What would you choose?

[WannitBBBad]

The Nord Grand appears to be getting a great reception but at the same time folks are leaving behind some features available on the Nord Stage 3. On the other hand, folks with a Stage 3 Compact sometimes buy a separate controller just for the piano feel when playing the piano samples. A plethora of options exist, but what do you think would be more successful in rolling out: a Nord Stage 4 Elite - a deeper-bodied Stage 4 with Nord Grand keyboard while maintaining the lower-priced 73, 76 and 88-key models, or a new Nord keyboard combining the C2 organ and Wave 2 into one waterfall 73-key keyboard to complement the Nord Grand or any other weighted-action keyboard?

[mistral_73]

I would choose the "grand stage" option, another name for your "stage Elite"

[Mr_-G-]

I know that this is not answering your question, but what about something in between the NE & NW2:
1 piano layer + 1 organ layer + the whole NW2 synth + 1 Extern layer.

[DJKeys]

I know that this is not answering your question, but what about something in between the NE & NW2:
1 piano layer + 1 organ layer + the whole NW2 synth + 1 Extern layer.

This has always made the most sense to me. I never need more than 1 piano and 1 organ.

-dj

[Fritz Frigursson]

If Nord made a Stage Elite as you call it, the Grand would die. It would offer no advantage to the Stage Elite, and unless the SE costs 1000 dollars more than the Grand, it would be the best seller.
Also don't see the use of a weighted action on a keyboard that has organ and synth, even the current HA88 Stage 3 has a lighter action than the Piano 4. I would find it more suited to the Piano 4. But then everyone would buy the Piano 4 and not the Grand.... this is complicated...

I think Nord has made every sensible combination of organ, piano and synth. You want piano? Get the Grand. You want a cheaper piano? Get the Piano 4. You want a synth? Get the Wave 2. Want a cheaper synth? Get the Lead A1. You want organ? Get the C2D. You want organ and piano? Get the Electro, You want everything? Well the Stage 3 is your choice.

The only new product I might expect is a Stage 3 EX with Wave 2 engine instead of the A1.

[DJKeys]

Stage 3 EX makes sense for sure, but it will not have the W2 engine. If at all, my guess that it might be in the Stage 4.

-dj

[taxman]

I don't leave my Nord in the rehearsal room. Dozens of unknown people have access. So I wouldn't be interested to carry a NS4 Elite around every week. I'd think, it would only be for home use and for pros. And then, maybe it could replace the Grand with the same addressees.

[WannitBBBad]

I know that this is not answering your question, but what about something in between the NE & NW2:
1 piano layer + 1 organ layer + the whole NW2 synth + 1 Extern layer.

I like that option as well. I was thinking that eliminating the cost of the piano capability and expensive memory could put a Wave2/C2 combo at a nice price point to be commercially viable for those already with a Nord Piano/Grand, Korg Kronos, or other keyboard they want to hold onto. I doubt the Stage 3 EX will have any substantial changes to the synth if history holds, but hoping the subsequent Stage 4 has the full Wave 2 implementation or next generation.

[tsss27]

I know that this is not answering your question, but what about something in between the NE & NW2:
1 piano layer + 1 organ layer + the whole NW2 synth + 1 Extern layer.

Now this is an idea I can get behind.
Do I think Nord will release it...no, I don't but oh if they did I would be first in line to buy one.

[Alaskanulu]

I love my stage 3 with wave 2 set up, for what I play I can’t see any other needs!