From fai31188@yahoo.com Mon Jun 06 13:56:05 2011
Subject:Re: NUMA (or NORD) >> Clunker Brand

My clunker story was with Nord (to my surprise), whose products I've loved from the time I got my hands on my first Nord Stage 88. At some point, I decided to buy a Stage compact for gigging (while my NS88 stayed at home). Upon arrival, I noticed that in both panels the audio outputs emitted a buzz that got louder or softer depending on whether the instruments (and their LEDs) were on. For example, if I had the organ drawbar lights on, the buzzing noise got louder. If I turned the Organ instrument off, the buzz went away. Same with turning the Piano and synth instruments on and off.

After contacting Nord, and then the seller (an east coast based retailer), I was given only the option of having it repaired under warranty. I took that option and dropped it off at a repair shop about an hour away. It was back and forth with the manufacturer's rep, the repair shop for more than 10 weeks. Finally I was told it was repaired and ready for pick up. Upon returning home, much to my surprise and chagrin, it did the exact same thing it had before the alleged repairs. I couldn't believe my ears. I contacted the seller who finally agreed to have it exchanged for another compact. The replacement board worked flawlessly.

For the record, I have bought, kept or sold several other Nord boards, and all have worked flawlessly.

aL