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Nord Stage 3 88 or Nord Stage 3 88 Piano

Postby grghood » 28 Nov 2017, 22:52

I'm looking to upgrade my son's 10yr old Roland weighted keyboard (88). he is a great pianist who likes the feel of a piano, but also plays songs at church that requires a variety of sounds. I know it's not a simple question, but...Nord Stage 3 88 or Nord Stage 3 88 Piano? he plays at different locations, so it has to be portable. Any input would be appreciated. thanks.
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Nord Stage 3 88 or Nord Stage 3 88 Piano


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Re: Nord Stage 3 88 or Nord Stage 3 88 Piano

Postby baekgaard » 29 Nov 2017, 00:09

If he only needs piano sounds and some simple sample playing (bass, strings), then the Piano 3 is maybe the better option since it has the tripple sensor (that allows re-triggering of notes with a lower key point) and is also somewhat cheaper.

If he also wants organ, a more flexible split/layer ability and better synth and sample-tweaking abilities, then the Stage 3 is the way to go.

He absolutely needs to try out the keyboards himself, though! And not just for 2 minutes; it's best to sit down and play for some time on both.

I am mainly an acoustic/electric pianist, but also do other sounds (organ, LH bass, strings, occasional synth), and I find the Stage 3 a very nice and highly playable instrument. I really like the keys of the 88HA; I had initially planned to use the Stage 3 with another "on paper better" set of keys (Roland RD700) but I now prefer playing the Stage 3 natively; I have no problems controlling the dynamics or making the instrument respond to what I'd like to hear. I have played the Piano 3 also, but personally must say I like the Stage 3 keys a little better. They have a slightly softer landing and a slightly different feel. Others probably like the Piano 3 keys better.

In any case, if you cannot make either a Piano 3 or a Stage 3 sound really nice, it may not be the board that is to blame :-) Both are very good instruments.
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Re: Nord Stage 3 88 or Nord Stage 3 88 Piano

Postby derrellpiper » 29 Nov 2017, 05:12

I agree that you should find a way to let him try out both. They feel a little different. I had a Piano 3 and sold it this summer to buy the Stage 3. No regrets, but the Piano 3 maybe felt a little better than the Stage 3, but the Stage 3 88 took so long to arrive that I can't say I'm sure anymore. And if he wants to play organ at church, the Stage is the obvious winner. Other comments on the Piano 3: it needed more memory and the Stage solves this. I also thought the factory bank in the Piano 3 was rather lame and it didn't take long before I wiped it to load what I wanted out of the Nord Piano and Sample libraries. I haven't bothered with the Stage.
Last edited by derrellpiper on 01 Dec 2017, 04:19, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Nord Stage 3 88 or Nord Stage 3 88 Piano

Postby Fedex » 30 Nov 2017, 16:51

Yes, try them both and for 2 hours each at least. I have the Piano 3 and unfortunately I can't say anything on Stage 3's action. Regarding Piano 3, I'm really enjoying its action. It has a broad dynamic range that allows to play from pianissimo to forte, it is very responsive, fast repetitions are easily performed (if you have the right technique). Nevertheless, the Stage 3 is really attractive since it's loaded of a broad high quality variety of sounds: the Church Organ is fantastic, and so the Hammond and Synth sounds. I would suggest the Stage 3 over the Piano 3 in your case. Piano 3 is for demanding pianists who only need piano sounds.
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Re: Nord Stage 3 88 or Nord Stage 3 88 Piano

Postby cphollis » 01 Dec 2017, 03:02

The only thing I'd point out is the aftertouch strip on the Nord Stage 3. It creates a springy bed beneath the key action that I wasn't really ready for. That being said, I eventually learned it (like most keyboard actions), and aftertouch brings in so many expressive capabilities.

Not a negative. Just something to consider.
I think I have gear issues ....
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Re: Nord Stage 3 88 or Nord Stage 3 88 Piano

Postby derrellpiper » 01 Dec 2017, 04:21

I guess I also do want to state that the Piano 3 really felt like a grand piano in a way that the Stage 3 does not.
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Re: Nord Stage 3 88 or Nord Stage 3 88 Piano

Postby jazzystu » 18 Dec 2017, 02:04

Nord Stage 3.

It will open a load of doors and progress his playing.
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