Nord
Piano 5 88
$3,600
The stage piano that professional pianists actually use
4.6 Beginner 5.0 Night Practice 5.0 Portability 8.3 Touch Reality 4.4 Value
88 18.5 kg
View Details Nord
Nord Grand 2 Review
The pianist's Nord — Kawai's finest action meets Nord's legendary sound
88 Keys 21 kg grandtouch Advanced
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
4.1| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | No | +0 |
| App Connectivity | No | +0 |
| Recording | No | +0 |
| Metronome | No | +0 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | Yes | +0.3 |
| Preset Songs | 0 | +0 |
| Sound Variety | 400 sounds | +0.5 |
Night Practice
5.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 | +1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm | +1 |
| Headphone Optimization | No | +0 |
| Key Action Quietness | grandtouch | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
Portability
3.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 21 kg | -1.5 |
| Width | 1300 mm | +0 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
8.3| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | grandtouch (grade 9) | +5.4 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 120 notes | +0.4 |
| Sound Modeling | Virtual Hammer Action | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | ivory-feel | +0.5 |
Our Verdict
The Grand 2 is Nord's piano-focused flagship: the same GrandTouch keybed as the Piano 5, but with a redesigned sound engine, expanded piano library, and a chassis designed purely for pianists who perform.
Pros
- • GrandTouch keybed with triple sensors — Kawai's premium weighted action, the gold standard for stage pianos
- • 400+ sounds from Nord's Piano Library — downloadable and fully customizable
- • Virtual Hammer Action technology for nuanced dynamic response
- • Ivory-feel key surface with realistic escapement for authentic grand piano touch
- • Layer and split capability for piano + strings or piano + bass combinations
- • 21kg — transportable for regular gigging
Cons
- • No built-in speakers — requires external amplification or headphones
- • $3,500 is a significant investment — justified only for serious performers
- • No Bluetooth connectivity of any kind
- • No recording, lesson, or consumer-oriented features
- • 120-note polyphony may limit sustain-heavy repertoire
- • Single headphone jack — no headphone optimization
The Grand 2 is what happens when you strip the Stage 4 down to just piano. No organ section, no synth engine — just Nord's world-class piano samples delivered through one of the best weighted actions money can buy. At $3,500, it's $100 less than the Piano 5 88 and $2,000 less than the Stage 4, making it the value proposition in Nord's upper lineup. If you need organ and synth, get the Stage 4. If you play exclusively piano and want the best possible touch and tone for the stage, the Grand 2 is one of the finest instruments in this database.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The GrandTouch keybed is manufactured by Kawai and is considered one of the finest weighted actions available in any stage piano. Triple sensors enable extremely precise velocity detection, allowing pianissimo passages to speak clearly and fortissimo chords to ring with authority. The escapement mechanism provides the subtle 'notch' feel that acoustic grand players rely on for controlled repetition. The ivory-feel surface absorbs moisture, keeping your fingers planted during intense performances.
Who Is This Piano For?
You're a pianist first. You don't need organ engines or synth sections — you need the absolute best piano sound and touch in a portable format. You perform at recitals, accompany choirs, play jazz gigs, or record in studios where the piano needs to sound real through monitors. The Grand 2 is the purest expression of what Nord does best: making a digital piano feel and sound like the real thing.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Grandtouch |
| Polyphony | 120 notes |
| Sounds | 400 |
| Weight | 21 kg |
| Speakers | — |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Ivory Feel |
| Sound Modeling | Virtual Hammer Action |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | Yes |
| Lesson Function | No |
| App Connectivity | No |
| Recording | No |
| Metronome | No |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 0 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1300×361×129 mm |
| Stand Included | No |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
Recommended Accessories
🪑
Stand
Stand not included (sold separately)
A sturdy X-stand or furniture-style stand is essential if one isn't included.
🎧
Headphones
Closed-back headphones with good bass response make practice sessions more enjoyable.
🎹
Sustain Pedal
The included pedal is usually basic. A half-damper pedal upgrade is worthwhile for expressive playing.
💺
Bench
An adjustable-height bench helps maintain proper posture during long practice sessions.
How It Compares
Grand 2 vs Piano 5 88
The Piano 5 88 edges ahead in Beginner and Portability. The Grand 2 costs $100 less. Choose the Piano 5 88 if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Nord Piano 5 88 →Grand 2 vs RD-2000
The Grand 2 scores higher in Portability, while the RD-2000 edges ahead in Beginner and Touch Reality and Value. The RD-2000 costs $1,000 less. Choose the Grand 2 if you prioritize portability.
Roland RD-2000 →Grand 2 vs Grandstage 2
The Grand 2 scores higher in Touch Reality, while the Grandstage 2 edges ahead in Beginner and Portability and Value. The Grandstage 2 costs $500 less. Choose the Grand 2 if you prioritize realistic touch.
Korg Grandstage 2 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nord Grand 2 good for beginners?
It's not ideal for beginners. The Nord Grand 2 scores 4.1/10 on our Beginner scale — it lacks key learning features. Consider a model with lesson functions and app connectivity.
Does the Nord Grand 2 have Bluetooth?
No, the Nord Grand 2 does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.
How heavy is the Nord Grand 2?
The Nord Grand 2 weighs 21 kg (46 lbs). It scores 3.5/10 on our Portability scale. This is manageable for occasional moves but not truly portable.
Can I use headphones with the Nord Grand 2?
Yes. The Nord Grand 2 has 1 headphone jack (6.3mm). It scores 5/10 on our Night Practice scale.
How many keys does the Nord Grand 2 have?
The Nord Grand 2 has a full 88-key keyboard, the same as an acoustic piano. This gives you the complete range for any piece of music.
Related Guides
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Read more →Graded Hammer Action vs Weighted Keys: What's the Difference?
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