Should I buy a Nord Stage 2?

[Metraalex]

Hello, how are you, delighted to have found this forum, I wanted to ask a question I have about a purchase I am about to make.

I've been wanting to buy a Nord Stage for a long time, but I've never been able to get to the price of the new models (my finances don't allow it yet).
I recently had the opportunity to buy an 88-key Nord Stage 2 for $2,300. I wanted to ask you if you think it's a good price or if it's too expensive. I want to clarify that the Nord is practically new, it has no scratches, dents, or abuse on the keyboard.

The doubt arises when I start to think that this Nord model is already many years old, possibly it will not receive more firmware/software updates from Nord and it will become too obsolete. Can't add new sounds. etc ..

I am a pianist musician, I play jazz, classical music, with groups, etc., I have a great reason to buy a Nord, but I don't know if it is a good deal or if I should wait.

Thank you so much

Greetings from Argentina

[Metraalex]

Welcome to the forum
Bienvenido al foro

[catosim]

Hi
I wouldn't recommend a Nord Stage 2 based on two factors:
In my point of view the price is quite high for such an old instrument. Also the NS2 has low memory-capacity, doesn't support a lot of new features.
On the other hand, it's still a beast of a machine and you'll have plenty of fun with it if you can cope with the limitations.

[gitarrenzupfer]

I wouldn't recommend a 10+ year old keyboard. Keybeds don't get better with time.

For a Stage 2 I would never in my life pay more than $1800 (or euros, pretty much the same at the moment). Compared to the more current models, it lags significantly behind in terms of memory size and layer/split functions.

[Spider]

Compared to the more current models, it lags significantly behind

Yes, but the OP isn't comparing it to anything (he has explicitly said he won't buy a newer model), he's asking if the NS2 is still a good intruments on its own merits. And I'd say it absolutely is: I still use one myself, I've thought many times about upgrading, but simply couldn't justify the expense because the NS2 still does everything I need and more.

It's true that a 10-years-old instrument may have some problems, especially the hammer action keybed which is much more complicated than the semi-weighted. I'd suggest to try the NS2 in person, check if you like it and if everything's ok, buy it without regrets. The old Nords were built like tanks, the NS2 (not the EX) still has metal-shaft pots which are much more robust than the ones they use now. If it has not been abused or kept in harsh conditions (heat, humidity, dust, smoke...), it will probably last another 10 years at least.

[be lee vit]

I love my 76 key HA Stage 2! It gets played every day. I think the price depends a lot on the local market...from my perspective $2300 for the 88 key model isn't bad. The 88 keys means it's big so you might want to think about that if you think you'll be moving it around a lot.

[twofarmers]

I came across a Stage 2 for $2300 in Arkansas (USA), but it was the waterfall keys rather than the hammer action so I passed. The price of the HA is much more, so the price will depend on the model and your preference. Still worth looking at and taking it for a test drive.

[LeftyBass68]

I have a Stage2 EX88 and it's not for sale.Stage 2 and EX both are great instruments.
Last model built that allows separate outputs at 1/2 stereo and 3 mono and 4 mono.
Stage 2 allows for a stereo monitor of pianos,mono organ,mono synth 'bass' separate outs.
Stage 3 and 4 simply won't do this.Stereo pair and ONE more out and that's it!

NONE of the Stage models have a 1' drawbar cancel when percussion is engaged.Flagship has smaller organ menu than an Electro.
Nord has made their last dime from me.

[harmonizer]

I might have a different answer based on whether it is a Stage 2 or a Stage 2 EX which has more memory.

[LeftyBass68]

Besides memory the Stage 2 also has one other issue.The 2EX Compact finally has low E not F for a bottom key.
No key bass player I know of ever preferred F.