Nord Stage 4

[maxpiano]

Maybe just adding a question mark to the topic title would make it more clear (that this a wishlist topic, not describing an actual product)?

I mean something like: "Nord stage 4 ?"

[MarkJames]

Maybe just adding a question mark to the topic title would make it more clear (that this a wishlist topic, not describing an actual product)?

I mean something like: "Nord stage 4 ?"

Don’t disagree…but I like the idea of a tag denoting wishlist or even splitting into a “future speculation” sub forum.

[Mystic38]

Personally i do not see motorized faders as essential, and a likely reliability concern.

I was very surprised that the NS3 does not support a feature available in many synthesizers, where it is common for a system setup parameter for knob behaviour to be set to either "jump" or "pickup" ie "jump" = instant change of parameter to slider position, and "pickup" means slider has to transition through the current set value before taking effect.

this would be imo a solid fw update that would go a great way towards mitigating the existing behaviour of the sliders

Maybe more for a future Electro, but I guess also NS4 Compact: Motorized drawbars!
The ultimate fix for the "preset problem" with the physical drawbars.
The new Yamaha solution with LED's is a pretty compromise, but nothing compared to actual motorized drawbars.

Would add to price of course, but I'd for sure be willing to peel off some more money to get that.

[ericL]

On the other other hand, the Stage 3 was released 5 years ago so it’s not unreasonable for a potential new purchaser to check around to see if anything might be coming.

As to “nothing wrong or missing”, I’m sure the same thing was said before the 3 was released.

Will a 3X or 4 be released soon? Only Clavia knows, but given Yamaha releasing the YC they should at least be considering it.

A number of us didn't believe there was really anything "wrong or missing" in the NS2 and NS2 EX generation. In fact, I waited a solid 18-24 months after the NS3 became available to consider upgrading. This was partially driven by my level of satisfaction with the NS2 and also by the fairly long list of bugs and OS issues that needed to be addressed for the NS3 to be a more stable instrument. If and when there's a NS4 announcement, I would likely follow a similar path and even when there's an announcement, there would probably be a 6+ month lead time on availability.

Even after these years, I kept one of my NS2 and could happily gig with it. It had some features that didn't make it over to the NS3, including more flexible MIDI capabilities, more LED encoders, Pending Load, to name a few.

Meanwhile, the big upgrades in the NS3 include Seamless Transition, the more capable synth engine, Songs/Set List Organizing, better display, drawbars, to name a few.

If I critically listen to my NS2 and NS3, I can hear differences that are subtle. The overall NS3 interface as an instrument is enough of an improvement to justify it.

Whatever would come in a NS3 EX would probably not move me to get one, and the NS4 features would really need to be compelling. Regardless, I'd still wait 18-24 months to switch, as I did with the NS2 -> NS3 transition.

At some point, there's this thing called GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) that kicks in, and along with just looking for something new and different, the novelty of a new Stage generation is compelling.

[Elias]

For a long time I was looking for ways to upgrade my setup with additional and alternative equipment. I tried everything within reason for a (just barely) professional gigging musician. In reality I never needed anything outside the Stage 3. Thinking back, this is exactly why I spent 2700€ on it in 2019: To own 1 keyboard instrument for 10 years without having to think about it. The internet is full of GAS inducing marketing. The more I spend time consuming all of this, the less I get out of my equipment and music in general.

Have a nice day.

[Valpurgis]

I full yagree, and that's also why my answers are a bit sarcastic - it's useless to talk about non-existing products which may probably not come at all.

Why Nord should drop further development of the Stage line needs explanations. After 5 years I fully understand why someone are hesitant to buy a NS3 this fall. It is totally acceptable that current owners express their hope for a next generation. No need for sarcasm.

[Elias]

Why Nord should drop further development of the Stage line needs explanations.

Did someone suggest this?

After 5 years I fully understand why someone are hesitant to buy a NS3 this fall.

Yes, understandable. But is it a good way to go? There are many reasons not to wait for an upgraded version: No such product is coming for several months, as there has been no announcement yet. Prices will undoubtedly be higher that the current model. And most importantly, will it have any meaningful improvements?

There are only a few, very specific reasons why I would consider the next Stage model (if such a thing ever comes out). The traditional EX-upgrades are insignificant, and all the feature wishes I have, are highly unlikely.

It is totally acceptable that current owners express their hope for a next generation.

Yes, entirely acceptable. But is it hope or something counter-productive? Why not focus on creating, experiencing, communicating, interacting, writing and learning instead of yearning something non-existent?

I'm not trying to appear superior. No. I just want all you "strangers" to do things that are meaningful. Meaningful to you, and the people around you. I have a feeling that this active craving for new things to buy, is not helping with that.

Keep the thoughts rolling in. Especially if you think you disagree!

[M1tsos]

Why Nord should drop further development of the Stage line needs explanations.

Did someone suggest this?

After 5 years I fully understand why someone are hesitant to buy a NS3 this fall.

Yes, understandable. But is it a good way to go? There are many reasons not to wait for an upgraded version: No such product is coming for several months, as there has been no announcement yet. Prices will undoubtedly be higher that the current model. And most importantly, will it have any meaningful improvements?

There are only a few, very specific reasons why I would consider the next Stage model (if such a thing ever comes out). The traditional EX-upgrades are insignificant, and all the feature wishes I have, are highly unlikely.

It is totally acceptable that current owners express their hope for a next generation.

Yes, entirely acceptable. But is it hope or something counter-productive? Why not focus on creating, experiencing, communicating, interacting, writing and learning instead of yearning something non-existent?

I'm not trying to appear superior. No. I just want all you "strangers" to do things that are meaningful. Meaningful to you, and the people around you. I have a feeling that this active craving for new things to buy, is not helping with that.

Keep the thoughts rolling in. Especially if you think you disagree!

I sold my stage 3 because of keybed action.. i am in love with the grand action… but i wish stage 3 had grands kawai rh3 keybed…

[Mystic38]

Will a 3X or 4 be released soon? Only Clavia knows, but given Yamaha releasing the YC they should at least be considering it.

I don't know why?.. I doubt that Nord are sweating the YC -

I have had the NS3c only two months.. and the YC was out. I did not see the YC as offering better value for money than the NS.

anyway, I am sure Nord is working to its own timeline, not that of Yamaha.

[taxman]

Given all of the recent price increases, I don't think we will see any new instruments in a short time frame. I think there will be an effort to make all current instruments, NS3, Wave 2, and Electro 6 compatible with the V4 sample format first.
-dj