Nord Lead 3 keybed more like keyBAD

Hey guys, I’m back with some more whining for advice…

I haven’t used my NL3 as much as I thought since a year ago when I bought it and I think it’s because the keybed kind of sucks. It’s got decent velocity and aftertouch but the overall feel is a bit cheap and toy like. It has too light a touch.

I read somewhere a post by a guy who replaced the keybed on his Lead. How do I even go about trying to do that?

Or maybe I should replace it with a different synth … I like it a lot but I guess I’m not that attached to it.

Yeah, the keybed is the reason why I parted ways with the NL3 (the Nord Wave too).

The NL3 has some variety of unweighted fatar keybed, I forget which. I think someone on the Nord User Forum made a post about replacing it with the weighted version of the same keybed - but I seem to remember the post was light on details.

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There is a rack version. Throw that on top of a different synth with a keybed more to your liking.

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Dang you’re right. Less convenient since I bought the thing to gig with but I guess if I run out of options and can’t be arsed to get and learn a new synth…

Any suggestions for alternative synths altogether?

I contacted Fatar and one they don’t know what part I’d need and two they don’t sell to individuals so that sucks. Waiting for a response from Nord but I’m not holding my breath. We might have seen the same post.

this post has a part number listed:

https://www.norduserforum.com/nord-lead-rack-forum-f12/changing-keybed-in-nord-lead-3-t20177.html

I only ever had the rack unit, so I can’t comment on the keys. I’m surprised they’re that bad though. I’ve had the 2 and 2X and thought they were fine.

I saw that post too. That’s the model # I asked Fatar about and they pretty much said they can’t help and to contact Nord.

I use the NL4 KB beneath my NL3 rack. It’s not as nice a keybed as my Hydrasynth KB, but it’s as nice as my Pro 2, or any other Sequential. I dunno, I’m not as much a stickler.

That said, the NL4 doesn’t send aftertouch, so I don’t even use that morph on the NL3. Wish I could be of more help. I believe @circuitghost uses a dedicated key controller that’s known for being very nice, just can’t remember the brand.

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Yep. That’ll be the 61 Extra Deluxe MFG keyboard. Damn fine stuff -

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I too thought the keys on the 3 were fine but I never want to play it and I suspect it is because I am always making mistakes on it due how light the keys are. It really feels like a cheap home keyboard.

I got a quick response from Nord support and they say they know of no such swap. Guess I’m SOL.

You can try to get the keybed for the Blofeld Keyboard.
See this post for more details.

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:open_mouth: Dude. You rock. I think I’m going to look into going down this route. Might be worthwhile.

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You are welcome, I wrote to the Waldorf distributor here, but have not gotten a reply from them… I wonder if we can just contact Waldorf directly.

That is interesting. I always wanted the 3 or Wave because they are the only models with the TP/9S keybed in it. All the other Leads have a TP/7 which is the cheapest Fatar in their catalogue.

http://www.fatar.com/Pages/TP_7BA.htm

Digitone and Analog Keys have a Fatar 9s, as does the Virus Polar and many others. There are different models though, semi/weighted and even different shaped of the keys if I am not mistaken. My SubSequent 37 has a TP9s and it looks and feels different than the virus.

I cannot really understand that Nord puts the cheap models in their synths even with a much higher price tag like e.g. Modal Argon that also uses the pretty good TP9s.

And I don’t know if those are interchangeable as the cables to the circuit board might be different?

btw. I ordered a new keybed for my AK from Elektron no problem, was less than 100€. The keys were turning yellow. Put it in myself.

Damn, that thing looks rad, all kill no frill!

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Yeah, it’s the real deal.

It’s shamelessly expensive for stupid few features.

And that’s why I love it. If you’re a keyboard player and you just want to play goddammit, this is a fantastic product.

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Good luck to you sir!

Please keep us apprised of your journey.

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