JohnCorda

Oof, I'd like to start gigging with the Stage 4. I accidentally deleted the voicemail from my rep at Sweetwater before I heard it, I'll give a call tomorrow and check. So I might have to use my Stage 2 case with some extra packing inside - starting with the foam sides from the box the Stage 4 came in. I actually have two Stage 2 cases so when I sell that board I'll have one still. Didn't want to wait months but $200 is a great price. So just to update on using the Stage 4 and interface vs Stage 3, I spent some hours with it and I'm learning it well enough. Many nice features but most that I like were introduced in the 3 anyhow. However I'm picking up on the shortcuts and with some nicely planned patches, I can have the quick "heat of the battle" -as David said above- kind of options. What I'm not thrilled about controls-wise: the split options on Stage 2/3 are double clickable in each section to quickly select the options of L/M/R but on the Stage 4 they are attached to the Octave Up/Down with Shift. On the synth, the ADR (Attack, Decay, Release) is accessed by pressing the Amp button, then using the 3 rotaries under the synth display. I much prefer three hard knobs for that. On the synth overall, this is copy pasted from a Reddit post: Stage 3 has the Nord Lead A1's synth engine Stage 4 has the Nord Wave 2's synth engine I dabbled with both and I like the sound of the 3 more. Personally, I liked the Stage Classic synth better than Stage 2. And now I'm basically skipping over the 3, but prefer that synth over the 4 lol. So conclusion is I'm keeping the Stage 4, that action for that form factor can't be beat. Plus incredible pianos, EPs, samples, decent synth, effects options, and a great organ section I can use for single keyboard shows. I'll continue with the XK1c plus Vent2 for 2nd tier. Time to sell a Nord Stage 2 88 and a Stage 3 Compact.

I put in an order for the NordGBHP Soft Case for 73 keys. $200 on sale at Sweetwater (currently backordered). It's listed as 8lbs Stage 4 HA73 = 37lbs + 8 = 45lbs , better than the 60lbs for Stage 2 + case. ...Because I bought a Nord Stage 4 HA 73 - Got it new for about $900 less, I couldn't pass it up. So I'll be putting the Nord Stage 2 88 on the market shortly. Now I have the Nord Stage 3 Compact and Nord Stage 4 HA 73 and I've been comparing. I'll sell one and break even at worst. The seller sent me a new end cap and a partial refund for the Compact. I love the interface on the Stage 3, but only like the action for organ (and I have a XK1c already). The interface is a better thought out version of the Stage 2, very familiar but better. I love the action of the Stage 4, but the control panel is stuffed with confusing and probably unnecessary features. I have both set up for my rehearsal last night and the Stage 4 keybed feels just right. I'm going back to my studio to sit with the Stage 4 and the manual and see what can be done to make the controls performance friendly. For example I use a lot of dubby echos on reggae tunes combined with a stereo wah pedal. I'll create a patch with a delay set to master clock and triplet then turn off the effect and save the patch. Then live I only need to switch on the effect when I want and tap the tempo in. The delay on/off is a simple discrete button on Stage 2/3 but on the 4 it's tucked in a corner and I haven't figured out how to quickly access an effect as they are capable of being set to so many different sound areas. Same thing with the reverb knob,etc. The dream Nord is the Stage 3 interface with the Stage 4 weighted action.

I will say that you came to the exact right conclusion. I picked up a used NS3 Compact. There's a lot to like about it. I can already see all the great interface improvements, memory increase for so many more pianos and EPs, tons of synth patches (havent found the sampled sounds yet), a real power cord!, and last but not least, I'm relatively fine with the semi weighted action. For that trade off I can gig with this lightweight little beast. And I can sell the NS2 to get some cash back. Or so I thought. I'm going to return it for two reasons. First, one of the back corners is scuffed up bad, wood and paint is missing. Not pretty. Not disclosed by the seller. Could have been caused by shipping also as that end of the board had NO padding (or it shifted away) on that side of the box. Notably, the pics on Reverb did not show that side of the instrument. But mainly, it seems a no brainer to just spend the bucks and get the Nord Stage 4 HA73 - yes it's heavier at almost 37lbs - but as another commenter succinctly pointed out - the case alone with my NS2 was an extra 20lbs weighing in at a total of approx 60lbs. I can handle lugging around the 88 but it's too big and additionally the Stage 4 HA73 will be lighter with a lighter case. The HA73 Hammer Action is not the crappy Hammer Portable on the Stage 3 76. And given that now I will sell the NS2. I don't mind the semi-weighted action, but I would much prefer the hammer action in a smaller, lighter, easier to move, newer form. Outside of price, anyone have any thoughts about this plan? I've seen a few gripes, and some mentions of a buggy OS for example. I've seen many positive accounts of the action

Yes that's what I meant! Nice setup!

Thanks for your reply and comments about your experience with it, I'm certainly considering getting one.

Well the case I use is a Nord case (and I can't say what it weighs on its own) has wheels on the bottom and a handle towards the middle so I can just walk it with ease over any relatively flat surface. It's more the stairs times, and even when that's not an issue, lifting the thing out of the case and back in, or the vehicle for that matter. Maybe it was an overreaction, because I threw my back out a few weeks ago right after three gigs in two days with three different bands and a rehearsal prior (my studio is on the second floor and one of the rehearsals was elsewhere....). a LOT of moving it around all over, but that was a particularly extensive week/weekend. Nothing I haven't experienced before, just a bad muscle spasm, I know how to manage it, and now I was reminded to be more vigilant moving forward. Like I said, I'm keeping the NS2 for the time being as there isn't a suitable replacement for my needs. But for about a third of the gigs bringing the lightweight alternate would be nice. I was checking the GC website for any of the ones I want to try out and none nearby come back as in stock. I'll try calling a few tomorrow but I'm not expecting much in the way of results.

Thanks for the suggestion. You might be onto something, and it does have multiple outs. I did some more thinking about this and it looks like I have to keep the NS2 to have the action and bass separation in one board. So it doesn't make sense to get the Nord Piano as a replacement for all the other missing features as well. I'm fine with lugging the NS2 around for half or more of my gigs, just have to stretch my back before and after shows 🙂 If I was going to sell the Stage 2 and accept only having semi weighted action, the Compact 73 would be a great choice. At this point I'm at either getting: The Electro 6D 73 and selling the XK1c Thereby using the Electro as my top tier for organ or as a lightweight smaller standalone when it makes sense OR Getting a YC73 as the somewhat lighter, smaller, standalone option. However this keyboard is expensive; in this scenario I don't end up selling the XK1c to get some money back. Also I've read reports of quality issues cropping up with the keybed after months or years of use. And finally resale value won't be as hot as with a Nord. Some day a Nord Stage 4 76 may come out and have better action than the NS3 HP76 but for now... Really leaning towards the The Electro 6D 73 option.

Dave, any luck with your fix/warranty? I'm eyeing the YC73 but I've seen reports of other quality issues come up with the keybed after some years or even months.

I didn't mean the 6HP. I did look into the 6HP and I don't see a reason to buy a Nord that has an organ section without drawbars at this point. But also it uses the tp100 action - which if I'm not mistaken is the same as in the NS3 HP76. I ran into a keyboard player who had one and we both agreed the action wasn't great. He gigged with the board with a large dose of compromise. I'm going to return the Studiologic Numa X 73. I see the value and budget in the board, but I got to play it in earnest for a quick rehearsal before one of my gigs. The NS2 was already in the car, so it was a good opportunity. I just found it a battle to play. The action is not the worst but it's stiff and also unresponsive. I play an acoustic piano regularly and the Numa just feels off to me. I did make adjustments to the velocity and sensitivity. I have more than one issue with the UI, and one example is the rotary knobs on the left, while neatly color coded, require turning one off and turning another on to switch sounds within the patch, or long pressing one to make it the solo sound. Neither measures up to the quick A/B selection in a Nord patch. I rarely layer my sounds (only bass guitar layered with a clav or rhodes) and the Numa "4 sounds within a patch" config seems made for players who layer sounds. I could go on about the sounds themselves which are hit or miss overall but enough said. At the end of the day, this addition/change is about keeping my back intact. And I'm willing to pay more for that. I'm liking the Nord Piano 5, but it has two outputs, not four. Does anyone know if I can at least route sounds to the outputs? Like bass sample on left out and piano on right. The mod/pitch missing seems an odd design decision, for being such a basic feature. There is a control pedal input but I don't know what it will control with no organ and no morph. Maybe there's some way it can adjust parameters in the FX section. It does have MIDI - I'm assuming I can at least use it to play sounds from another instrument. As an alternate keyboard when I don't cover bass, it should fit the bill very nicely however. Just pricey without selling the NS2. Then again, I can always look for some kind of small desktop synth/sample player that has bass samples I can play with the left side split MIDI, then I get my separate bass output to the bass amp and FOH. Yet I'm still looking at the Nord Electro 6D again..... for just a very portable one off keyboard with everything except piano action, the 6D semi weighted/organ compromise action probably would feel better than the HP (hammer portable) actions on some of the last generation of Nords. Don't need to bring the heavy two tier stand or the Hammond SK1 for the short set/shitty load in gigs. Edit: for all my talk about action - for an alternate rig, I think I could compromise with the 6D, I just wish I could try one first, guitar centers around me don't have one in stock

Thanks for everyone's comments in this thread. I did check out the Numa 73 thread here for a while before purchasing. I forgot to mention in my OP that I found the upright bass sounds to be considerably better than the electric bass patches. I played around with some of the piano settings you mention, with some positive results. I also really like the Rhodes sounds, the Wurli is just okay. I'm going to stop looking at the Dexibell VIVO S3 Pro 73, not enough feedback on the action, etc. Still considering Yamaha CP73 or YC73 with drawbars A board with drawbars plus piano,ep, etc can not just help to save back breaking moving the NS2 88 when it's prudent to do so, but also just be an all in one for shows that would be fine for, no second keyboard (in my case Hammond sk1) So not to veer the thread in another direction but I'm starting to look at the Nord Piano 5 73 and Nord Electro 6D 73. Starting to hit the upper limits of my budget. However, either could replace my NS2 - which I can sell and cut back into the high price of the new one. They both have sample synth engine - I'm sure I can have some good bass sounds - and some synth samples I can add FX to, to achieve similar to the synth engine on the Stage models. I don't hit a ton of synths at shows but I always have a few tunes where I use them. The 6D has organ and drawbars - and like the YC73 can be for quick sets without the need to set up the baby hammond (sk1/vent2) and extra stand config. Only 20 lbs. I can probably get used to the semi weighted but it's not ideal. The Piano 5 would easily complement the baby hammond. And it's almost a clear winner because of the action. If it's anything close to the NS2. Bit heavy at 34lbs. Still smaller to move around. I think NS2 is over 40lbs. So many of these are just sooo close, but there's always a trade off that we have to accept. I have two gigs this weekend and I don't have to time to battle the Numa UI to create a handful of patches so I'm going with my usual setup, and I'll dig back into the Numa Sunday or Monday.

Hi all, TLDR at bottom I just received a Numa X Piano 73 and I'm a little underwhelmed for a few reasons. The action is just okay, it's not bad but not great either. I'm coming from decades of playing a Nord Stage 2 (also the classic prior to that) as well as a 1923 Chickering baby grand at home. I'm very happy with the feel of the NS2, as well as sound and features. But it's heavy and my back is not in the mood for always lugging it around, and it takes up a lot of space. Given I use a second keyboard and bring one or two amps, it would be nice to just have a lightweight yet weighted action keyboard with a smaller footprint. The Nord still will be king for most situations but I want an alternative depending on the gig. The piano modeling on the Numa produces some servicable pianos, but again, like the action, not great. I play through a Motion Sound stereo amp. The electric pianos are pretty good overall, strings are nice (don't play them often), and I don't worry about organ sounds in my bottom keyboard (my top board is a lightweight SK1 that goes through a Vent2). The bass sounds are terrible. I play left hand bass in a few groups, and that is why I sometimes bring two amps. The advantage to the NS2 is there are four audio outputs. I have 1 and 2 sent left and right to the Motion Sound, and output 3 goes to a 30lb MarkBass amp with a 12. One of the best upgrades to my sound for left hand bass gigs is having a separate bass amp, not just for sound separation but the sound guy is less grumpy. The Nord allows patches to be saved with their own output routing. Having said that, the NS2 will come to at half or more of gigs than whatever my alt setup will be. The Nord has some nice bass samples that sound fantastic through a bass amp. The alt setup can be just for non bass gigs. So I'm going to bring my New Numa over to my studio to play around with it some more, before I make my final decision, but I'm leaning towards returning it (which is a bummer because I got a $200 off deal - I think it was open box). It has a nice look, seems well made, compact, and about 26lbs - easy to move around. But one more note - the UI is rather obtuse, it's advertised as simple and intuitive, but it's not. Starts to make sense when you learn it (the manual is a fairly paltry online only item). The price was great, but if there is something better for this size/weight, as long as I don't have to pay Nord prices, I'm willing to invest. I'm looking at the Yamaha CP73 and the Dexibell VIVO S3 Pro 73. They're both approx twice the price but maybe they are approx twice as good. They are similar weight. I'm looking for feel/action and convincing acoustic piano, rhodes, wurli, clav, marimba, and perhaps some synth sounds that are good enough/improved with an effect or two (onboard or outboard). As well as lightweight and easily portable. Doesn't look like either of these two have more than a left and right output but I'm not opposed to sending keys to one side and bass to the other output if they allow it (and have bass samples/sounds I can use). I know the Dexibell can take user samples in SF2 format. That would be nice, but tbh LH bass with audio separation is not that important - my main rig can always fit those situations. Sorry for the wall of text - How do these other boards compare on those fronts? I'm open to other suggestions. TLDR I play a Nord Stage 2 primarily and want to have an alt setup with a lighter, smaller board but still have good weighted action and good keyboard sounds, tried the Numa X Piano, but still want to try some more, like the Yamaha CP73 or the Dexibell VIVO S3 Pro 73 for example.

Then I'm wondering if mine is defective? It just doesn't sound right. Still wasn't good at rehearsal the other day and I have a show outside today so I'll see what happens.

So I received my 612 and I'm having a tough time getting the sound dialed in. It is VERY bright - treble to the moon. I have to wonder if there's something wrong with it. Electric pianos and synths sound ok, but piano sounds overly bright and organ sounds kinda harsh. I have to dial back the treble by a lot and boost the bass. I didn't have to do this with the KP500SN. I did A/B comparisons and while the KP500 doesn't have the definition or quite the volume headroom, it does have the low end and reasonable treble. The 612 has a lot of clarity but way too bright for my tastes. Or again, maybe it needs to be broken in, or there's something off with mine. I have a Nord Stage 2 and an XK1C. I even went through the time consuming process of loading in different large (XL) piano samples from the Nord library online to see what would work well with the amp, and none of the pianos sound right. Tried in my carpeted basement studio/rehearsal area and at a gig last night and at a decent size bar room stage. It was a struggle all night to enjoy the sound of it. I may have to return it, it's that bad. I've had two Motion Sound amps over the last 15 years or so. KBR-3D (which admittedly piano doesn't sound great on but everything else was stellar) and the KP500SN and this hasn't been an issue before.

I certainly hope so, my KBR-3D only overheats now so it is my rehearsal amp with an external fan on it. And my KP500 gets a little hot in the back sometimes. A lot of hot outdoor festivals during the summer! Both the 500 and 612 are listed as 49 lbs on the Motion Sound website. Having said that, I had already purchased a 612 from Sweetwater, should be another week or so. And your comments confirm what I needed to know. Plenty of bass, and all the other good things too. Psyched to get my hands on it. Will be selling my 500 for a good price soon.

Good to know thanks!

Delighted to have discovered that Motion Sound has released a new line of amps. I've had a KP500SN since early 2015, and it's been pretty great, although not always as loud as I need it. I don't need to blast everyone away, but the Nord Stage 2 likes the headroom I give it by feeding it through a smaller mixer (this is my preamp solution in a stereo path) that sits on the amp. Also have an a Hammond XK-1c through a Vent2 for the other channel on the amp. Volume rarely an issue there. But I know the sound of all my patches (acoustic piano, EPs, synths, B3, effects) could be better still, and I can sell my amp after purchasing an upgrade. Main problem with these amps is the knobs can get lopped off during travel or just by virtue of it getting moved from car to venue and back, or at least I learned the hard way when I first received it. Fashioned a protective hard cover flap made out of canvas material and duct tape. Never a problem again and will do the same for the next amp. I also own a KBR-3D, used it for ten years before the KP500SN, but it's not doing well these days, and it's too heavy anyways (and piano sounds terrible through it, I was in denial). However it was a great amp for what it could do, which was quite a lot. But now I like a lighter stereo amp with a Vent2. So the question is. 2x12 / 612 or 2x10 / 610. I feel like I won't be happy unless it's 2x12. I've probably already made up my mind. The 612 is about the same weight and dimensions as the KP500SN, albeit slightly less (1lb lighter, half an inch less in each measurement). Unless the 610 can really provide the low end and headroom while being nicer to my back... sometimes I have to cover LH bass. Many gigs have FOH, but I have a weekly gig I love that does not, and some medium size clubs where I might only have the amp for room sound. I'm curious to know the volume differences between the 610 and 612, and perhaps more importantly the difference between the 612 and the 500

I believe I was having audio issues with the SSv3. The initial crackling was really bad, but went away. Distortion sometimes at medium loud levels, although not usually as bad as the audio example that Mitch posted. There was some kind of hissing going on as well. Some of the screws in the front couldn't be tightened, like they were stripped, don't know what that was about. I think I just received an oddball unit. Having said that, if it was sounding at all like it's supposed to, then I only liked the sound sometimes, using both an SK1 and a Nord Stage. It was very difficult to dial it all in but I did extensive experimenting with all the settings on both the speaker and the keyboards. I returned it. As it would happen, the amp I really wanted was magically in stock, made by a company that is barely back in business (from what I can tell). I received it and it sounds amazing, with a stereo spread, huge amounts of bass, four stereo inputs, wheels, and just under 50 lbs. Best acoustic piano amplification I've heard. I could continue to gush but this isn't the thread for that. Best of luck to all the happy SSv3 owners out there, to the few who had some issues like me, and to Aspen and his company.

I spent several hours with the SSv3 yesterday and a little today. So far my response is mixed. Sometimes it sounds great, but there are some troubling issues. First turned it on without any instruments plugged in - a high pitched whine, not too loud, but there. Not noticeable when playing sounds through it, but not sure if that's normal or not. More importantly, sometimes there are audio issues. Twice yesterday there was an odd crackling while playing the SK1, then it went away; haven't been able to reproduce that. Some of the higher register organ sounds produce uncomfortable frequencies, and just now I was playing a synth sound through it from my Nord Stage and it sounded like some digital distortion. I just played some more and it seems to have abated. Sometimes there is a vibration or buzzing when I hit a heavy bass tone, without using a sub, with the SSv3 on the carpet nothing on top of it. Using the wide setting higher than 12 makes the organ and the manual bass sound terrible, but otherwise it sounds pretty good, with a Ventilator II. The piano/rhodes/clav sound nice from the Nord Stage, and benefit from a higher wide setting, but I can't bring it up too high because of what it does to the B3 sound. Obviously it needs to experience some gigs, larger rooms. Testing so far in finished, carpeted basement. I need to keep moving it around and experiment. I keep the volume, mid and high at about 12. But the audio weirdness has me concerned. Edit: Tried the SK1 direct and with Vent and there is some digital distortion at medium high volume, holding a RH chord.

Received the same sub today, that's good to know. Ugh two guitar players when there's already a keyboardist, drives me crazy. Two chording instruments TOTAL. Yes there are exceptions, anyways.../rant Good to know that the SSv3 can stand on its own for many applications. I can see where it would be nice to leave the sub at home, and only bring the 40lb speaker plus little mixer. I think for my LH bass gigs though, I may need the sub. I'll find out. Eventually: I ordered mine a few days after you. Was originally told Dec 23 ship date. Kind of a bummer if Jan or later is the reality.

I ordered my SSv3 a couple days ago and was told they are shipping again Dec 23. Looks like I'll also pick up the Behringer sub. Two 40 lb speakers, may mean an extra trip, but each is very portable. Current Motion Sound amp is only one speaker, and has wheels, but still 70 lbs. That's good to know! The Yamaha MG06 has 3 stereo ins. (Nord Stage, SK1, and room for something extra like a KAOSS pad if needed.) Will velcro that piece on to the speaker with cables between the two. Now I have to find a case fits the speaker and leaves some room on top where the mixer will be. Also have to think about power management. 1 Nord 2 SK1 3 Gig-FX stereo wah pedal (wall wart) 4 SSv3 5 Behringer Sub 6 Mixer (prob wall wart)

Is there any reason I can't use a lighter, studio monitor for a live set up? Like maybe the Yamaha HS8S (150W and 27lbs) or Behringer Nekkst K10S (180W) - this one is new, the weight isn't listed A flat top is of course pretty important, that's where I want to put the SS.

Thanks for the info. I'm looking at a Yamaha MG06X - 6 channels, really compact, looks well made, Both 1/4 inch and XLR outputs. LH bass player for many gigs, the sub will not only help with that but I expect give an overall larger sound when needed / more breathing room for the SSv3 for RH sounds.

Okay I'm pulling a 180. Too many trade offs with the K4. Potentially bad sound (especially piano), potential phasing, expensive, no real stereo, some reports of lackluster low end. All the positive reviews are several years old. After all my talk to the contrary, I'm getting the Space Station. I had a gig two hours away today and put a lot of thought into it. I have to get the right small mixer, and find a way to have the mixer attached to the speaker (strong velcro perhaps), with shorty 1/4 inch cables from the mixer output to the speaker in, plus the right case. I can live with that set up. I'm willing to wait. My KBR3D might be fixed and will certainly hold me over until then. And until THEN, the KC550 will get me through gigs. I can't pass up an amp that reportedly makes both B3/leslie and acoustic piano sound amazing. I have to get a sub. So which sub? There's room in my budget for a good one, but weight/portability is my concern. Which mixer? Will this actually work - two stereo keyboards--> mixer--> stereo in to SSv3. I suppose the mixer solves the other problem of giving a sound guy a stereo output of my keyboards. (Obviously the mixer has to have a secondary stereo out, but most do) Otherwise mic'ing the SSv3 = two mics? Can the stereo "effect" of the amp translate to a PA or is that not an option...

That's ok, like I said it appears to serve my needs, and I need an amp now. I like that it has tubes, multiple inputs etc, more head room, and lighter than the KBR3D. and I'm not expecting a giant stereo effect out of it.

Good to know guys, thanks. I'm not hearing back from my guy at Sweetwater regarding the amp I want, and I think it's time to move on from Motion Sound. The Traynor K4 looks like it might serve my all-in-one needs. Probably pick the Ventilator as well. In the future, a Space Station is definitely a possibility however.