Looking to pick up a used Nord. Which one? Help!

[schwubby]

Hi all! First time here - love the amount of information available! I am looking to buy a Nord, and am a little stuck as to the differences between the Stage Classic (each revision and what they mean), the EX and the Stage 2. Have a couple available to me used but just can't seem to figure out which I need. My second board is multitimbral so that's not definitely a must, although it would be nice. The piano sounds are important as are the organ sounds. I definitely want weighted keys...so an HA not SW for certain. Thank you in advance for your assistance! Can't wait to dive into one of these!

[sakari]

The EX added more memory and String Resonance compared to the Classc. Stage 2 doubled the memory again, added long release (for playing legato), a more sophisticated synth, and the ability to load and play samples (using the synth engine).

[zzAARzz]

Welcome to the forum, schwubby!
Just for start: weighted keys, piano and organ. There is a several nord products for you:
electro 3HP/4HP,
stage 2 HA88/HA76,
Oldies models do not support nord sample library. I think this is very important aspect ( IMHO ).
What next? You need to clearly define what you want from the tool. What you need is an answer to the question what's nord you want.
Stage2 vs StageEX comparison http://www.nordkeyboards.com/products/n ... arison.pdf

[azwel]

then again you may want to wait for a stage 3, which will have the updates organ sounds. I would go for a electro 4 hp is you wanted the best organ sounds and good amount of memory for the piano sounds.

[bluesbaba]

then again you may want to wait for a stage 3, which will have the updates organ sounds. I would go for a electro 4 hp is you wanted the best organ sounds and good amount of memory for the piano sounds.

E4 is not multi-timberal (see OP). Sounds like you need the stage. See zzAARzz's link to the comparison table before you commit yourself. Not sure there are many secondhand Stage 2's out there though.

I very much doubt we 'll see a new Stage product this side of next year's NAMM at the absolute earliest. I don't actually think Nord have made any great leaps to warrant a Stage 3 anyway - my money's on them just bumping up the memory and perhaps the newer C2D organ engine and rebranding it as the next EX.

I also think chasing the next latest product is a pointless exercise. What if Nord don't release a new stage at NAMM? You've waited 7 months already, then decide to hang on for the next exhibition, then the next. Before you know it, you've waited 18 months for something that may or may not have been worth waiting for. You buy your new Stage 2EX/3/whatever and the very next day, forums like this are speculating about the next Stage.

I'm of the opinion that if you need something, then base your decision on what is on the market right at this moment.