Stage 3 76 or 88?

[Fallboard]

Interestingly the lightest, best action, to me is the MOXF8.

I think that action is just okay, but it's also worth considering that a Yamaha MX88 and a NS3 Compact *combined* is only $100 more than an NS3-88, and gives you a hammer and non-hammer action at your disposal, and although you're carrying 2 boards, nothing weighs over 30.6 lbs. The MX88 has the same action and many of the same sounds as the MOXF8, a sound set that I thunk complements the Nord pretty nicely. (The MOXF8 is better, but a little bit heavier and pricier.)

Do keep in mind the NS3C does not process incoming velocity from an external 88 key keyboard properly at this time. It requires a very tweakable controller to get a velocity curve that's even remotely dynamic. I've been told Nord's taken this under advisement, but it's anyone's guess when or if they will fix this.

[danrv]

I know that everyone's perception of "keyboard feel" varies, but I wanted to reach out to people who have played both the Stage 3 76 and 88 boards. Interested in hearing what you thought of each, and if you bought one, what made you decide on that model. I played the 88 a few weeks ago and loved it - except that it's 40 lbs. Normally that wouldn't be too bad, except for the fact that I had 2 back surgeries this past year, and would like to lighten my gigging gear if possible. The store has a few in stock, and I could buy it tomorrow, if I wanted.

The problem is that there is the 76 key version out there, and it's only 27 lbs. The earliest the store could get one in would be January 2018. I'm debating if I should wait until January to test drive it before deciding. How does the keybed and action of the 76 compare to the 88? I would welcome opinions from anyone with playing experience on both boards. Thanks in advance!

Shame that Nord dropped the HA action on 76 models. A Stage 3 HA76 may have been just the thing.
I have to be careful with my back and I find the compact form factor of my Stage 2 HA76 ideal for live band gigging and solo piano/jazz playing.
I need weighted keys as a pianist but I'd find an 88 a bit of a hassle to manoeuvre on and off stage.
Plus some stages/venues can be a little cramped and it would be too wide.

I played briefly on an HP action Nord when buying my Stage 2 and thought the action was rather bouncy. HA much better feel. If buying now I'd opt for the easier to transport 76 over the 88.
I wouldn't rush into buying the HA88 if portability is a priority.

[Bjosko]

I got the 76 HP this time, coming from an Classic 88 HA.
I bought it with 30 days free return as I was a bit sceptical about the HP action from what I had read from othes, but decide to keep it. It felt a bit strange at first, but after 10 minutes, I was very happy with it, and still are.
Next up are a bag, I am going for the keyboard bag 07 from http://www.fusion-bags.com, it only add 3,25 kg, as opposite to the original from Nord that are close to 10 kg.

[NordNerd431]

I got the 76 HP this time, coming from an Classic 88 HA.
I bought it with 30 days free return as I was a bit sceptical about the HP action from what I had read from othes, but decide to keep it. It felt a bit strange at first, but after 10 minutes, I was very happy with it, and still are.
Next up are a bag, I am going for the keyboard bag 07 from http://www.fusion-bags.com, it only add 3,25 kg, as opposite to the original from Nord that are close to 10 kg.

Yeah, once I settle on the board, the case is the next big decision, as many can add much weight, albeit more protection than the lighter ones.

[harmonizer]

....I had 2 back surgeries this past year.....

I have had 3 back surgeries in my life.

It really does not matter how inferior the action on the 76 may or may not be. I don't even know if there is a difference.

Get the 76.

Avoiding pain is much more important some difference in keyboard action.

[danrv]

once I settle on the board, the case is the next big decision, as many can add much weight, albeit more protection than the lighter ones.

I got my Nord 76 case in with the deal. It's the best protection I think short of a hard case.
Unless you regularly have to use stairs, there shouldn't be any need to lift the whole weight of the keyboard and case.
The wheels are so useful and if the ground is a bit rough then I have a small collapsible trolley.

[anotherscott]

....I had 2 back surgeries this past year.....

I have had 3 back surgeries in my life.

It really does not matter how inferior the action on the 76 may or may not be. I don't even know if there is a difference.

Get the 76.

Avoiding pain is much more important some difference in keyboard action.

From a back-savers perspective, it could also be interesting to compare the 76 to the 73 (which is even 5 lbs lighter). At least one person has mentioned that the 73 feels surprisingly good for piano, better than the 73 NS2/EX did. Without playing them, at least in theory, I don't know if one can assume with certainty that a lesser hammer action for piano is necessarily going to be more enjoyable to play than a superior non hammer action would be, even if they are compromises in different ways.

[marvintheandroid]

Not tried the Stage 3 76. I had an Electro 4D which is I would say semi weighted which I was using alongside a Roland FA88 which has a piano weighted keyboard. I am a pianist being classically trained, but as I am ageing I am being to find the action of the FA-08 becomes uncomfortable for my hands after a while. I was looking at upgrading my Electro 4D to with an Electro 5, or a Stage 3. I went to our local,music shop last Saturday so that I could compare the Stage and Electro. Ended up comparing the Electro 73 which was on display above the Stage 3 88. Once I had played the Stage 3 88 I as hooked. Loved the Hammer action which is lighter than the FA-08 but still nicely weighted. Bought one on the spot and am looking at using it with my Electro as my performance rig instead of my current 3 keyboard rig (FA08, Roland Jupiter 50, and the Electro)

[NordNerd431]

Not tried the Stage 3 76. I had an Electro 4D which is I would say semi weighted which I was using alongside a Roland FA88 which has a piano weighted keyboard. I am a pianist being classically trained, but as I am ageing I am being to find the action of the FA-08 becomes uncomfortable for my hands after a while. I was looking at upgrading my Electro 4D to with an Electro 5, or a Stage 3. I went to our local,music shop last Saturday so that I could compare the Stage and Electro. Ended up comparing the Electro 73 which was on display above the Stage 3 88. Once I had played the Stage 3 88 I as hooked. Loved the Hammer action which is lighter than the FA-08 but still nicely weighted. Bought one on the spot and am looking at using it with my Electro as my performance rig instead of my current 3 keyboard rig (FA08, Roland Jupiter 50, and the Electro)

From a “feel” standpoint, I agree totally with you. The 88’s key weight and feel was not like a concert grand by any stretch, but felt perfect for me. If the 76’s carrying weight wasn’t so tempting, I would’ve bought the 88 on the spot!

[friendben]

I spent year with the Satge 2 - HA76 and have just gotten the Stage 3 - HP76. I liked the HA 76, but the touch was a bit on the light side. The HP76 feels more like a piano to me, but it’ll take a while to get used to. I understand the “spongy” comments. There is more resistance, so you have to work a little harder. But I also need to work harder On a real piano.
Both are very playable, but there is a learning curve.