Life expectancy of Nord Stage 3

[FZiegler]

On the dust side, again simply covering it with a cloth (to the OP: the Stage 3 comes with a dust cover) ...

I remember that there are different experiences reported on the forum concerning dust covers etc. I didn't have a dust cover included with my NS3C. And even from the same retailer, some reported having got one or not. So there may be a dust cover included, maybe you pay 20 EUR/USD to get one.

I think there is no guaranteed life time. After a warranty period, you may or may not experience issues. The Nord build quality is very good, but there are weak points, too. Some can be fixed by yourself, others should be handled in a pro repair shop.

If you want a safe investment, buy gold or classical art and store it in a secured room. Even a Steinway might be useful if you've got the money to have a piano technician every year. I just bought my Stage 3 for a different reason: Having fun with making music, being equipped with a reasonable tool in my band and being inspired by that professional instrument.

I was unsure about the investment, too. I'm not a professional player. I will probably have less than 10 gigs a year. But every rehearsal is fun. I've calculated that it should last more than 10 years to be worth it. A bit like my car. But if you have it, that calculation is not the point. Just enjoy! And take care. But consider the purchase of the instrument will not be the last time you'll spend money. You need a good stand, a good cover, two very good speakers...

[NoDirection]

Your NordStage 3 will serve you a long time. I've had several Nord products and they are solid builds. But after 10 years, development in technology probably will make you want to upgrade, but I guess they will last like 15-20 years. It depends on the quality of the electronic components used. Capacitors can change over time etc..

But Nords are definitely safe buys, and they have good second hand value!

[Schorsch]

Almost EXACTLY ditto Analogika with my Electro 2 except I've only lost one screw!!
Still prefer the Hammond sound that beauty generates to my Stage 3 but as I'm now controlling a KeyboardPartner HX3 Plexi from the Stage 3, it's no longer an issue

@Hobster how well does it work controlling the HX3 from the Stage 3, and does the HX3 respond to all of the Nord’s control elements of the B3 engine, like drawbars, vibrato and chorus buttons, percussion buttons and also a half moon switch connected to the Stage but controlling the HX3 leslie sim?

Also which limitations have to be expected when controlling the HX3 from a NS3 compact?

[DJKeys]

I received my NS3 Compact in May or June of 2017. It has been to many gigs, and except the ubiquitous mod wheel issue that I had to fix, it is in perfect shape and will easily last another 10 years if cared for properly-

-dj

[cphollis]

I have owned a variety of Nords (NE3, NE4, NP2, NP4, NP5, NS2, NS3) in two very different climates, and can offer the following? As long as you store them mostly in a humidity controlled environment in their gig bad, they should be fine. I live in the tropics (Florida) where there is a lot of humidity for most of the year.

I have found that after 4-5 years of gigging, they need a bit of service from a tech. That involves basically cleaning the crud off of switch contacts in the keybed, pushbuttons and so on. After that, it's good to go for another 4-5 years. I have now bought the tools, and will be servicing my own going forward. If you open one up, it's pretty simple stuff -- basically a computer board with a different kind of keyboard. Gotta be careful getting the keybed in and out, but otherwise not too hard to work on.

[Swampfox]

Hello, I am about to purchase a Nord Stage 3, which will be my first Nord Product.

I am wondering if anybody knows how long I can expect it to last for?

I think it depends on whether it smokes or drinks, as both are bad for the instrument, especially drinking.

[Schorsch]

Almost EXACTLY ditto Analogika with my Electro 2 except I've only lost one screw!!
Still prefer the Hammond sound that beauty generates to my Stage 3 but as I'm now controlling a KeyboardPartner HX3 Plexi from the Stage 3, it's no longer an issue

@Hobster how well does it work controlling the HX3 from the Stage 3, and does the HX3 respond to all of the Nord’s control elements of the B3 engine, like drawbars, vibrato and chorus buttons, percussion buttons and also a half moon switch connected to the Stage but controlling the HX3 leslie sim?

Also which limitations have to be expected when controlling the HX3 from a NS3 compact?

Oops, my intention was not to revive a 2.5 year long dorming thread when asking the above questions related to a side comment in one of the posts

I better create a separate thread …..

[NordBanger]

Nords are built like tanks and they are supposed to last long, as the other fellows above have mentioned. However this doesn't mean that no care should be taken. If you keep the keyboard in it's case when not using it, or cover it with a dust cover to prevent dust and humidity coming inside, then you will be having fun for many years to come.

This is easier said than done though... as far as humidity is concerned, I don't think a dust cover, nor a case, can do much. Humidity is in the air and unless you absolutely insulate the keyboard, it will still be subjected to whatever the climate is in that moment.

On the dust side, again simply covering it with a cloth (to the OP: the Stage 3 comes with a dust cover) I am not sure is enough. I haven't owned dozens of keyboards but the few I have owned, after some years, despite religiously covering it every single time after use, they still got dust inside. So, so far I have been defeated on this side.

My NS3 is 9 month old and I wouldn't want to make it end up like the others. I was looking at one of those PC mini vacuum cleaners...

Has anyone some experience with those? Can recommend?

Your point about humidity and dust control is instructive and helpful. Controlling humidity in my part of the world is challenging. In winter the rh gets as low as 20% and in summer it routinely approaches 90%. The most challenging times are Spring and Fall when the rh fluctuates 20-40% in 48 hours. At this time of year, I run both a humidifier at night (through the furnace) and a dehumidifier during the day. I have my music studio humidity controlled to stay between 45-55%, which is optimal for pianos and guitars. The key is minimizing changes and keeping the rh in the sweet spot.

Dust control is a little easier with the filters I use on the heating and cooling systems. I religiously cover the pianos when not playing.

I’m hoping with all this extra care, and the fact that my Nord never leaves my studio, that it will last 25 years. I’ll let you know in 2047.