From simon@alphabeck.co.uk Sat Mar 13 01:53:50 2010
Subject:Re: Buttons/Drawbars on Nord

I can think of several possible reasons:

1. Simply "thinking outside the box". Heck - the things work, and Casio and
Yamaha have since used similar systems.
2. The Nord Electro on which the drawbuttons originally appeared was the
first of a completely new type of keyboard, neither strictly clonewheel nor
conventional stage piano. They simply continued using the drawbuttons on
subsequent products.
3. Cost/availability of components. The buttons are the same as those used
elsewhere on the instrument.
4. Durability/reliability. Drawbars can easily get damaged and are subject
to noise and wear, just like any potentiometer. Buttons are arguably much
more robust and reliable.
5. Suitability for digital interfacing. Drawbuttons can be directly
connected to the keyboard's digital circuitry with no need for
analogue-to-digital conversion.
6. Ergonomics. OK, so the drawbars on a B3 don't jump to preset positions,
but then again, can you see your drawbar settings on a darkened stage?
Visually impaired musicians might have difficulties with drawbuttons, but
you can't please everyone.

These are my own opinions and conclusions; I am not in any way associated
with Clavia or any other musical instrument manufacturer or distributor, and
I don't even OWN a Nord instrument!

Simon Beck
London, UK

> Hi guys and gals. Excuse me for asking such a simplistic question but
> why aren't Hammond style drawbars used on the Nord stuff? I must be the
> only one in the known universe that doesn't know why. Thx