Nord Stage EX

seraph · Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 3:47 pm Post subject: Nord Stage EX

http://www.clavia.se/main.asp?tm=Products&clpm=Nord_Stage_EX&clnsm=Information

http://www.nordkeyboards.com/main.asp?tm=Products&clpm=Nord_Stage_EX&clnsm=Information

Clavia/Nord increased the memory size from 128 to 256 Mb (plus a few cosmetic changes).
Anyone know if it is possible to upgrade the memory size on previous revisions of this instruments?

Wout Blommers · Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 3:52 pm Post subject:

Not possible Confused

Wout

seraph · Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 3:57 pm Post subject:

I got a NS88 revision C last May. It's vintage already. That's what I like about hardware instruments Evil or Very Mad

Wout Blommers · Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 10:11 pm Post subject:

You can still use al the sounds, only not upload all the instruments into the Stage... It isn't worthless Smile

Wout

seraph · Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 12:31 am Post subject:

seraph · Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 1:44 am Post subject:

this is the reply I got from Clavia to my question about upgradability of NS88 "classic" to EX Crying or Very sad

peterkadar · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 9:23 am Post subject:

Well, the bright side (for me at least) is this:

1) I'm not going to use the NS for a lot of harpsichords and stuff, which is what a lot of their new sounds are based upon.

2) I just got a NS rev. C brand new on a blowout deal for $1000 less than what a new EX model would cost.

Might as well save some $ if I'm not going to use that extra memory right now anyway.

I've got all the rhodes (rhodeses??) installed, the wurly, clav, CP80, the Studio Grand XL, and the Stage Grand . Sounds good to me!

ebbandflow · Joined: May 14, 2009 Posts: 12 Location: Chicago, IL

peterkadar wrote:

Well, the bright side (for me at least) is this:

1) I'm not going to use the NS for a lot of harpsichords and stuff, which is what a lot of their new sounds are based upon.

2) I just got a NS rev. C brand new on a blowout deal for $1000 less than what a new EX model would cost.

Might as well save some $ if I'm not going to use that extra memory right now anyway.

I've got all the rhodes (rhodeses??) installed, the wurly, clav, CP80, the Studio Grand XL, and the Stage Grand . Sounds good to me!

I'm still in the process of deciding which Nord product is right for me. So you would recommend saving $1,000 and purchasing the non-EX version?

peterkadar · Posted: Fri May 15, 2009 9:32 pm Post subject:

Exactly. Don't forget that if you get bored with a certain piano sound, you can always shuffle things around with the editor and stuff too.

Here's the list of the piano sounds I use:

Yamaha Stage Grand (22MB)
Yamaha Concert Grand 2 XL (69MB) - nice for ballads... cool pedal down samples...
CP80
All four Rhodes
Wurly
Clav

And I couldn't be happier.

I'm not a huge fan of the Steinway sounds, and the Rain piano, while cool, probably wouldn't cut through a band. Plus, I could probably get one of the other pianos to sound close with FX.

ebbandflow · Joined: May 14, 2009 Posts: 12 Location: Chicago, IL

Thanks. The more I'm looking into Nord products - I'm leaning towards the Electro 3. I just tried one out at a music shop and the tones are sweet! I think I can make up for the lack of synth patches with my computer/controller board that will be accompanying my Nord on live gigs.

peterkadar · Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 8:18 pm Post subject:

For sure - the Electro 3 is a great board. As long as you don't need to have splits or layers (other than the organ, of course). Plus, the Electro isn't as good a midi controller. Again, if you're bringing a 2nd board to gigs, that might not even be an issue either.

PhilippPott · Joined: May 22, 2009 Posts: 2 Location: Munic

As long as you don't need the synthi in parallel, the Electro 3 is easy to carry, has a very good organ section and all the effects. Plus it has audio in, no need to mix externally.

I love my Stage EX because of the weighted 88 keys. Being away from my real Yamaha C7 at home very often I needed some grand piano feeling "for on the road", in addition to the good sound the Stage EX makes in band situations. However, I hate the weight of the Stage EX each time I have to lift it into my car...

peterkadar · Posted: Fri May 22, 2009 11:57 pm Post subject:

I hear that. But it's not bad when compared to how much other digital/stage pianos weigh.

seraph · Posted: Sat May 23, 2009 12:07 am Post subject:

right

try to lift a Kawai MP8II Wink

peterkadar · Posted: Sat May 23, 2009 11:41 pm Post subject:

Oh yeah! I have an MP8 II. It stays safely perched upon its stand and doesn't move. EVER.

Now THAT is a seriously expressive digital piano. The best action ever. I love MIDI'ing up to my NS Compact and playing the rhodes sounds from that action. It basically IS a rhodes.

That and my G2's are among the most expressive digital instruments I've ever played. Gotta show some love for the MP! Smile