Stage 3 - Try Ordering from Overseas - Voltage switch

[Jonnie Cache]

Just want to throw this out there. I have posted a couple of times, but it may have gotten lost in the shuffle of other threads. If you are trying to order a Stage 3 in the US, you might try ordering one from overseas. I ordered one from Germany through MusicStore.de on August 3, 2017. It finally arrived September 13, 2017!

Even with the import taxes and shipping, it was cheaper than what I could get it from Sweetwater for. I saved about $300!

It's scary ordering from another country. It's scary ordering equipment that is made for a different voltage (230 compared to our 115). But, I'm here to tell you it can be done and perhaps may save you some money in the process.

I followed this helpful video on how to open it... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxEBhx5AdQw

Here are photos of the unit including the switch that you have to flip so it will work in the US. You just need to swap out the fuse from the factory with a 20x5mm 250mA Slo-blo Fuse and then you are good to go!

Let me know if you have any questions...

The Stage 3 HA 88

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Shows the fuse location

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The old fuse - Just replace it with a 20x5mm 250mA Slo-blo

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Before

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After!

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[KyleM]

Wow thanks for the pics and the tip. My only concern would be possibly voiding the warranty by opening it up and working on it.

[SOULidarity]

How was the customs process? Did you need to use a customs broker?

[Jonnie Cache]

Wow thanks for the pics and the tip. My only concern would be possibly voiding the warranty by opening it up and working on it.

I would hope that they wouldn’t do that. After all, I’m just flipping a switch. The switch and the fuse is the only difference between the European and US boards. I think they would be hard pressed to argue that flipping a switch would void the warranty. But, could be.

[Jonnie Cache]

How was the customs process? Did you need to use a customs broker?

Nope. UPS took care of that. They just needed my SSN to give to customs, which I was expecting. Then, I had to pay the import, which was about $240 USD, I believe.

[SOULidarity]

Where did you hear you needed to change the fuse and the new value? I don't think you should have warranty issues. Let's say you were touring Europe. You'd have to switch the power supply and fuse.

[Jonnie Cache]

Where did you hear you needed to change the fuse and the new value? I don't think you should have warranty issues. Let's say you were touring Europe. You'd have to switch the power supply and fuse.

About the switch, I believe there were older posts here, but for other Nords. I figured there would be a switch in the new one also. It was a calculated gamble, though.

I didn’t know what fuse to get until the NS3 arrived. Just looked at the factory original one to get the fuse specs. The original fuse was 125mA T (Slo-blo). So, when you take the board to half the voltage, you double the amperage. So, I put in a 250mA slow blow fuse and voila!

[Quai34]

U=RI, U voltage, R Resistance, I Amperage, so, yes, good gamble for the 250 mA...

[Amicus]

Para España ¿qué voltaje y medidas de seguridad habría que adoptar previamente antes de poner en funcionamiento el nord stage 3 88?

[SOULidarity]

I would likely stay with the 125mA. Fuses are current devices, wattage is irrelevant.