Nord User Forum

[Spider]

I was kind of thinking the same thing, except that I also use the Hammond, As well as top 40 pop stuff, funk, and R&B… So want to be sure I’m covered.

Ok, so definitely a Stage is the way to go. For what is worth, I also do cover band stuff so I need a little bit of everything, and I find the NS2EX more than good enough. For me, I don't really care about the additional memory in the NS3, it's not really an issue as I can already load in the NS2EX pretty much every piano and sample I need, and then some. A big difference would be the more-than-doubled polyphony in the sample-synth section: in the 2EX, I run into voice stealing when playing dense arrangements with big chords of sustained notes (typical use case: sampled horn or string sections).
All other improvements in the 3 are nice, sure, but for me that would be the main selling point. I really experience no other big shortcomings in the 2EX... or at least, none that the NS3 addressed (I'd love having 4 synth-sample layers instead of two, but that didn't change).

[Rusty Mike]

For what’s worth . . .

I’ve been using a Stage 2EX HP since 2016. I play jazz from duos to big band, including fusion. The instrument has served me very well and is a joy to play. I don’t when (or if) I’ll upgrade. All the instrument sections sound great, and I’m always getting compliments on my sound.

I use the synth section for fusion, route them out of Output 3 and augment the sound with a few pedals.

I personally think all the talk about which synth or organ sounds better is splitting hairs. It’s the player who’s going to make it sound good (or not).

Good luck with your choice - either way you won’t be disappointed. I would advise you to just purchase one of them and start making music!

[cphollis]

I had a NS2 76 and performed on it for several years. The weighted action was neither fish nor fowl for me, not light enough for organ/synth, not satisfying for APs. Everything else about the board was stellar. I sold it for a good price, and got the NS3C. It's definitely worth the extra cash.

I'm not going to get into the debate of Nord prices vs. other. If you want to spend less, there are several good choices available. Same as Porsches.

[Davey Nordy]

I had a NS2 76 and performed on it for several years. The weighted action was neither fish nor fowl for me, not light enough for organ/synth, not satisfying for APs. Everything else about the board was stellar. I sold it for a good price, and got the NS3C. It's definitely worth the extra cash.

I'm not going to get into the debate of Nord prices vs. other. If you want to spend less, there are several good choices available. Same as Porsches.

Yeah, I hear you. But for almost two grand more, I have to wonder. But I also know if I send the 3 back, I’ll have a helluva time finding it for this low price again.

[anotherscott]

I had a NS2 76 and performed on it for several years. The weighted action was neither fish nor fowl for me, not light enough for organ/synth, not satisfying for APs.

NS2 76 (TP40, "HA" like the 88)? Or NS2-EX 76 (TP100, "HP")? Because lots of people would agree with you if you meant the latter; fewer if you meant the former.

[WannitBBBad]

...But for almost two grand more, I have to wonder. But I also know if I send the 3 back, I’ll have a helluva time finding it for this low price again.

You really can't go wrong with either at the prices you are looking at, but you may see more Stage 3 88s once the Stage 3 EX is released. If the synth section is important to you, the Stage 3 has a bit to offer in that area. Seamless transitions, Song mode, OLED displays and other Stage 3 features are really nice to have as well. I love my Stage 3, but would be asking the same questions as you if I was making a purchase decision today with the Stage 3 EX release around the corner. Good luck.

[Davey Nordy]

...But for almost two grand more, I have to wonder. But I also know if I send the 3 back, I’ll have a helluva time finding it for this low price again.

You really can't go wrong with either at the prices you are looking at, but you may see more Stage 3 88s once the Stage 3 EX is released. If the synth section is important to you, the Stage 3 has a bit to offer in that area. Seamless transitions, Song mode, OLED displays and other Stage 3 features are really nice to have as well. I love my Stage 3, but would be asking the same questions as you if I was making a purchase decision today with the Stage 3 EX release around the corner. Good luck.

Thing I’m thinking is that the 3 EX will be max full price upon release… so like 4800 vs the 3900 I can keep this one for… then in a few years the Stage 4 EX

[Mr_-G-]

Or you can get the NS2EX and start with a $1900 savings in your piggy bank for the new NS3EX when (if) it comes out.
If you keep thinking for too long you I guess that you will never buy anything!

[baekgaard]

...But for almost two grand more, I have to wonder. But I also know if I send the 3 back, I’ll have a helluva time finding it for this low price again.

You really can't go wrong with either at the prices you are looking at, but you may see more Stage 3 88s once the Stage 3 EX is released. If the synth section is important to you, the Stage 3 has a bit to offer in that area. Seamless transitions, Song mode, OLED displays and other Stage 3 features are really nice to have as well. I love my Stage 3, but would be asking the same questions as you if I was making a purchase decision today with the Stage 3 EX release around the corner. Good luck.

Thing I’m thinking is that the 3 EX will be max full price upon release… so like 4800 vs the 3900 I can keep this one for… then in a few years the Stage 4 EX

From the tone of your posts, it sounds like you're wanting the NS3 more than the NS2EX...

If so, get it and be happy with it until you want to upgrade to a NS4EX or NS5. If you get the NS2EX and keep thinking the NS3 is what you should have gotten, you will not be happy even with more money in the bank.

Both are nice instruments, but of course the NS3 is overall the better of the two - had the cost been the same, you would not have considered the NS2EX, I think



Sent from my phone in brevity

[Ton Beljon]

Buy a Nord stage 2 76 Keys. You won’t regret. I still have it!
A few Months ago i sold my Nord Stage 3 compact. Didnt like it at all.