grand piano sound from 2019 will run you 244 MB of space on its own. Fine-tuning your Nord the way that you want it should be an enjoyable task.
Nord Sample Editor
You can tweak the onboard sounds in the Piano 5 in the Editor Program.
This allows users to create and edit their custom piano sounds. You can delve deep here and tap into your curiosity and creativity to design unique sounds.
Piano and Sample Library
The Nord Piano 5 also includes the latest piano-specific Nord Sample Library 3.0, offering a wider range of piano sounds to choose from.
You will need a Nord Stage 3, Nord Piano 4 or 5, or Nord Electro 6, to take advantage of the newest Piano and sample library. This is one reason to upgrade if you are using something older than a Nord Piano 4 for example.
Piano Section
The Studio Grand, Royal Grand 3D, and the Italian Grand are some of my personal favorites from Nord’s Piano Library.
A couple of good pianos, Rhodes electric pianos, and organs are all most pianists need, and the Nord Piano 5 has them all. Thankfully you can layer sounds on the Nord Piano as well, so a decent piano and strings patch is never far away.
Synth Section
This is something that users should look into, as the synth section on the Nord Piano 5 is well-integrated and user-friendly.
With a simple layout that’s easy to grasp and decent synth sounds that have been improved over the previous versions of the sample Library, the synth section is a welcome addition to the Nord instruments.
Effects Section
The Effect section has a wide selection of instantly tweakable high-quality stereo effects modeled after classic stomp boxes. An effect can be assigned freely to any layer in the Piano and Sample Synth section.
- Mod 1 – Pan, Tremolo,
- Wah-wah and Ring Modulator. All these can be controlled with a Control Pedal.
- Mod 2 – Phaser, Flanger, Chorus, Vibe effect, and two selectable depths for each effect.
- Delay – Stereo delay effect with Tap Tempo button and Ping Pong mode. The Delay can be assigned globally to all four Layers.
- Equalizer – Three band EQ, with sweepable mid. The EQ can be assigned globally to all four Layers.
- Compressor/Amp – Twin, JC, Small, Compressor and a Tube Overdrive effect.
- Reverb section with five different sizes (Booth, Room, Stage, Hall, and Cathedral) for adding ambiance to your sounds. The Bright and Dark modes allow for enhanced or reduced treble. The new Chorale option adds a lush modulation effect.
Control Pedal
Connect an optional expression pedal for hands-free control of volume and effects.
Monitor Input
Connect a second Nord keyboard or any other audio source to the rear panel Monitor Input and play along a track without worrying about an external mixer or a sound system. The signal is routed to the main outputs and the headphones output.
Keybed
In terms of playability, the Nord Piano 5 is a top-notch instrument. It features a full-size velocity-sensitive weighted keyboard with graded hammer action, providing a dynamic and expressive playing experience.
The triple-switch detection technology under the keybed in the Nord Piano 5 adds the playability and expressiveness of the instrument, by helping to recreate the dynamics of an acoustic piano when you strike the keys.
Extra Features and Connections
The Nord Piano 5 offers advanced connectivity options, including USB, MIDI, and audio outputs, providing greater versatility and integration into a wide range of setups.
The Nord Piano 5 features several performance-enhancing features, including split and layer modes, arpeggiators, and real-time control. Additionally, there are advanced connectivity options, including USB, MIDI, and audio outputs.
This allows the instrument to be integrated into a wide range of setups, from live performances to home studios.
The Nord Piano 5 also features an intuitive and user-friendly interface, with a high-resolution OLED display that is clear and easy to read. The screens on Nords are functional and allow you to navigate the sounds and control parameters in real-time.
Cons
A large color LCD would transform a stage piano such as the Nord piano 5 and give it more of a workstation feel, and I feel like a Nord with a large screen would be a game-changer.
Unfortunately, this is something that is only found on workstation-style stage pianos such as the Korg Kronos.
For a full breakdown of the Korg Kronos Workstation, and other high-end workstations and digital pianos, check out the articles below:
Is the Korg Kronos Still the Best Workstation?
The Korg Nautilus Full Review – The Best Workstation in 2023?
Roland FP-30 vs Roland FP-30X – Best Stage Pianos? (Full Review)
Conclusion
The Nord Piano 5 is an exceptional digital piano that offers a high-quality playing experience.
Its advanced sound engine, vast storage capacity, and versatile connectivity options make it an ideal choice for professional pianists, students, and home users alike.
With its premium build quality, elegant design, and exceptional sound quality, the Nord Piano 5 is a standout instrument in the digital and stage piano market.
