Should I buy a used Stage 88 Classic as a starter keyboard?

[natureguy]

Hi all,

I've been on the search for a great keyboard, and although ultimately, I'd love to invest in a Stage 2 (or whatever model is next!), it's just not financially feasible at this point for me (as a student). However, I just found a used Stage 88 Classic in great shape for $1600 which is closer to my current price range.

At this point, a lot of my work comes as a musical director for musical theatre, so I need something with 88 keys and a good acoustic piano sound, but as a student in a jazz and contemporary music program, I also need something that gives me the option to play B3, Rhodes, Wurlies and some basic synth. I've grown up (classical trained) on acoustic pianos, so I'm fairly new to keyboards and synths etc, and don't need the top of the line with the highest capabilities. At this point for me "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush", haha.

Does this sound like this $1600 Stage 88 could be a good option for me? I think my main concern would be that since it's the model is quite a few years old, I wouldn't be able to find any tech support or repair services for it, or any online resources.

Thoughts? Thanks!

[monsterjazzlicks]

Hi Natureguy,

It can be quite daunting when you look at the amount of choice on the Nord website !!

I have the NS Classic 88. I was tempted to upgrade to NS2 last year but in the end decided not to (because it still does more or less what I want it to).

If you need more than ONE Large size Grand Piano onboard at a time the you should go for the NS Classic EX (more memory). I am happy with just having ONE loaded at a time (which is why I stuck with my NS Classic). Don't worry about it being a 2007 model.

I tried a NS2 in the music shop for half an hour and for what I wanted it for, I could not justify the VERY big price difference. For instance, I don't need an 'Arpeggiator' and most of my work is playing in bands so 'Pedal Noise' would be totally wasted.

I think $1,600 is a fair price and if it includes a flightcase then I would definitely snap it up.

Cheers,

Paul

[natureguy]

Hi natureguy,

I do belive that the Nord Stage Classic 88 could be the right thing for you. Based on what you said, the NS will satisfy you providing a decent 88 weighted keybed, portability, great piano sounds, good synth sounds, and a B3 engine which is now outdated but still useable. On the piano side, you have the advantage that you get essentially the same choices and quality as the Nord Piano2, Nord Stage 2 and Nord Electro 4. Which in my opinion, is great!

Saludos,
Gustavo

[monsterjazzlicks]

Yes, Gustav is totally correct here in all the elements I forgot to mention !!

[natureguy]

Thanks so much for the responses, guys!

I think I'll go spend some more time playing it tomorrow, but I'm definitely leaning towards buying it!

Dan

[monsterjazzlicks]

Yes, i think you will make the right choice if you buy it. Personally, i think the NS2 will be overkill for your needs. i also MD on the cruise ships and found the NS Classic (midi up to a Roland JV1080) was perfect for the job.

[natureguy]

Hi Natureguy,

I agree with all of the above good advice. Couple more things here: you will be missing samples and have a somewhat limited amount of memory for acoustic pianos. Given your situation, this is not likely to be a problem. In fact, this would serve as a really great introduction into the Nord Stage mindset. In a year or two you will still be able to get a very large % of your initial investment back by reselling it when you're ready for a Stage 2 or later.

Not sure where your original post mentioned flight case, but as Paul said, at $1600 that's worth snapping up in a New York minute, especially if flight case included!

Also, not to worry about tech support or repair services. If you purchase that instrument (or any Nord), I will be your personal tech support person. There is a central repair location for Nords in Canada located in Montreal. Also, there are some other private shops capable of working on Nords in Canada.

Bless,

Pablo Mastodon
Nord Technical Support USA/Canada
pablo.mastodon@AmericanMusicandSound.com
(800) 994-4984 x3030 USA
(800) 431-2609 x3030 Canada

[monsterjazzlicks]

Also, not to worry about tech support or repair services. If you purchase that instrument (or any Nord), I will be your personal tech support person. There is a central repair location for Nords in Canada located in Montreal. Also, there are some other private shops capable of working on Nords in Canada.

That's a really kind offer from Pablo. I am sure you will have questions along the way and Pablo will definitely be able to help you (as he has me on many occasions).

Hope you manage to make the sale and if so I would be happy to send you Presets from my own library.

[natureguy]

Well, I bought it! Haven't had a chance to test it out in a gig setting yet, but I'm in love. Sounds amazing, and I love the touch.

Thanks for all your help and insight!

Dan

[sudkcoce]

Welcome to the club! It's weird that so many people complain about the touch (keyboard action)...