I Need a lighter Nord Stage

[dansnord]

I am the very happy owner of a Stage 3 88 that I have been absolutely loving since I bought it several months ago. For the first time in my life I am actually creating sounds thanks to the Stage 3's intuitive interface and bevy of knobs and buttons, without any menu diving. And the sounds...man, just incredible! BUT....it's so heavy! I'm getting older and once you add in the bulk and weight of the Nord case, it's just too heavy for me to easily get in and out of my 3rd floor attic studio. I was thinking of selling it and buying a Stage 3 HP76 along with a nice controller like the new Numa X Piano GT (which has the highly regarded TP400w keybed.) I would leave the 88-note controller up there and travel only with the HP76.

This is a big financial cost as I will certainly lose money on the nearly new Stage 3 88, and then have to buy both the Stage 3 HP76 and a solid controller. Of course I could also consider the Stage 4 73 which presumably has a better keybed than the HP76. It would cost similarly to the other package, but it doesn't save nearly the same amount of wight as the Stage 3 HP76 does, although it is smaller in length than the 88 (obviously.) Additionally I can not try out any of these keyboards as none are ever in stock at the local shops. Yes, I can buy and return, but it does make it harder to make this decision. Ultimately I'm wondering what people think of all this. I would love to have a more portable solution while maintaining a really nice keybed when playing at home, and retaining decent feel outside the home. I should say, I really do like the Stage 3 88 keybed. It's very clicky and loud, but I like the feel. I just feel like the weight of the whole thing is too a little too much for me.

Opinions appreciated!

[WannitBBBad]

If the choice is a controller + Stage 3 HP76 or just the Stage 4 HA73, I would go with the Stage 4. The action will be close to what you have with your current HA88 but with the benefit of the triple sensors, not to mention the step up to the other NS4 features. Good luck!

[dansnord]

Yes but the weight is only slightly less than the Stage 3 88. Do you think the reduced width combined with the slightly less weight would be enough of a difference?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[FZiegler]

Wouldn't a Compact be an option? Smaller and lighter. And a good organ controller for a dual keyboard setup. I'm happy with that.

[st2ex]

I decided for a ST4C coming from the 3HA88. Too much "schlepp" wit the HA88. 4C with bag is about half the weight.
Ok, piano action is reduced, but on the other hand playing organ is much easier - as expected.

[WannitBBBad]

Yes but the weight is only slightly less than the Stage 3 88. Do you think the reduced width combined with the slightly less weight would be enough of a difference?

I'm sure the size will make the NS4 HA73 easier to manage, but there would be a noticeable change going with the NS3 HP76. Thinking about managing steps, the NS3 HP76 or Compact might be better options, especially if you want to carry your pedals in the same case. If you go with the NS3 HP76, I'd suggest waiting on getting the controller - I've had the HP76 for five years now and I'm very used to the keyboard. If piano feel isn't as important playing out, the NS3 Compact with a controller at home would be a nice choice and you'd get drawbars.

[ajstan]

I think I’ve posted these pictures before, but couldn’t find the post. While it’s not as good as seeing and carrying yourself, here are side-by-side photos of my NS3-HA88 and Compact cases. The difference in transportability is dramatic.

[PScooter63]

I think I’ve posted these pictures before, but couldn’t find the post. While it’s not as good as seeing and carrying yourself, here are side-by-side photos of my NS3-HA88 and Compact cases. The difference in transportability is dramatic.

Frankly, with the same style rolling case, the HP 76 is a challenge… but then again, I have the legs that add another 13lb, and the music rack too. But I figure I can make one slightly heavier trip than multiple lighter trips.

[dansnord]

I think I’ve posted these pictures before, but couldn’t find the post. While it’s not as good as seeing and carrying yourself, here are side-by-side photos of my NS3-HA88 and Compact cases. The difference in transportability is dramatic.

While I appreciate how the Compact would really be easy to transport, I just don’t think I want semi weighted keys. I’m a piano player at heart. I do enjoy playing organ, and all the other sounds that might be better with lighter keys, but most of my playing is piano-based. That said, I really do wish I could try these keyboards out somewhere!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jeffkeys]

I just went from a Stage 3 88HA to a Stage 4 73HA and the most important reason was to make transport more manageable. I also was unwilling to go with the SW or HP action. Even though the weight difference doesn’t seem like much on paper, I find the 73 so much easier to manage. Especially at the end of the night. Strongest recommendation (plus, you’ll get all of the other wonderful features of the 4 which make it so much better than the 3)!