Gambold wrote:
I would never buy a Nord Stage, they are way too expensive, and the Electro does everything the Stage does except the synth - and come on, synth, really? If you must have one, get a dedicated one for your studio, Brian Eno, and if you're forced to drag it on stage to make synthy sounds while your band wails away, I'm very sorry for you.
Indeed - tell your band they can choose from a wide range of wonderful Nord keyboards and samples, and if they insist you play synth up there...find another band.
The Top 40 music I play in hotels and venues could not be performed without LOTS of synth sounds(Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Maroon 5 etc). Also, string sounds, horn sounds, sound FX, arpeggios, the list goes on. Even classic rock bands need some synth sounds (Bon jovi, Foreigner, even Van Halen). Bands (at least where I live) who can get by with a keyboard player having just piano/organ/electric piano/clav are few and far between. YMMV.
-dj