Stage 2 vs Electro 6D

[dhanauer]

Hello people;

I have a Nord Stage 2 EX HP 76 in great condition, it's a great instrument, but I play in a band and it's heavy to carry and it doesn't fit in the back seat of my car. I also realized that the HP keys only favor piano performance, I use a lot of organ and sinth, and heavy keys are not good.

I was offered a Nord Electro 6d 61 in the exchange, one for one, but I'm in doubt. What is your opinion?

[harmonizer]

For me 61 keys are not enough. It's not just about whether that is adequate for playing a 2-handed keys part on individual songs, but knowing that sometimes I will need to use a keyboard split and play two sounds at once. It's too easy to run out of real estate.

A 73-key Electro 5 or 73-key Electro 6 would be a different story.

[Rusty Mike]

For me 61 keys are not enough. It's not just about whether that is adequate for playing a 2-handed keys part on individual songs, but knowing that sometimes I will need to use a keyboard split and play two sounds at once. It's too easy to run out of real estate.

A 73-key Electro 5 or 73-key Electro 6 would be a different story.

Same here. I’ve had 61’s in the past and always regretted it. Even if you have to add money, getting a 73 will serve you much better.

By the way - @harmonizer, I noticed you added a Stage 3 to your profile. Congrats!

[anotherscott]

So far, the answers have focussed only on 61 vs 73, and you can determine for yourself how important that is. Mask off your current board so that only 61 keys are available, play with it for a while, and see if you find it workable. But there are a number of other considerations.

Years ago, I went from a Stage 2 Compact to an Electro 5D. I wasn't happy about giving up so much (a lot of split/layer functionality, the VA synth, pitch stick, mod wheel, aftertouch, endless encoders with LED rings for some parameters, a lot of MIDI functionality, more flexible output routing, more complete clav EQ, pending load, more direct patch recall buttons with direct bank buttons, latch/KB gate)... but I really wanted the low E (not an issue in your case), what seemed like an action that had better been tweaked for pianos (not sure whether that's relevant in your case), the new display interface, the real drawbars. The E6 gets you some other things over your NS2... seamless sound transitions, more polyphony, more sample memory, and you wouldn't be giving up as much split/layer functionality.

But really, if you need something lighter than your current Nord, and more compact to fit in your car, and with an action that you don't dislike, well, it sounds to me like you should make some change. So then, I think the question isn't really NE6D vs. your current Stage, rather it's NE6D vs. whatever other board you might consider instead.

[NoDirection]

Hi dhanauer - Welcome to the forum!

From what you write (you use more organ and synth) you should consider buing a Nord Stage 3 Compact if you like that keyboard action. Its light with lots of functionality for a good price (now) - And I guess it will fit in your car since the soft bag is much smaller than the soft case for your current keyboard.

You get good second hand price for your Nord Stage 2EX - at least here in Norway - Save up a little and buy a Stage! - dont swap for a E61.

[Tasten-Bert]

Hello people;

I have a Nord Stage 2 EX HP 76 in great condition, it's a great instrument, but I play in a band and it's heavy to carry and it doesn't fit in the back seat of my car. I also realized that the HP keys only favor piano performance, I use a lot of organ and sinth, and heavy keys are not good.

I was offered a Nord Electro 6d 61 in the exchange, one for one, but I'm in doubt. What is your opinion?

I would do it. Sure. No doubts.

The NE6D 61 fits on the back seat even of my FIAT Panda. Keybed is good enough - with a bit of getting used to - for piano ballads from Adele, Emily Sandé etc.

And you‘ll love the drawbar organ.

Cheers from sunny Germany

[Rusty Mike]

Be aware as well that the synth section of the Electro is not as deep as the Stage. If you’re doing only synth pads, it will work for you. If, however, you play mono leads using the pitch and mod controls the Electro has no such capability.