Nord Stage 3 Compact vs HP76

[anotherscott]

So on the new stage 3 - the action on the 76 is different than on the 88? That's strange.

Same as on the NS2EX (but not the original NS2). The 76 is a different, less responsive action. But the mechanism weighs less which is why the 76 board weighs so much less than the 88. The models that end in HA have the regular Hammer Action, the ones that end in HP have the Hammer Portable (i.e. lighter travel weight) action.

[ericL]

On the stage 2 ex i know there's a difference.
Is it also confirmed regarding the stage 3?
And if so, what's the difference in feel? The 76 version is more stiff, slugish and harder to press in comparison with the 88 version?

There's a pretty lengthy thread about the change between the HA and HP actions, which became available with the NS2EX 76 HP and now the NS3 76 HP.

http://www.norduserforum.com/nord-stage ... t9459.html

I have both the HA and HP actions in my NS2 and NS2 EX (as well as a NS2 EX Compact). Quite a bit of difference across all three of these, but the benefit of both the HP and Compact is lighter weight.

[Jo Osantos1]

Hello Guys,

I need to bring this topic once again... I've been using the NS3 Compact on my gigs, and I just can't go with the piano sound on the compact... the keys are so light... I can't even change the Key touch to heavier...
I usually use the Roland RD-2000, but it's a pain in the ass to get the RD out of the studio :/
So I am thinking about jumping into an Stage 3 - HP76. Does anyone use this model for Piano/Rhodes sounds? How about the Keybed? Is it good for those purposes?

[Music*aL]

I use the NS376HP for my gig rig. I come from having used the NS 88 classic. I loved the keybed on the classic. It is light but very responsive and allows for subtle playing. I grew weary of lugging a 40 lbs keyboard so I ended up getting the NS3 HP. At first, I didn't like the feel of the keybed. I would have described it as having a "heavier" feel than the HA keybed in the classic. But, after the keybed was broken in, I grew to enjoy the feel of the keybed quite a bit, and my back still thanks me. I would now describe it as somewhat heavy but very fast also. I am very happy with my decision to purchase the NS3.

The bottom line for the HP is that, like any keybed, it will take some adjustment to feel at home with it. If you have one close by you can demo that would be your best option.

HTH,

aL

[maxpiano]

Hello Guys,

I need to bring this topic once again... I've been using the NS3 Compact on my gigs, and I just can't go with the piano sound on the compact... the keys are so light... I can't even change the Key touch to heavier...
I usually use the Roland RD-2000, but it's a pain in the ass to get the RD out of the studio :/
So I am thinking about jumping into an Stage 3 - HP76. Does anyone use this model for Piano/Rhodes sounds? How about the Keybed? Is it good for those purposes?

If you are used to have 2 boards when gigging, why don't you get a weighted master keyboard instead? The Studiologic SL73/88 Studio for example have the same (TP100) keybed as the NS HP. Or a cheap and lightweight digital piano with MIDI OUT, with a keybed you like better (you may try the Kawai ES100 /110 or other).

[Jo Osantos1]

Hello Guys,

I need to bring this topic once again... I've been using the NS3 Compact on my gigs, and I just can't go with the piano sound on the compact... the keys are so light... I can't even change the Key touch to heavier...
I usually use the Roland RD-2000, but it's a pain in the ass to get the RD out of the studio :/
So I am thinking about jumping into an Stage 3 - HP76. Does anyone use this model for Piano/Rhodes sounds? How about the Keybed? Is it good for those purposes?

If you are used to have 2 boards when gigging, why don't you get a weighted master keyboard instead? The Studiologic SL73/88 Studio for example have the same (TP100) keybed as the NS HP. Or a cheap and lightweight digital piano with MIDI OUT, with a keybed you like better (you may try the Kawai ES100 /110 or other).

I rather have only one keyboard. So i was thinking abour getting the Nord STAGE 3 HP76.
I would like to hear the opinion of someone who plays this keyboard for piano and rhodes sounds...

[ciciss]

In my opinion, the Nord Ex stage 88 has the best keybed ever, pianistically speaking, even better than Stage 3 88.
At the moment I use the Stage 76 HP, excellent for the Rhodes, a little less for the piano: difficult to reproduce the whole range of key velocities.
But I love the "heavy" Keys, so I consider it a good compromise.

Nord Grand beats everyone though ...

[Jo Osantos1]

In my opinion, the Nord Ex stage 88 has the best keybed ever, pianistically speaking, even better than Stage 3 88.
At the moment I use the Stage 76 HP, excellent for the Rhodes, a little less for the piano: difficult to reproduce the whole range of key velocities.
But I love the "heavy" Keys, so I consider it a good compromise.

Nord Grand beats everyone though ...

You dont like this keybed for Piano? I guess it's better than the Compact waterfall keys.

[Music*aL]

You dont like this keybed for Piano? I guess it's better than the Compact waterfall keys.

The HP is 100x better than the compact for Piano, Rhodes and any other instrument requiring weight to the keys. Also, the keys are more appropriately levered (if that's a word). In other words, they are longer and the fulcrum seems to be further back than the compact (of which I have one).

HTH,

aL