Analysis and Opinion Nord Stage 3: Review and Where to Buy
Nord has always focused on professional musicians, Stage 3 is a keyboard that as its name indicates is designed for live performances, ideal for stages, but is also an option to consider for a music studio.
The Swedish brand has always been characterized by its handmade instruments and very high quality, the Nord Stage 3 is no exception to the rule, as it has a large internal memory capacity, diversity of effects and functions, and weighted wooden keys with sensitivity to pressure in the version of 88 keys.
Where to buy the Nord Stage 3 88 keys?
Amazon
- Free Shipping and the possibility of shipping in one day with Amazon Premium.
- Full Guarantee but they are no experts in music equipment
- A leader in fast shipments.
- The price change a lot daily.
- The best option in USA and ASIA
Thomann
- Free Shipping
- Full warranty. If you have any problems, they take care of everything.
- 100% reliable payment.
- A leader in trouble-free shipping.
- Usually Best Price.
- Best Reputation: They are the leading online store in Europe and have the best catalog and information.
Features
The Nord Stage 3 has 3 versions available with identical functions but different size and keyboard characteristics. The most advanced version has 88 wooden keys with counterweight, then there is a smaller version of 76 keys with an auction system similar to the weighted keys and finally, there is the compact version of 61 semi-weighted keys, all versions have pressure sensitivity.
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Specifications:
- 88-key weighted wooden keyboard / 76-key keyboard with action hammer system / 61-key semi-weighted keyboard.
- Pressure-sensitive keyboard in all available sizes (88, 76 and 61 keys)
- Oled screen for oscillator functions
- polyphony of 120 notes in Piano
- complete polyphony in Organo
- Piano Mode with 2gb memory, 6 types and 20 models (120 voices)
- Creative Filters and Layers
- 34 Miscellaneous Voices
- Library of songs, effects, and synthesizer with a capacity of 480 MB and option to import and export files.
- Synthesizer with extended polyphony
- Effects
- Two types of effects
- Effect 1: Tremolo, ring modulator, Auto Pan, Wah-Wah, Auto Wah 1, Auto Wah 2
- Effect 2: Flanger, Vibe, 2 Frasers, 2 Choirs
- 3 Types of loudspeaker simulation (JC, Twin, and Small)
- 3-band equalizer ( 100hz, 200 Hz – 8 kHz and 4khz)
- Compressor with accelerated mode
- Effects synchronizer with time clock
- Reverb with 6 algorithms
- 4 audio inputs 6.35mm (¼) without balance
- 1 6.35 mm stereo headphone jack (¼)
- 1 Stereo input monitor (1/8) 3.5mm
- Sustain pedal input (1/4) 6.35mm (Compatible with Roland DP-2 and DP-6 pedals, Yamaha FC-4 and FC-5, Fatar VFP1-25, etc.)
- Input for sustain pedal compatible with triple Nord pedalboard
- Input Rotor pedal 6.35mm (Rotor pedal or Switch)
- 6.35mm Organ Swell pedal input – Control/Expression pedal ( Yamaha FC-7, Roland EV-5, etc.)
- Input Pedal Control 6.35mm – Control/Expression pedal ( Yamaha FC-7, Roland EV-5, etc.)
- Input for Program change pedal 6.35mm – Momentary two-button pedal (Boss FS-6, Boss FS-7, etc.)
- MIDI input and output with 5-pin DIN connector
- USB Type B for MIDI, Updates and Data Transfer
- Dimensions and weight: 88 keys: 1287 mm (50.7″), 118 mm (4.7″), 334 mm (13″), weight 19kg 76 keys: 1122 mm (44″), 127 mm (5″), 347 mm (13.6″), weight 12.5 kg and 61 keys: 1070 mm (42″), 104 mm (4″), 302 mm (12″), weight 10kg.
This keyboard then has a 76-key edition and then a compact version.
Sound
The sound quality of Nord is always outstanding, the Nord Stage 3 is a clear example of this, the complete polyphony for organ and synthesizer and its 120 notes of polyphony in piano produce a really good sound, in addition, the cleanliness and clarity in the voices are outstanding in this model.
Below is the official Nord Stage 3
Displays different voices and effects:
As can be seen in the two previous videos the sound quality is very good in the various voices and effects included, making the Nord Stage 3 a very attractive option for those seeking an option for music production, although the focus of this model is for live presentations, as the sound quality produced is ideal for a stage.
Connectivity
The connectivity of the Nord Stage 3 is ideal for a live performance or music production, as it has everything you need.
It is necessary to highlight the options offered by this model for control pedals, sustain, damper, etc. Since it even allows you to connect pedals from other brands, having a great versatility, the MIDI and USB options provide absolute connectivity with a computer, so you can import and export files, settings, and everything you need.
Advantages and disadvantages of Nord Stage 3
Advantages of this model: Option of 3 different sizes without losing functionalities (only modifying the quality of the keyboard)
- 88-key version with weighted wooden and pressure-sensitive keys
- Sound Quality
- Connectivity
- Versatility
- Weight and portability
The disadvantages of this model:
- No built-in speakers
- The polyphony on the piano is only 120 notes
- The screen is not touch screen
Analyzing in detail the Nord Stage 3 we can see that it has more advantages since the quality of sound and the options of connectivity are two important strong points, nevertheless, the versatility that offers this model when allowing to use accessories of other marks is something to emphasize and finally the weight is smaller to the average of keyboards of musical production. Among the disadvantages, the only one to consider is the polyphony of 120 notes in the piano, however, the sound quality is very good in this mode and the Nord Stage 3 stands out for offering complete polyphony in synthesizer and organ. The Clavia Nord Stage 3 88 is around €3.490/$4500/£3,175.
Nord Stage 3 vs Nord Stage 2
The Nord Stage 3 has a direct rival with very similar characteristics, the Swedish brand showed a very competitive option in its previous version Nord Stage 2. Below are the main differences and similarities between the two models:
- Both models have three versions, however, in the case of Stage 2, the version with 88 and 76 keys has counterweight and sensitivity to pressure, while in Stage 3 only the version with 88 keys has weight, the one with 76 has an action hammer system.
- The Nord Stage 3 allows the keyboard to be divided into 4 zones, while the Nord Stage 2 allows only 3 zones.
- The internal memory of Stage 3 is 2gb while Stage 2 has 1 GB.
- The song mode is available only in the Nord Stage 3, having available 8 lists with 50 slots for songs.
- The variety of piano voices in Stage 3 is superior, with 120 against 54 of the previous model.
- The piano sound in Nord Stage 3 is superior, with 120 polyphony notes in stereo and mono, while Stage 2 has only 40 in stereo and 60 in mono.
- The Nord Stage 3 has piano filters, while the previous version has no filters available.
As expected the Nord Stage 3 is the clear winner in this comparison, at first glance was seen to come that this new model surpassed its predecessor, the sound quality, memory, variety of voices, and functions available are superior in Stage 3, putting him as a clear winner against Stage 2.
Nord Stage 3 vs Yamaha Montage 8
The Nord Stage and Yamaha Montage are two direct competitors, as they have a lot of similarities. Below is a comparison of both models:
- Both models have 88 weighted and pressure-sensitive keys, and in both cases, there is the possibility of having 76 or 61 keys with very similar functions, which makes these two lines direct competition.
- The 88-key version on the Nord Stage 3 incorporates weighted, pressure-sensitive wooden keys, while Yamaha has no wooden keys.
- The Nord Stage 3 has 6 algorithms to process sound while the Montage has 8.
- Both models have virtually the same connectivity, the only difference being that the 6.35mm audio outputs of the Yamaha Montage 8 are balanced and the Nord has a rotor pedal output.
- The Nord Stage 3 maintains internal storage of 2gb, while the Yamaha has no internal storage.
- The polyphony of the Nord Stage 3 is superior as it has a complete polyphony in synthesizer and organ and 120 notes in the piano, while the Yamaha has a global polyphony of 120 notes.
- The Nord stage has 31 controllers for different functions while the Montage 8 has only 24.
- The user interface of the Yamaha Montage 8 is more user friendly as it has a touch screen.
- The Yamaha Montage 8 has 4 different effects and more than 200 types, while the Nord Stage 3 has 2 customizable effects with 14 types.
- The versatility of Stage 3 is greater than that of Montage 8 as it allows the use of pedals and accessories from brands such as Roland, Yamaha, and others.
- The weight of the 88-key Nord Stage 3 is 19 while the Yamaha weighs 29kg.
The Yamaha Montage 8 is a more complete keyboard than the Nord Stage 3, as it has more features, more voices, and a very user-friendly interface, however, if you want a keyboard that continually updates its operating system, maintains sound quality in the synthesizer, and has great internal storage and versatility the Nord Stage 3 is an excellent choice. The Clavia Nord Stage 3 88 is around €3.490/$4500/£3,175 and the Yamaha Montage 8 is around €3.555/$4000/£3,266.
If you’re interested, you can visit our review of the Yamaha Montage 8.
Nord Stage 3 vs Nord Piano 3
Nord Stage 3 and Nord Piano 3 are two similar options focused on live performances but with slightly different performances. The comparison between the two models is shown below:
- The Nord Stage 3 is available in three keyboard sizes, while the Nord Piano 3 has only one version with 88 keys.
- The 88 keys on the Nord Piano 3 are weighted and pressure-sensitive, as well as having a triple switch system accurately simulating a grand piano, while Stage 3 has weighted keys and sensitivity without additional technology.
- The Nord Piano 3 allows us to divide the keyboard into 2 sections and Stage 3 allows in 4.
- The capacity of Stage 3 is 2gb, while Piano 3 has 1gb.
- The Nord Stage 3 has more piano voices, as they have 120, while the Piano 3 has 54.
- The Stage 3 polyphony is larger, with full polyphony in synthesizer and 120 notes in the piano, while the Piano 3 has polyphony with 40 notes in stereo and 60 in mono.
The scale clearly leans towards the Nord Stage 3 as it is a much more complete option, which wins in all areas except the quality of the keyboard. The Nord Piano 3 has a keyboard more like a grand piano, so it is ideal for those who prefer the experience of playing the piano over functions and sound quality, however, for those who want a more complete choice or prefer to sacrifice a little experience to gain functionality and quality, the Nord Stage 3 is the best choice.
If you’re interested, you can visit our review of the Nord Piano 3.
Nord Stage 3 vs Roland RD 2000
The comparison between Stage 3 and Roland RD 2000 is very interesting, as they are two options with very similar characteristics. The differences and similarities are presented below:
- The Nord Stage 3 comes in 3 different sizes while maintaining the same functions, while the RD 2000 is only available in 88 keys.
- Both models have 88 weighted and pressure-sensitive keys (Considering the Nord Stage 3 of 88 keys).
- The possibility of customizing Stage 3 is greater as it has inputs for different types of pedals and it is even possible to connect pedals from other brands.
- The RD 2000 has 2 sound generators, while the Nord Stage 3 has only 1.
- The polyphony of the RD2000 is superior in Piano voice as it has full polyphony while Stage 3 has 120 notes, however, the polyphony of the synthesizer of the Nord Stage 3 is better as it has full polyphony while the Roland only has 128 notes. Stage 3 has 6 types of Reverb while the RD 2000 has 4.
- The storage capacity of Stage 3 is higher, as it counts on 2gb, while the Roland RD 2000 has only one USB port to add storage.
The competition between these two models is complicated, as each model has a different approach. If you are looking for a keyboard that allows you to have a great quality piano voice the Roland RD 2000 is for you, but if you prefer a more complete option, versatile and with better performance for music production the Nord Stage 3 is a better idea.
If you’re interested, you can visit our review of the Roland RD 2000.
Conclusions
Before deciding on the ideal keyboard for you, it is necessary to identify the use you will make of it, since only then will you be able to select the one that has all the necessary characteristics for your activity.
Nord Stage 3 is an option for pianists and keyboard players looking to use synthesizer functions, make music recordings, and incorporate effects without losing the experience of playing the piano.
If you are looking for a keyboard for music production and live performances with good polyphony, storage capacity, advanced features, and versatility in accessories the Nord Stage 3 is an excellent choice. If on the contrary, you prefer some different alternative we recommend you visit our guide of the best digital pianos and keyboards in relation to price and benefit.
Where to Buy Nord Stage 3
It is best to buy in an online store, as you can get a better price and purchase conditions, however, before you click on buy make sure that the store offers adequate transportation and convenient conditions of purchase. If you want to buy at the best available price do not hesitate to click on the following button. For Asia and America check Amazon, for Europe Thomann
For a similar price you have the following pianos and keyboards:
- YAMAHA PSR-A3000
- YAMAHA PSR S975
- YAMAHA PSR S970
- YAMAHA P-515
- YAMAHA MONTAGE 8
- YAMAHA GENOS
- YAMAHA CP40 STAGE
- YAMAHA CP4
- YAMAHA CP300
- YAMAHA CP1
- YAMAHA CLP 685
- WALDORF ZARENBOURG
- STUDIOLOGIC NUMA STAGE
- STUDIOLOGIC NUMA CONCERT
- STUDIOLOGIC NUMA COMPACT 2X
- STUDIOLOGIC NUMA COMPACT 2
- ROLAND RD 2000
- ROLAND KIYOLA KF-10
- NORD PIANO 3
- KORG SV1 88
- KORG SV1 73
- CRUMAR SEVEN
- CLAVIA NORD STAGE 3 HP76
- CLAVIA NORD STAGE 3 COMPACT
- CLAVIA NORD PIANO 4
- CLAVIA NORD ELECTRO 6D 73
- CLAVIA NORD ELECTRO 6D 61
- CLAVIA NORD ELECTRO 6
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