Nord Grand 2 Review: Premium Digital Grand

March 4, 2025March 26, 2025

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The Nord Grand 2 is a significant evolution in Clavia’s lineup of premium digital pianos. Designed for professional musicians and serious pianists, it combines an expressive Kawai hammer-action keybed with Nord’s high-quality piano and synth engines. In this Nord Grand 2 review, we’ll explore its standout features, playing experience, and whether it justifies its premium price.

Check out the price of Nord Grand 2 at Amazon >>

Key Features of the Nord Grand 2

1. Kawai RH3 Hammer-Action Keybed

At the heart of the Nord Grand 2 is the Kawai RH3 keybed, one of the best hammer-action mechanisms in the industry. The graded weight distribution mimics an acoustic grand piano, delivering an authentic response for nuanced playing.

2. Expanded Piano and Sample Synth Library

Piano Section (2GB Memory) – Features a rich selection of grand, upright, electric, and digital pianos sourced from Nord’s Piano Library.
Sample Synth Section (1GB Memory) – Offers a variety of high-quality sounds, including orchestral samples, analog synths, and experimental textures.

3. Dual Layers with Enhanced Sound Control

The dual-layer architecture lets players blend two piano sounds and two sample synths simultaneously.
Each layer has its own dedicated effects section, including reverbs, delays, compressors, and EQs.
The OLED displays and LED faders allow for real-time control over layers and effects.

4. Redesigned User Interface

Nord has refined the interface for intuitive navigation, with a simplified panel layout, making sound customization seamless.

5. Powerful Performance Features

Seamless Transitions: No sound cutoffs when switching patches.
Pedal Noise & String Resonance: Enhances realism by simulating subtle acoustic nuances.
Triple Pedal with Continuous Sensors: Allows half-pedaling and dynamic control over sostenuto and una corda effects.

Playing Experience: How It Feels

Playing the Nord Grand 2 is a joy, especially for pianists accustomed to acoustic instruments. The Kawai keybed responds beautifully to touch dynamics, making expressive playing feel effortless. The triple-sensor technology ensures precision and fast note repetition, ideal for classical, jazz, and modern repertoire.

Unlike many stage pianos that feel ‘electronic’ in response, the Nord Grand 2 bridges the gap between digital and acoustic, making it one of the best choices for musicians who demand realism.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

✔ Exceptional key action – One of the best in the digital piano market.
✔ High-quality piano and synth sounds – Wide variety of expressive tones.
✔ Intuitive user interface – OLED displays and LED faders for seamless control.
✔ Advanced layering options – Blend multiple sounds for rich performances.
✔ Durable and stage-ready build – Premium materials ensure longevity.

Cons:

❌ Premium price – Not accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
❌ Limited user memory for samples – 1GB might not be enough for extensive libraries.
❌ No built-in speakers – Requires external amplification for practice.

Nord Grand 2 vs. Other Premium Digital Pianos

1. Yamaha CP88

Uses Natural Wood Graded Hammer action, offering an excellent alternative.
Superior for road musicians needing durability.
More affordable but with fewer synth and layering options.

2. Kawai MP11SE

Features Grand Feel key action, closer to an acoustic piano feel.
Better suited for classical pianists, but lacks Nord’s synth capabilities.

3. Roland RD-2000

Offers V-Piano modeling technology for deeper tone customization.
A great all-in-one stage piano, but heavier and less intuitive than Nord.

Customer Testimonials

🗣️ “The Nord Grand 2 is the most realistic digital grand I’ve played. The Kawai keybed makes all the difference.” – Verified Buyer, Sweetwater

🗣️ “I love how easy it is to layer sounds and tweak them on the fly. The interface is miles ahead of other stage pianos.” – Amazon Reviewer

🗣️ “Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. If you want a stage piano that feels and sounds like a real grand, this is it.” – Musician’s Friend Review

FAQs About the Nord Grand 2

1. Is the Nord Grand 2 good for beginners?

It’s designed for professionals, but beginners looking for the best experience will appreciate its intuitive layout and premium feel.

2. Does the Nord Grand 2 have built-in speakers?

No, it requires external speakers or headphones for sound output.

3. What is the key difference between the Nord Grand 2 and the Nord Stage 4?

The Nord Grand 2 is more piano-focused, while the Stage 4 is a workstation keyboard with extensive synth, organ, and effects capabilities.

4. Can I use my own samples with the Nord Grand 2?

Yes, but sample memory is limited to 1GB.

5. Does it come with a sustain pedal?

Yes, it includes Nord’s Triple Pedal for authentic pedal response.

6. How does the Kawai RH3 keybed compare to other digital pianos?

It’s considered one of the best digital key actions, closely resembling an acoustic grand

7. Is the Nord Grand 2 good for live performance?

Absolutely! Its seamless transitions, real-time control, and durable build make it perfect for stage use.

8. What are the connectivity options?

It includes MIDI, USB, stereo outputs, and sustain/control pedal inputs.

9. How much does the Nord Grand 2 weigh?

It weighs 20 kg (44 lbs), making it relatively portable for a stage piano

10. Is it worth the price?

If you value top-tier key action, premium sounds, and live performance features, the Nord Grand 2 is a solid investment.

Final Verdict: Is the Nord Grand 2 Worth It?

The Nord Grand 2 is one of the finest digital pianos available, particularly for pianists who prioritize realistic feel and premium sound. The Kawai RH3 keybed, combined with Nord’s advanced piano and synth engines, creates a playing experience that rivals many high-end acoustic pianos.

While the premium price may be a hurdle, those who invest in the Nord Grand 2 will find a top-tier instrument that delivers exceptional performance both on stage and in the studio.