Doubts about buying nord stage 3

[Stormbringer]

My question to Stormbringer is why do you look for a stage and not for an electro. DP is mainly organ, a bit of a sharp sounding piano and only little synth. As I come from organ and acoustic piano I don't like the key feel with the aftertouch sensor below it. To be honest, I hate it. Therefore my choice would be an electro 6D 73 or a second hand 5D.

Hi Tasten! Thanks for your advice!
Nord electro is an excellent instrument, and I know that dark purple is indicated. However I like to play other genres too, so I find the synth section and the stage versatility useful.
I also use the synth section for deep viola, in songs like the studio version of Stormbringer (from which I took the nickname)

Buona fortuna e tanti saluti.

Grazie!!! Anche a te!

I've owned both the NS2 and NS3 at the same time... You can generate all sorts of gritty organs, amped pianos and nasty synth lines. In particular, with a little effort, you can get reasonably authentic Jon Lord sounds without external effects... I do love my NS3 as I play across several bands and styles. Once I got the NS3C, the NS2 was immediately up for sale. Aftertouch is fine for me, except when playing AP parts.

This comment is important because you had the opportunity to compare both keyboards simultaneously. I'm glad you don't find any defects in the organs and synthesizers, as I read instead.
Probably the updates were very useful!
Thanks!

For a heavily overdriven Hammond like used for Deep Purple, the Stage 3 close microphone setting adds a bit of character I like.

Great!

Leslie "close" Setting and the addition of physical Drawbars to the compact model are the biggest advantages of the Stage 3 over the 2 for organs IME

I will certainly try this setting!

I would definitely get the stage 3 if you can afford it. It will cover any deep purple tune out there plus if you ever need to play in other situations you have a powerhouse at your fingertips. Many musicians have came up to me from day 1 after getting the nord and tell me how much better it sounded then my previous setup ( Yaamaha Moxf6 and Juno ds61). They always say how sharp and crystal clear the organs and piano sounds are.

Great! I read many positive reviews, I will evaluate the change more seriously. Thanks!

Hi
I have a NS2 and NS3C as my live stage rig. Interesting to hear the comments here. I only play a little deep purple, but do use a bit of aggressive organ. I use the NS3C most often for this as it has better cut through than the NS2. A good example is Gimme Some Lovin’ - the NS3 just has a better treble edge than than NS2, even allowing for EQ settings. I still love the NS2 however, and use it for pianos more often than the NS3C, but it is also great for subtle organ work, where you don’t want the same amount of cut through. My take is that the NS3 May be a better tool for the job

Interesting answer!
I understand that you think the organs of Ns3 are better, especially on the treble. This is very important!
A curiosity: why do you use NS2 pianos more often? Thanks!

Thanks so much to everyone for the precious advices!

[analogika]

If you search the forums, you will find EPIC discussions of the pianos on the 3 vs. the 2.

I owned and used both simultaneously for some months and preferred the 3 in every single way they differ
— the synth is way more versatile and samples sound very different (I could never get a decent brass sound out of the 2, while the 3 works and sounds great in a pop context)
— split fade works wonders for sampled sounds, as you can blend from one brass sample to another across the keyboard, or — even more importantly — strings.
— the piano response is brighter, as the whole machine has slightly more high end. It gives the organ more bite, and adds a high-end “sheen” to the entire machine that really upvalues the sound as a whole. This drove some people insane, but to me, the new brilliance makes the piano much more attractive.
— piano filters mean you can adapt your basic sound to a different mix or live situation literally in a split second. They’re really good, and you don’t sacrifice the EQ.
— Reverb is hardwired before the Leslie, not after it, as on the 2. Again, drives some people up the wall, but for me, this is how my Hammonds work, so I’m very happy with the change.
— pitch stick can be set to cover an octave. I often have it set to -12/+2. Happy.
— the large displays are a huge boost to usability.

[Stormbringer]

Thank you analogika for the accurate review!

[alex78]

Have you considered the Nord C2D? DP songs are 90% organ and 10% synth, so a decent, double manual organ like the C2D together with a cheaper synth for the rest would be a good choice IMO.
I also play rock music and have an Electro 4 for the organ and electric piano parts together with a Nord Wave for the rest, I'm very pleased with the combination.
P.S. Uriah Heep's keyboardist Phil Lanzon uses a C2D as a main board in their live shows.

[LewTheKeysGuy]

I at last have my stage 3-88 and Nord Grand, between the two, best combination for my needs. ok, I'm trying to find rack replacements for older synths, but that being said, having the Grand with the stage 3 above, it's a perfect playing setup. I love the new Piano monitors, it's a nice, personal sound and just offers that bit of class, worth the money I'd say. The stage 3, even with the issues I've had through carriers and a dealer I won't touch again, as far as I'm concerned, the stage 3 is my go-to instrument. Can't wait to take this on the road with new projects. I'm in the process of supporting a nord newcomer privately because like me, he is registered blind, so he's picking my brains, more than happy to.

[cphollis]

Lew, you DEFINITELY took the gear plunge! A man after my own heart. When the muse strikes, take the plunge!!

My Nord Stage 3 Compact continues to satisfy in a big way. The more I gig with it, the more new bands I encounter, it's a champ. Maybe there's something cheaper out there, but nothing better given my situation. Song list mode is manna from heaven for what I do.

The Nord Grand is a different proposition to me, which I have seriously considered. I've got a NP4, which is pretty darn close except for the action and piano memory. Oh yes, and the Grand aesthetic is impressive to me. If I end up with yet another AP-centric duo or trio gig, OK, I'll pull the trigger on the Grand. Otherwise, the NP4 is close enough for rock and roll. Actually, a joy to play.

The curious part for me (if you don't mind?) is the choice of two weighted board. Me? Weighted below, unweighted above for organ, synth, etc. So I'm sort of trying to figure out the rationale behind buying two weighted boards. I'm sure it's there, though.

My current rig is a ?NP2 or NP4 acting as a weighted controller for the NS3C. I have to say, this is the simplest yet most effective rig I've ever played.

[LewTheKeysGuy]

Lew, you DEFINITELY took the gear plunge! A man after my own heart. When the muse strikes, take the plunge!!

My Nord Stage 3 Compact continues to satisfy in a big way. The more I gig with it, the more new bands I encounter, it's a champ. Maybe there's something cheaper out there, but nothing better given my situation. Song list mode is manna from heaven for what I do.

The Nord Grand is a different proposition to me, which I have seriously considered. I've got a NP4, which is pretty darn close except for the action and piano memory. Oh yes, and the Grand aesthetic is impressive to me. If I end up with yet another AP-centric duo or trio gig, OK, I'll pull the trigger on the Grand. Otherwise, the NP4 is close enough for rock and roll. Actually, a joy to play.

The curious part for me (if you don't mind?) is the choice of two weighted board. Me? Weighted below, unweighted above for organ, synth, etc. So I'm sort of trying to figure out the rationale behind buying two weighted boards. I'm sure it's there, though.

My current rig is a ?NP2 or NP4 acting as a weighted controller for the NS3C. I have to say, this is the simplest yet most effective rig I've ever played.

Yes, the Nord Grand is a stunner, without doubt, feels like silk to play for me.

Not a question of taking the plunge, I'd replaced my previous stage 3-88 after it failed due to damage caused by a carrier and a dealer with no respect for the customer. The Grand was due to the fact I had received a grant to go with a previous funding grant to help me recover my career after losing my business 2 years ago due to losing my dad to a heart attack, selling the studio and business off to save our home, now I can get back to work but still trying to replace certain equipment. So far I have the grand, stage 3, Roland Integra 7, then a used Korg Trinity Rack, Triton Rack on the way, the challenge then is to find the rest of the rack versions of keyboards I owned. and build a setup that works for me.

I'm used to weighted actions in a layered setup, just feels right, sometimes though I wouldn't mind a 61 key or 73 key synth weighted but at the moment that's not important.

I've a big project ahead of me which will be announced here in due course.

[WannitBBBad]

Here's an example of the Stage 3 Hammond with close setting on Leslie and overdrive. Take care

• Stage 3 Gimme Some Lovin.mp3

[LewTheKeysGuy]

Here's an example of the Stage 3 Hammond with close setting on Leslie and overdrive. Take care

• Stage 3 Gimme Some Lovin.mp3

THAT IS SEXY!

[anotherscott]

Nice sound on Gimme Some Lovin'. Hint: When playing it, on that last major chord, hit the minor first, and quickly slide that finger to the major.