Nord Stage 2 detailed information

[wareyha]

Hi Everyone,
I've been continuing with the nord electro 3 for a long time, I'm thinking of buying a used stage 2, I couldn't tell if it was hammer action. It only says eighty eight on the front panel, Some knobs aren't yellow around. Does anyone know about it?

Thanx for all,

[Mr_-G-]

It if has 88 keys it is the weighted keys model (Nord Stage 2).

[FZiegler]

You'll get much more information on the Nord website: www.nordkeyboards.com/ Features, manual etc. (see: Products/Legacy and Downloads).

You have to know that the Stage 2 isn't the generation before the latest Stage 3: There's a generation 2ex between. So you'll have the original memory of 500 MB for pianos (which implies some restrictions towards nowadays piano sounds) and 380 MB for further samples in the synth engine. More or less the same generation as your Electro 3, as far as I can see. But of course, it should have more possibilities.

[Merlimau]

This blueish around the engine selector looks strange. My nord stage 2 is more yellow. Is It a Rev. A model? I can't read it on the second picture.

[maxpiano]

This blueish around the engine selector looks strange. My nord stage 2 is more yellow. Is It a Rev. A model? I can't read it on the second picture.

Good eyes! It is actually a Rev A. since it is missing the black "Hold/Sound Init" button in the synth section and also the Latch/KbGate functions that were added with Rev. B

[wareyha]

Thanx for replays.
Which would be your choice. Electro 5 73 HP or Stage 2 88 HP?

PS:My 1st instrument's guitar. I am someone who uses a keyboard for small recording and practical purposes

[maxpiano]

The question is not what would be "our" choice, but what do you need/expect from the keyboard; Nord Electro is dedicated mainly to Organ and Pianos (acoustic, electric, clavinets) andemulations, with the Sample Synth being a valuable plus, but limited to sample playback (apart very few synth parameters, while NS2's is a fully fledged synth) and with no pitch bend and modulation wheel on board (you need an external master keyboard for that) while Nord Stage is more complete (and expensive, of course).

So, again, what matters for you most? For small recordings, assuming you record on a computer DAW, you may just go for a master (your current NE3 e.g.) + Virtual Instruments instead (not sure what the other "practical purposes" may be).

[alex78]

I have come to the same dillema when thinking about a future update. I currently have an E4 and a wave1. Lack of layers and splits on the E4 is a problem sometimes, so I plan to trade it for either a used E6 or an older stage (2 or 2EX preferably).
I haven't concluded anywere yet as it's not urgent in the situation we are living, but thoughts come and go in my head....
By going for the electro you could take bennefit of the new enhanced electric pianos and the white grand wich are not compatible with the stage 2. It is a newer generation instrument and will probably be in better condition than the stage you posted here wich has lots of hard use marks on it!
However, the stage is much more powerfull. It has a real synth engine while the electro is just playing back samples (good quality ones though). It also has more layer and split options than the electro. To be more specific: With E5 you can layer or split 2 sounds in each program and not from the same sound engine (except 2 organs I think) with the stage you can have all 3 sound engines X2 in each program. The stage has also morphing options and pitch bend that are very important toos, especially for live use. You also get more outputs and routing options with the stage.
I suggest you should read carefully the specifications of each instrument and ballance the pros and cons of each depending on your needs, maybe the stage's capabilities are too much for you. Soundwise they are both beautiful instruments!

[Normski]

By going for the electro you could take bennefit of the new enhanced electric pianos and the white grand wich are not compatible with the stage 2.

The Enhanced EP's and also the White grand are compatible with the Stage 2.

[alex78]

The Enhanced EP's and also the White grand are compatible with the Stage 2.

I thought they were compatible with the EX version only, but you are right. I appologise for giving faulse information.