Stage 2 Compact SW73

[MEL868]

I have this keyboard and love it! Been so wrapped up in it I’ve only recently been thinking about the next gen Stage3. At first glance I would miss the electronic organ draw bars push buttons, but wouldnt say no because of this. And I’d have to write down several program samples to recreate them for use in my band, which would be an undertaking, which I’d gladly rise to the occassion if I had money to burn.

What I want to know is, is the NS2 sw73 obsolete?

I had to drop insurance on mine, and its perfect working condition. The keys show some scratches and light wear but not too bad. Everything is functioning perfectly (knock wood), and no complaints, other than ‘what would i do if...’?

I bought it about 5 yrs ago. Never had it serviced and play it like mad. I cannot fathom a repair, or maintenance schedule and hope i never have to. Thus, i’d rather buy a new one, but looks like one cannot be found?

[Papamotif]

Keep it! As someone wrote i another thread. You won’t be a better musician just because of new gear! I’ve tried to upgrade from my NS 2 HA76 but it still does the job to good for me! And i know every corner of if which is good when you’re playing live! After some reading on this forum the NS3 still has problems due to OS and that’s not safe in a live situation so I stay with my NS2 that is steady as a rock!

[Keynord]

Stay with it! I bought mine in June from second hand and I am very happy! As a long time C2 organ user I am used to work with LED drawbars. In my cover bands it is very practical: I can see the drawbar setting during program switching and do the slight changes. And for me, less is more. I mean for example memory size: if I had more flash ROM memory, like the Stage 3 has, I could be lost with experiments, which piano to choose from etc. In quite limited memory size in my model (500 MB for pianos) I must choose only few of them to fit the size and I have more time to play music

[Leo Castro]

I'm in love with my Stage 2 73sw. End of the message.

[magpie85]

If you enjoy playing it then stay with it. If you lust after some of the new features, would benefit from them and have the available funds then consider the upgrade, but don't upgrade just because there is a new model.

In terms of thinking about it being obsolete, I'd say no. I don't have the spare cash at the moment, but when I do I'll be looking at getting an sw73 model stage 2 or more recent. I'm not afraid of buying an older model, especially something like a Nord where the sounds can be updated to the most recent releases at no cost.

I'm sure I'm not the only one too.

[anotherscott]

Nothing is obsolete if it still does for you bought it to do. Lots of folks are still making great music with gear a lot older than your NS2.

That said, as a former NS2 owner, I'm happier with my NS3!

[DJKeys]

the NS3 still has problems due to OS and that’s not safe in a live situation so I stay with my NS2 that is steady as a rock!

This is simply not true. I have been using my NS3 live for a year with no issues at all, through all software updates. I had the NS2 SW73 for 5 years and the NS 3 is absolutely a stunning improvement.

That being said, the NS2 is a great board as well, served me for a long time!


-dj

[MEL868]

Agree with all- I am in love with my ns2 sw73, and am a less is more person, and agree it’s great to be really familiar especially in live.

What I meant by ‘obsolete’ is that I cannot find one new or used anywhere. Where do I get a replacement if something goes wrong? I’ve owned it 5 yrs., do I need to think about maintenance or heaven forbed repair? I wouldn’t even know how to go about it. What if I want to buy a new one just like what I have?

[Rusty Mike]

Your observation that very few of them are for sale through eBay or Reverb is a testament to their value.

Remember that the Stage 2 and 2EX are 100% compatible (aside from the 2EX having more piano memory), so you can always look for a 2EX in your search.

[ericL]

I love the NS2 so much that I have THREE of them!

My original NS2 88 from right when they were released that was my weekly gig partner for many years. Then I grabbed a NS2 EX 76 which I gigged with a few years. Then I could not resist the sales and rebates and picked up a NS2 EX Compact that I rotate with my 76 on gigs. The 88 stays at home on my CP-80 where I enjoy it and program sounds etc. I have been thinking about going to the NS3 and figure that may eventually happen...but I have so much time invested in my NS2 and all the custom Programs I've created over the years. I love it!