From clonewheel@snc.co.uk Wed Oct 17 09:22:07 2007
Subject:Re: Nord Stage experiences - Help me evaluate

Hi Gene,

I switched from using a Roland XP-80 (Rompler) and Korg CX-3 rig to a
Nord Stage 76 one year ago, and have been extremely happy with the
decision.

The combination of the A and B Panels, plus the two or three way
split/layer facility of the Stage means that I can pretty much achieve
everything that I previously used separate keyboards for.

What is more, the ease and speed with which you can create sounds,
manipulate effects, and configure splits/layers makes this a fantastic
performers instrument - there is rarely any need to go into menu
settings - everything you need (99% of the time) is right there on the
front panel.

On the odd occasion that I need the sounds from, or a faster keyboard
action (usually for Clavs or Organ), then I will take one of the other
two boards and use it to control the Stage sound engine. The stage is
incredibly flexible in this respect, since you can use the "Dual
Keyboard" mode to play Panel B instrument(s) whilst playing Panel A
from the internal keybed OR, you can configure each of the 6 Stage
instruments (i.e. 2 x Pianos, 2 x Organs, 2 x Synths) on separate MIDI
channels and control them from an external keyboard.

(I realise that may not be of interest, since you stated you are
thinking of replacing both of your current keyboards with a single
Stage, but at least you know it can be done.)

If you found you needed a few ROMpler sounds, you could easily add a
rack module at a later date and control it from the Extern section of
the stage (although limited to only two separate global MIDI channels).

The usual issue you hear about with the Stage is the acoustic pianos,
which is a VERY subjective area. I have tweaked mine to achieve a sound
that I find totally usable in mono, but which is (IMHO) outstanding in
stereo. I find the linkage between the keybed (weighted NS76, not the
compact) and the sample engine to be one of the best I have played
(at least prior to the OS 2 upgrades, where it all went a bit wrong)
and I (personally) find it the most musically responsive digital piano
I have played. Again, let me say this is VERY subjective, and many
others will disagree, so as usual, your best bet before blowing this
sort of money is to try it out first.

When I bought mine, I took my own amplifier down to the store and
played the Stage for several hours. I have to be honest, and say I was
not 100% convinced at the time, and the store agreed to give a full
refund if I wasn't happy within 7 days. One of my bands dedicated an
entire rehearsal to letting me call the songs and experiment with the
keyboard, and we recorded the entire session to minidisc. Again, during
the rehearsal, I was not 100% convinced, but on subsequent listening to
the recording, I was blown away at just how good it sounded, and was
200% convinced that this was a good choice for me.

Since then, I have tweaked and refined, and am still exceptionally
happy with my purchase.

I bought the 76 note version, as I was after the heavier, weighted
action for pianos and eps. I don't play the clavs very often, and when
I do, I find the action a bit on the heavy side for anything really
funky. The same would go for playing the organ, although I find this
easier than the clavs. Playing organ smears takes a bit more effort
than (e.g.) my CX-3, but is possible due to the quick trigger option.

The other reason I bought the 76, is the extremely small footprint -
perfect for small stages, and considerably shorter than your Roland
300sx, and barely wider than most 61 note boards.

When I am feeling extremely lazy, I wonder whether I would have been
better off buying the Compact version for it's light weight, and
getting something like a Studiologic VMK-176 Plus controller for the
weighted action. This would give me an easily transported board for
rehearsals (which I do more of than actual gigs), PLUS a dual keyboard
setup perfect for playing pianos (from the Studiologic) and organs/clavs
(from the Stage Compact).

Anyway, you are probably getting bored with my waffling, so I will sign
off now. If you have any specific questions, feel free to hit me
offlist.

Regards

Papa J

On Tue, 16 Oct 2007 18:15:57 -0400
NJmm973@aol.com wrote: