Stage 3 76 or 88?

[NordNerd431]

I know that everyone's perception of "keyboard feel" varies, but I wanted to reach out to people who have played both the Stage 3 76 and 88 boards. Interested in hearing what you thought of each, and if you bought one, what made you decide on that model. I played the 88 a few weeks ago and loved it - except that it's 40 lbs. Normally that wouldn't be too bad, except for the fact that I had 2 back surgeries this past year, and would like to lighten my gigging gear if possible. The store has a few in stock, and I could buy it tomorrow, if I wanted.

The problem is that there is the 76 key version out there, and it's only 27 lbs. The earliest the store could get one in would be January 2018. I'm debating if I should wait until January to test drive it before deciding. How does the keybed and action of the 76 compare to the 88? I would welcome opinions from anyone with playing experience on both boards. Thanks in advance!

[smcelyea]

I have a NS2EX 76. I do not know if the “3” is any different. If so, I have enjoyed playing it. It has a total different feel. You can really feel the hammer action in it, and it feels of substance. The other keyboardist friends of mine either loved it or hated it. Personally I like it and the 27lbs. However because I missed the 88, I bought the NS3 88. I’m not too thrilled about the 42lbs without a case. Interestingly the lightest, best action, to me is the MOXF8. I suppose my post in contingent on the NS2EX being the same as the NS3 76 action. Another advantage is the 76 has a smaller footprint n stage. Honestly, I like them both.


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[anotherscott]

Interestingly the lightest, best action, to me is the MOXF8.

I think that action is just okay, but it's also worth considering that a Yamaha MX88 and a NS3 Compact *combined* is only $100 more than an NS3-88, and gives you a hammer and non-hammer action at your disposal, and although you're carrying 2 boards, nothing weighs over 30.6 lbs. The MX88 has the same action and many of the same sounds as the MOXF8, a sound set that I thunk complements the Nord pretty nicely. (The MOXF8 is better, but a little bit heavier and pricier.)

[smcelyea]

Yes, I agree. [emoji1360]


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[blizz]

I play a lot of acoustic piano and I was able to check out both NORD keybeds. The 88 has a more piano-like response, although it feels a little lighter than an average upright piano. The 76 feels more spongy to me. Personally I find the 88 more responsive than the 76 especially when playing fast lines, but this is a subjective statement of course. I think that for "regular" keyboard work, the 76 will do a great job. Of course, most players will get used to their keybed after a while...

Dirk Schreurs
http://www.nordkeyboards.com/artist/dirk-schreurs

[derrellpiper]

I have a Stage 3 88 and it doesn't feel like a synth, it feels like a piano. I imagine the 76 feels like a synth in the way my two Prophets and two Moogs do. That said, the Nord Piano 3 felt even more like a piano, more like a Korg SV-1 feels. This one's a little wobbly and not as heavy but it's still nice and I've almost exclusively been using it as a piano. Overall, I'm really happy with mine; it's what I was expecting and it sounds great and is fun to play.

[Leonid]

Had Electro HP, with keyboard like on Ns3 76. Now having NS3 compact and much more happy, as it works better for synth and organ and very acceptable for piano, really nice feel to play. If i need hammer action Im connecting PX5s (weight also just 11kg).

[KyleM]

Neither, get the Conpact... and add a Juno DS88... Or just a Compact alone.,. I have aLl Compact NS2 and it’s the bee’s lknees. Don’t underestimate the action on the Compacr. It’s FUN to shred organ and synth on and it handles piano JUST FINE:

[anotherscott]

I have a Stage 3 88 and it doesn't feel like a synth, it feels like a piano. I imagine the 76 feels like a synth in the way my two Prophets and two Moogs do.

76 is a hammer action board (Fatar TP100), closer in feel to the 88 than to non-hammer Prophets/Moogs. I have played other TP100 boards (not Nord's), and they are not as quick/responsive as the TP40 variants Nord uses in the 88s, but it is still more piano-like than Prophets/Moogs and the like.

[blizz]

I have a Stage 3 88 and it doesn't feel like a synth, it feels like a piano. I imagine the 76 feels like a synth in the way my two Prophets and two Moogs do.

76 is a hammer action board (Fatar TP100), closer in feel to the 88 than to non-hammer Prophets/Moogs. I have played other TP100 boards (not Nord's), and they are not as quick/responsive as the TP40 variants Nord uses in the 88s, but it is still more piano-like than Prophets/Moogs and the like.

Spot on!