Every year, Nord refines their existing state-of-the-art technologies with a style all their own, one that reflects an artful approach to technology, always preserving the combined sense of thrill, purpose and fun that is the heart of composing, performing and recording. With outstanding new keyboard technology, improved grand weighted action, Ivory touch and expanded memory for the exclusive Nord Piano Library, the Nord Piano 3 takes piano feel and realism to a new level.

It’s a whole new frame of reference for the accomplished pianist. The new Virtual Hammer Action Technology simulates the movement of the hammers in a Grand Piano, capturing the characteristics with exceptional dynamics and breathtaking level of authenticity. Early reports from discriminating users are incredibly enthusiastic. In addition to the physical feel of each key, the Triple Sensor keybed allows key movements to be determined with stunning precision. The result is a keyboard action that handles dynamic playing with amazing control at any velocity level. The Nord exclusive Virtual Hammer Action Technology simulates the hammer movements in a Grand Piano with outstanding authenticity and dynamic response. The Nord Virtual Hammer Action Technology enables you to produce a new note without lifting the key completely. This allows for smoother repetitions as the tone is not completely dampened between the strokes, similar to the fluent transitions possible on a Grand Piano.

Note: As of 2/1/17, Nord has announced a Software Update for its Stage, Electro and Piano lines. This software update includes a new OS for Nord Stage 2/2 EX, Nord Electro 5 and Nord Piano 3 that fixes a bug related to long release for synth pianos. Nord has also updated the Nord Sound Manager, adding support for Stage 2/2 EX with increased piano bank locations. Wurlitzers have been moved to E.Piano 1 bank (introduced with NS2/NS2EX OS v2.20). Download Update from Nord’s website.

Extended Triggering Range
The new keyboard technology makes both top and bottom triggering possible, resulting in amazing control when playing percussively as well as pianissimo with the keys half-pressed down.

Dynamic Release
The Virtual Hammer Action Technology also includes velocity sensitive release, dynamically dampening the sound based on how quickly you release the key. 

The Keys
The keybed has added weight for improved dynamic control, providing an authentic piano feel. The individual Fatar keybeds are meticulously calibrated at the Nord factory to ensure an even response over the whole range.

Piano Section
The Nord Piano 3 features 1GB of memory dedicated to the exclusive sounds from the Nord Piano Library carefully selected for their specific and individual character. The ever expanding Nord Piano Library is filled with uniquely sampled acoustic and electric instruments, with an outstanding range of velocity levels allowing for exceptional dynamic control.

The Factory Bank features 6 Grand Pianos, 5 Upright Pianos, 11 Electric Pianos, Clavinet and Harpsichords. Replacing the sounds in your Nord Piano 3 is simply a matter of dragging and dropping files in the Nord Sound Manager for Mac and Windows.

Sample Synth Section
The Sample Synth section in the Nord Piano 3 has 256 MB memory dedicated to the Nord Sample Library 2.0 – Nord’s essential selection of high quality sampled sounds from a wide range of genres including the exclusively licensed sounds of the Mellotron and Chamberlin.

The Sample Synth section has dedicated knobs for adjusting Attack, Decay/Release, Dynamic controls and volume of the selected sound. Volume can also be controlled with an optional Volume Pedal and the Sostenuto pedal on the Nord Triple Pedal can be used as a separate Sustain/Latch Pedal for the Sample Synth section for advanced layering possibilities.

The Nord Sample Library 2.0 is constantly updated and new additions can be downloaded for free. See the Nord Sample Library 2.0 to learn more and to listen to available sounds.

FX Section
The Nord Piano 3 Effect section features great, tweakable effects for instantly adding dirt, glimmer or atmosphere to your sound. All effects are in Stereo.

Effect 1 - Pan, Tremolo, Wah-wah and Ring Modulator. All effects can be controlled with a Control Pedal.

Effect 2 - Phaser, Flanger, Chorus, a new Vibe effect and two selectable depths for each effect. 

Delay - Stereo delay effect with Tap Tempo button

Three band EQ, with sweepable mid

Compressor/Amp - Twin, JC, Small, Compressor and a new Tube Overdrive effect.

Master Effects

Reverb with six modes - Room, Stage, Hall each with a Bright option.

Performance
The Nord Piano 3 has dedicated knobs and buttons for all vital functions required in a live performance situation. Transposing, setting up a split point or creating a layered sound can be accomplished in seconds.

OLED Display
The crystal clear OLED display provides an excellent overview when selecting or editing Sounds, Effects and Programs on stage. A new Organize function allows you to effortlessly rearrange the order of Programs, Pianos and Samples. There are 200 locations, organized in 4 banks with 50 programs each. The Nord Piano 3 also has 5 Live locations that automatically save the current settings - ideal as a sketching pad at rehearsals when trying out new sound combinations in the search of the perfect sound.

Split and Layers
The Nord Piano 3 has two sound sections that can be combined in a layer or split over the keyboard. Each of the sound sections can have specific effects, Volume Pedal and/or Sustain Pedal assigned to them – for example chorus and Sustain Pedal on the Piano and some Delay and a Control Pedal on the Sample Synth. The split function includes 6 split points, indicated with LED lights.