opp Posted December 29, 2005 Share Posted December 29, 2005 I am all fired up to trade in my paid for, great sounding Motif ES8 for $2200Can. Against an awesome sounding, light to carry, beatiful red beast $4500 Can. Hmm lets do the math... $4500 -$2200= $2300+tax Can some one please talk me out of this irrationality. Thanks, Stephen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Golly Posted December 29, 2005 Share Posted December 29, 2005 One would think that reading your own post, with the very clear math, would be enough to dissuade you. What is it, specifically, about the Stage that inspires such irrational thoughts? If you narrow it down to one or two things, perhaps we can provide specific arguments against it... or, perhaps, FOR it. What else do you have in your rig? What does the Stage offer that the Motif doesn't, in your specific use? Cheers, SG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Botch. Posted December 29, 2005 Share Posted December 29, 2005 Chiropracter bills for 2006: $3,476.21. (Just trying to help... ) Botch "Eccentric language often is symptomatic of peculiar thinking" - George Will www.puddlestone.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Fiala Posted December 29, 2005 Share Posted December 29, 2005 Let's see: lightweight, sleek and red vs. a whole lot more perfectly serviceable sounds & cheaper. Did you win the lotto? Tom F. "It is what it is." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
opp Posted December 29, 2005 Author Share Posted December 29, 2005 The main thing is packing the Motif around. I also find the piano sounds, while great on their own sound kind of clunky in the live gig. It also irritates me that you must have a DI with ground lift to stop the ES from ground humming.I also have a Korg CX3 which I would condider keeping for the biggger gigs. Love having the Hammond sound ready to go at all times. The Nord Stage sounds awesome especially the EP's. The whole instument seems like a real instument rather than just a rompler. And it weighs 38lbs rather than the cumbersome 74lbs of the Motif. Not to mention the much smaller footprint. Did I mention that it looks super cool in all it's beatiful red glory. Again it looks and feels like a real instrument unto itself. I feel like I would be buying something with a little staying power. Not the latest greatest keyboard that is worth dirt after 3 years. I appreciate the design work that has gone into this thing. Like the pitch and mod wheel angled towards the player. Like the economy of not putting a whole bunch of blank metal at each end of the keyboard. Stephen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MusicaL Posted December 29, 2005 Share Posted December 29, 2005 Let me chime in here, as a biased person. I think the Stage is not the holy grail, yet, it is a very pleasant and inspiring instrument to play. The Motif ES is a fabulous board. It does everything you will need it to do very well. It just doesn't becon you to play. The Stage does. The Motif is there to do a perfectly decent job of just about anything you throw at it, but there's no chemistry. Actually, as a side note, I always enjoyed playing my S80 more so than the Motif, especially the EP's. They seemed more real to me. The pianos on the Stage far outshine the ES's pianos, not to the tune of a couple of grand though. The organs are obviously that much more superior than anything Yamaha has put out in any rompler. The EP's are very very very good, and I haven't even wrung out all the possibilities out of the EP's yet. For my needs, I wanted a good clone, and needed a better EP than the yammie. I also wanted to lighten the weight of my set up, and use no more than two boards, and have no modules. So, it was either the S90ES (which would have been a very economical option for me as I would have sold the S80 and the MoES7), or the Stage. The S90ES was simply going to be more of the same. The new piano sounds were fine, but not worth talking about. With the S90ES, I didn't get any good organs so, I had to add the electro -- still a better choice financially -- but didn't think this setup would adequately cover the synth leads I wanted. Plus, the weight and size factor made it that much less desirable. What made up my mind was days and weeks of thinking through all the things I need from a board. After playing the Stage earlier this year (September to be exact), I became convinced that with a better piano sound, it would be my ideal board. Well, a few days later, Clavia upgraded the pianos. So, the bonuses with the Stage are a very serviceable synth section, hands on everything, no submenus to navigate, versatility of the sounds and effects section, excellent Organs, Pianos, EP's, and Clavs, and there you have it. All in all, it's the only board that allows me to play these excellent sounds and get my Piano, EP, Organ and VA needs fully satisfied, although for the time being I am using my trusty little AN1x as my organ trigger keyboard and for its internal lead sounds. HTH, aL Gear: Yamaha MODX8, Mojo 61, NS2 73, C. Bechstein baby grand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmymio Posted December 29, 2005 Share Posted December 29, 2005 My question to you would be what kinds of gigs are you doing? I was dying for a Nord Stage until i played one and had to admit it didn't have enough of the "bread and butter" type sounds that most working keyboard players need. So unless your gigs require mainly retro sounds (pianos eps. clavs, organs), you're going to need another board to cover horns, strings, bass etc. That's why i went w/ the S90ES and I love it. It weighs 12 lbs more and is undoubtedly not as strong as the Stage on the eps, clavs, organs. But it does cover all of the bases, and for the most part, really well. Good luck with your decision. JP 1935 Mason & Hamlin Model A Korg Kronos 2 73 Nord Electro 6D 61 Yam S90ES Rhodes Stage 73 (1972) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric Posted December 29, 2005 Share Posted December 29, 2005 I've been torturing myself over the STAGE vs. S90ES decision for months and months (you've probably read my posts). I'm still using my S90 Classic + Electro and find it to be a killer rig. I am really tempted to get either the S90ES or STAGE, but more out of sheer GAS vs. a true and justified need for them. If I were you and weight was the primary driver, I would probably try to replace the Motif ES8 with an S90 Classic or S90ES, especially if you are planning to keep your Korg CX3. I think a STAGE + CX3 would not be as versatile a rig as the ES8 + CX3 in terms of the sheer number of sounds available. Sure, the STAGE has that ever-so-cool Swedish form factor and it is red, but I would not be so quick to take such a loss on your ES8 to get one. Regards, Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c4 Posted December 29, 2005 Share Posted December 29, 2005 motif= board for middle aged cover band hacks nord stage= real instrument for real pros Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burningbusch Posted December 29, 2005 Share Posted December 29, 2005 Originally posted by c4: motif= board for middle aged cover band hacks nord stage= real instrument for real pros Funny, I see a lot more pros using Yamaha Motifs and such than Electros and Stages. In fact, Nords seem most popular with people concerned about weight, i.e. middle age cover band hacks who have to carry their own equipment. Busch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric Posted December 29, 2005 Share Posted December 29, 2005 Originally posted by c4: nord stage= real instrument for real pros Damn, c4 just found another ultra hip and cool reason for me to add a STAGE to my rig. I'm not a real pro until I add a STAGE. Looks like the rest of us have some gear to buy, unless we want to keep on faking it as amateurs in middle-aged cover bands! So c4, when are you stepping to being a "real pro" with a "real instrument?" Regards, Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfhyde Posted December 29, 2005 Share Posted December 29, 2005 Funny, I see a lot more pros using Yamaha Motifs and such than Electros and Stages. In fact, Nords seem most popular with people concerned about weight, i.e. middle age cover band hacks who have to carry their own equipment. Busch. Yikes, as Curley would say, "I resemble that remark" remember Curley, ummm, the 3 stooges....now I'm really giving away my age.... but actually, the Stage isn't really a good keyboard for a cover band, doesn't have those brass and string sounds. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lerber3 Posted December 30, 2005 Share Posted December 30, 2005 How 'bout this... if you play a Stage and still suck. You suck. Lerb (sucking in Vancouver) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric Posted December 30, 2005 Share Posted December 30, 2005 Like a wise man once said: "It is a poor carpenter that blames his tools." Regards, ERic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
opp Posted December 30, 2005 Author Share Posted December 30, 2005 Originally posted by Music*Al The Motif ES is a fabulous board. It does everything you will need it to do very well. It just doesn't becon you to play. The Stage does. I agree, there is something about the Stage, it doesn't seem like just another rompler? There is also something about GAS that is absolutely irrational. Something about GAS that allows the sufferer to justify almost any purchase. GAS can turn a want into a need as fast as you can pull your credit card from it's protective leather covering. The Motif ES IS a fabulous board with lots of other great sounds like guitars, basses, strings that I use alot in recordings and it is almost impossible to tell they are not real. Oh yah I paid $4000 for the ES a little over two years ago. Thank you for all the rational input. Imagine if Clavia cut off an octave keeping the same hammer action in a 76 note board. I fear I would not have been able to leave the store without one tucked under my single arm. Stephen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric Posted December 30, 2005 Share Posted December 30, 2005 Stephen, You are ON THE MARK about GAS. It is a very powerful force that cannot be bridled. It can bring the strongest man to his knees. It can melt a credit card faster than you can say "priceless." You may as well give in to it. I did many years ago. The secret is controlling it. Just think about baseball. But seriously, I think your lusting for the STAGE is akin to mine. It really *IS NOT* something you need. It *WILL NOT* be cost-justified anytime in the near future. Maybe you gig more than me, but it would take me some time to truly pay for the STAGE with live gigs. How much will your audience really know if you upgrade from an ES8 to a STAGE? Methinks it would be a personal thing and there's nothing wrong with that. I know a lot of players that have moved to the STAGE. About 1/2 of them love it and the other 1/2 are like "what's the hype all about?" It is not a silver bullet, smoking gun solution to all of our GAS woes. Though c4 has already proclaimed that one cannot be a pro unless they have a STAGE in their rig. I do lust after the STAGE daily and I dream about it (no lie). But I just cannot justify the cost at this juncture, unless I was going to unload all of my other gigging gear to replace it fully with the STAGE. If you have a ton of money, go for it. Right now, I'm starting to jones for the new DSI MEK offering and some other new goodies that are promised for NAMM. So my recommendation to you TODAY is to cool your jets and wait about a month. Regards, Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Golly Posted December 30, 2005 Share Posted December 30, 2005 Originally posted by c4: motif= board for middle aged cover band hacks nord stage= real instrument for real pros Ummm.... riiiiiiiiight. SG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Analogaddict Posted December 30, 2005 Share Posted December 30, 2005 I think Clavia would benefit from releasing a 76 note version. The stage 88 does not really compete with Motifs, Fantoms and Tritons, but because of the format they're often compared. A Stage 76 with the same keybed would carve a niche of its own, and a reduced weight and perhaps price would make it even more attractive. I'd rather take a Stage 76 and a Motif ES rack/Fantom Xr than a big, clunky workstation that really does not cut it when it comes to ep:s and so on - compared to the Stage, IMVHO. Been there (Triton pro88, Roland A-90!), not doing it again..! Since none of the big 3 seem to be willing to release a weighted 76 key board, my hope is the Stage... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfhyde Posted December 30, 2005 Share Posted December 30, 2005 On the topic of 76 key Stage: The 88 note key Stage is so light and compact that I don't mind hauling it and would not want to lose that octave. Especially considering how easy it is to set up very useful splits on the fly. I would think a 76 key version would really take sales away from the Electro. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfhyde Posted December 30, 2005 Share Posted December 30, 2005 Never did that before? John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfhyde Posted December 30, 2005 Share Posted December 30, 2005 ummm, cya next year. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WWW Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 Forget about 76 keys on the Nord Stage....JUST FIX THE PIANO and we will all be able to take that red Ferrari out of the garage for a real drive..... Hammond C3, Leslie 122, Steinway B, Wurlitzer 200A, Rhodes 73, D6 Clav Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mate stubb Posted June 21, 2006 Share Posted June 21, 2006 Update: since the previous post keeps coming up near the top when I google "Nord Stage 76" - They released a 76 key version. And they fixed the pianos. Now when can I get the button that switches from piano to organ action? Moe --- "I keep wanting to like it's sound, but every demo seems to demonstrate that it has the earth-shaking punch and peerless sonics of the Roland Gaia. " - Tusker http://www.hotrodmotm.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tonysounds Posted June 21, 2006 Share Posted June 21, 2006 What a surprise to me: I've been supporting myself playing music for almost 20 years, and come to find that I'm not a pro cuz I happen to use (not only not a NordStage, but *OMG*, a "classic" Motif, not an ES). Thankfully, I received my NordStage 76 last week, and have been enjoying it, which has the added benefit of giving me the peace of mind, knowing that I am now a real pro with a real instrument (as opposed to a poser with a Hammond B3, Rhodes, Wurli, Motif, rack of stuff...etc.). It hasn't been gigged with yet (taking it out next week on a couple shows we're doing with the Doobie Bros. and Reo Speedwagon), but my intial response is VERY VERY positive. I love my Motif 8 (didn't dig the ES), but after 4 years, I'm REAL tired of moving it around. And with the even higher costs and restrictions on airline travel, the Stage 76 is going to be a godsend. If it sounds as good "LOUD" as it does through every other way I've been messing with it, it's a keeper....with my Electro on top. If you can afford it, buy it, and keep your Motif for at home composing, practice, spontaneous jamming. T Hitting "Play" does NOT constitute live performance. -Me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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