Case recommendations?

[muzicman0]

I ordered the TSA case from Gator. It looks like the 76 Key case fits the Nord Stage 3 88. I will try and remember to come back and give my impressions.

[M1tsos]

This is the one I have been looking at: https://www.gatorcases.com/products/key ... tsa-key76/

My only problem with the Nord soft case is that multiple reports are stating that it will last roughly 2 years, and for ~$700, that is expensive. Also, I think I would prefer a hard case, or at least one of the rigid soft cases.

How long it will last is up to the user and how you treat it my friend…

[Kaffimusic]

Which Gator case do you have?

I guess it´s the TSA 61. The Stage 3 Compact just fit into it. Also a Kurzweil Forte 7, although meant for 61key keyboards.
After looking it up, I see it was even cheaper, right now around 230,-EUR.
I think the plastic case is a good mix between stiffness and weight. I had half-soft cases with wheels, too, they fell apart and were just half-stable enough to be stapeled with other gear while transport. I had pro flightcases that weight a ton and I had softbags that are superlight and easy to carry, but do not protect against other stuff in the trunk. The Gator is stiff enough to be stapled with other ones above it and is still fairly well to carry.
But to be fair, I do not know if it would survive for long when used as a flightcase between other "real" flightcases to be loaded onto a plane and thrown around by the staff there. It might look the same like your luggage with semi-hard plastic cases after your holiday trip.
Only issue I had was while playing on an open air gig in summer. It was lying in the sun for some hours and the heat bent the big surface on the top. So keep it out of the summersun. It´s plastic. No drama, but now it´s not completlely flat anymore.
But I still wonder how someone will pay 700,- for a Case. Just looked it up, in Germany the Gator 73 is around 250,-.

[ajstan]

My only problem with the Nord soft case is that multiple reports are stating that it will last roughly 2 years, and for ~$700, that is expensive. Also, I think I would prefer a hard case, or at least one of the rigid soft cases.

I am using the original Nord cases for both my Stage 3 88 and my Stage 3 Compact since around 4-5 years now and the cases are still in mint condition, same like the Stage 3s themselves

Same here. Started gigging with my HA-88 in October 2017 (around 160 gigs/rehearsals) and my NS3C in September 2019 (around 120 gigs/rehearsals) and both Nord soft cases are in great shape. 100% would buy them again.

[hernjov1]

Harbor freight has riffle cases for 150...
Got one for for my NS3C. It was on sale for 99.00... It's like 6 inches longer then my board but the soft case fits snug it...
It's heavy duty with handles & wheels to carry it or pull it! They may sale larger size cases there as well! Like the fact that after a gig I open the case pull the soft case out to take home after gigging...Haven't had any issues with the Nord soft case... Had it 3 years now...

[PScooter63]

I too am new to this “two years max” notion. It’s certainly not true for my two Nords.
The OEM soft case for my Electro 4 HP is still going strong after eight years. No tears, jammed zippers, or broken seams… it’s basically mint.
Likewise, the Nord wheeled soft case for my Stage 3 HP, now 3-1/2 years old.

[Swampfox]

I ordered a Gator GK-88 slim. I'll post how it looks when I get it if there is interest. The price differential between the Gator and Nord is just too much to justify getting the red one, especially if you willing to go B stock or find a Gator deeply discounted.

[muzicman0]

I ordered a Gator GK-88 slim. I'll post how it looks when I get it if there is interest. The price differential between the Gator and Nord is just too much to justify getting the red one, especially if you willing to go B stock or find a Gator deeply discounted.

I would love to see it. Also I would be curious on your thoughts on the straps, and if they pose a danger to the knobs.

[Swampfox]

The Gator GK88 Slim came today. Here's photos with the straps. The straps have foam on the back but do come across the NS3 knobs on both sides. I don't think it's a problem and you could always make a foam inset that protected the knobs even more if wanted. I think the case is good for generally moving the instrument around but would not fly with it or use it as a shipping case. I found this case for just about $200 US and the Nord case retails for $700.

[muzicman0]

Thanks for the pics!

I will try to get some pics of mine (the TSA 76 case) tonight. I slightly modified the width of the foam in the top and put it far left and far right, and it seems to work great.