Pricing and availability

Average Price: $1,065

Standard/Professional

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash your creativity with the Nord Electro 2 61-Key Keyboard, a versatile powerhouse designed for musicians who crave the authentic feel of classic electric pianos and organs. This lightweight wonder, tipping the scales at just 17 pounds, is perfect for gigging professionals and studio artists alike. Its 61 velocity-sensitive semi-weighted waterfall keys offer a tactile experience that mirrors traditional electromechanical instruments, making it a top choice for those who demand precision and expression in their performances.

The Electro 2's organ section is a marvel of digital engineering, expertly replicating the intricate mechanics of the legendary B-3 organ. Innovative features include sophisticated digital modeling of the B-3's chorus and vibrato scanner, as well as an authentic simulation of the frequency characteristics emitted by its built-in preamplifier. The user-friendly LED bar graph display ensures seamless navigation through drawbar settings, providing an intuitive interface for musicians.

In the piano section, discover a rich palette of meticulously multisampled electric piano tones, alongside an elegant acoustic grand piano. These sounds are composed of extensive multisamples to capture the full spectrum of your playing dynamics, from gentle caresses to powerful strikes. The Nord Electro 2 also boasts a USB interface, allowing for quick updates and the addition of new piano sounds. A flexible effects section, including rotary speaker simulation, rounds out this impressive offering, ensuring you have everything you need to craft your signature sound.

Key Features:

  • 61 velocity-sensitive semi-weighted waterfall keys
  • Authentic digital simulation of B-3 organ tone wheels
  • Multisampled electric piano and acoustic grand piano sounds
  • USB interface for easy updates and sound additions
  • Comprehensive effects section with rotary speaker simulation

Product specs

Brand Nord
Model Electro 2 SW61 Semi-Weighted 61-Key Digital Piano
Finish Red
Year 2002 - 2009
Made In Sweden
Categories Digital Stage Pianos, Digital Synthesizers
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Semi-Weighted
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Keys 61 Keys
Polyphony 60 Voices

FAQs

Does the Nord Electro 2 61-Key Keyboard have weighted keys?

The Nord Electro 2 features a semi-weighted "waterfall" keyboard, which provides a responsive feel suitable for both organ and piano playing styles.

What types of sounds can the Nord Electro 2 produce?

The Nord Electro 2 offers a range of classic keyboard sounds, including Rhodes Mk I Stage and Suitcase Pianos, Wurlitzer 200A, Clavinet D6, and a stereo acoustic Malmsjoe grand piano.

Can I use the Nord Electro 2 with an additional MIDI keyboard?

Yes, the Nord Electro 2 supports an extra MIDI keyboard, allowing you to play with two manual setups and varied drawbar settings.

What connectivity options are available on the Nord Electro 2?

The Nord Electro 2 includes MIDI I/O, USB interface, two audio outputs, a headphone output, and inputs for control, sustain, and rotary speaker speed switch pedals.

How does the Nord Electro 2 handle sound customization and effects?

The keyboard offers 48 user memory locations for storing complete setups and includes effects like overdrive, rotary speaker simulation, EQ, chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, and more.

Woody Piano Shack

Woody Piano Shack

Demo and review of Nord Electro 2 rhodes, pianos and mutha funkin' clavinet

Video thumbnail for Demo and review of Nord Electro 2 rhodes, pianos and mutha funkin' clavinet by Woody Piano Shack

Demo and review of Nord Electro 2 rhodes, pianos and mutha funkin' clavinet

Woody Piano Shack

Woody Piano Shack

Video thumbnail for Nord electro 2 piano organ clav rodhes CP80 wurlit by Matias Espinosa

Nord electro 2 piano organ clav rodhes CP80 wurlit

Matias Espinosa

Matias Espinosa

Video thumbnail for Digital Piano Duel - Yamaha P120 vs Nord Electro 2 by Woody Piano Shack

Digital Piano Duel - Yamaha P120 vs Nord Electro 2

Woody Piano Shack

Woody Piano Shack

Video thumbnail for Nord Electro 2 *SOLD* by Sune Schack

Nord Electro 2 *SOLD*

Sune Schack

Sune Schack

Reviews

PROS

  • Rhodes and Wurlitzer sounds are highly praised

  • B3 organ sounds realistic, with visible drawbar settings

  • User interface is intuitive and streamlined

  • Presets are highly customizable, including effects and EQ

  • Offers unique sound design possibilities with tweakable effects

  • Semi-weighted keys provide a satisfying playing feel

  • Can seamlessly integrate with analog synth setups

  • Non-reliant on presets for operation, enhancing live playability

CONS

  • Acoustic piano sound considered quirky and not for everyone

  • Lacks built-in reverb, limiting onboard sound depth

  • Some sounds not as dynamic as the real instruments

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Nord Electro 2 61-Key Keyboard.

Build quality

  • The Nord Electro 2's lightweight construction is praised for being road-worthy, with a lasting build quality that appeals to gigging musicians.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The knob-per-function interface is highlighted for its playability, making sound adjustments intuitive and engaging during performances.

    Source
  • The Electro 2's semi-weighted action is designed specifically for its sound engine, making it easy to perform both organ and piano parts expressively.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Accessing the Nord sound library requires running a virtual machine of Windows XP, with the close-mic Steinway D and upright piano sounds being favorites among owners.

    Source
  • Older MIDI-to-USB cables may lack class compliance; updating drivers is essential for compatibility with newer OS like Mac's Sonoma 14.5.

    Source
  • For reliable MIDI connection with the Nord Electro 2, use reputable brands like Roland, M-Audio, iConnectivity, or CME Pro for MIDI interfaces rather than off-brand options.

    Source

Comparisons

  • While the Electro 2's organ sounds are well-regarded, the Electro 3 offers improved organ sounds with transistor organs and a broader Nord Piano library.

    Source
  • The B3 organ sound in the Electro 2 is preferred by some over the Electro 4, despite the latter being a more recent model with updated features.

    Source
  • The Electro 2 is noted to have a more limited memory compared to newer Nord models, impacting the range of sounds it can store and use.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite its general-purpose action, the Nord is valued for live performances where both organ and piano styles are needed in one instrument.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A price of $600 is considered a good deal for the Electro 2, balancing its age with its enduring build quality and sound.

    Source
  • Owners suggest not paying more than $900 for the Electro 2, as newer models or alternative brands offer better value at similar prices.

    Source

User experience

  • A lightweight, springy action is highlighted for ease of use in playing both organ and piano styles, enhancing live performance versatility.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Consider upgrading to a CME U2MIDI Pro for cost-effective and reliable MIDI connection, especially if upgrading to USB-C is needed.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jasontmays

Rhodes.

At this point the Electro 2 is a classic! I love the Rhodes sound on this. The piano sounds leaves a bit to be desired.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dan Auerbach uses Nord Electro 2 61-Key Keyboard

Dan Auerbach

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Black Keys

...
Verified via YouTube

At the beginning of this video, Dan can be seen playing a short organ take on the Nord Electro 2. This is pretty odd, because it's no vintage instrument.

See how Troy Van Leeuwen uses Nord Electro 2 61-Key Keyboard

Troy Van Leeuwen

Guitarist

Queens of the Stone Age

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo Troy can be seens playing a Nord Electro 2 61 Key

See how King Krule uses Nord Electro 2 61-Key Keyboard

King Krule

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video, King Krule is playing the song "Cementality" on a Nord Electro 2 61 Keyboard. The brand and the model are visible at 0:18 in the video. He's probably using the Wurli preset of the Electro 2. The signal of the Nord is going out through the L Mono out of the keyboard.

See how Reggie Watts uses Nord Electro 2 61-Key Keyboard

Reggie Watts

Singer, Keyboardist

Soulive

...
Verified via YouTube

Reggie Watts is seen using a Nord Electro 2 in this video at around 7: and forwards

See how Kevin Morby uses Nord Electro 2 61-Key Keyboard

Kevin Morby

Singer, Guitarist

The Babies

...
Verified via Facebook

In this Photo, Kevin can be seen playing the Nord electro 2

See how Ken Stringfellow uses Nord Electro 2 61-Key Keyboard

Ken Stringfellow

Singer, Guitarist

R.E.M.

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video you can clearly see a nord electro 2 in front of Ken.

See how Tomas Bodin uses Nord Electro 2 61-Key Keyboard

Tomas Bodin

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Flower Kings

...
Verified via YouTube

Tomas Bodin uses the Nord Electro 2 61-Key Keyboard, as seen in his YouTube video "Love is the Only Answer," highlighting its role since the early days of The Flower Kings.

See how Megan Washington uses Nord Electro 2 61-Key Keyboard

Megan Washington

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, you can see Megan Washington playing a Nord Electro 2 Keyboard (1:04), at a studio live performance.

[2010].

See how Matt May uses Nord Electro 2 61-Key Keyboard

Matt May

Keyboardist

Ought

...
Verified via YouTube

On the mark 1:10, we can see the confirmation of the synth model May uses since the beginning of Ought. Despite the Nord caracteristic red color, only on this video (at least on my own research) I could find the model's name at a clear view, proving my point.

Used With

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