Hello everyone, I have a question again.

I've been wanting to buy a Nord Stage for a long time, but I've never been able to get to the price of the new models (my finances don't allow it yet).
I recently had the opportunity to buy an 88-key Nord Stage 2 for $2,300. I wanted to ask you if you think it's a good price or if it's too expensive. I want to clarify that the Nord is practically new, it has no scratches, dents, or abuse on the keyboard.

The doubt arises when I start to think that this Nord model is already many years old, possibly it will not receive more firmware/software updates from Nord and it will become too obsolete. Can't add new sounds. etc ..

I am a pianist musician, I play jazz, classical music, with groups, etc., I have a great reason to buy a Nord, but I don't know if it is a good deal or if I should wait.

Thank you so much

Greetings from Argentina.

 

Depends on your situation... I would say for less you can get a good laptop, interface and weighted controller; it would sound better and be more flexible but you lose the bullet-proof "turn on and play" you get from a single self contained keyboard. $2,300 for a Stage 2 feels mighty steep though.

If you want strictly piano sounds I think some Yamahas might be worth a look for action, sounds and price actually.

 

They are great keyboards, but only you can decide if the benefit-cost ratio is worth it. The price is good compared to where I live, but we pay 20% tax.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/NordGrand--nord-grand-stage-keyboard

 

That is a relatively fair price. It's not bad, but you could find them all day for the same price. Check if it is an EX HA model number, that can change the average used price a decent amount. The price you mentioned is in the ballpark; but i might keep looking for a better deal on the same model/year and see if you can do any better. You probably will.

 

the nords sound great dude.
@Metrraalex
mate bought a nord3 for the same price as you
he´s a happy camper, if you really like the nord experience
you wont regret it, they are awesome
+ they hold their value

but, like Trurl mentioned, you could also get a good & new
middle ground silent notebook 500-1k
and a used Doepfer LMK for 200-400 with a superb Fatar hammer-action
in a tour ready case

 

Meh… Doesn’t have triple sensor keyboard & you can find better sounds on your PC.. & There’s no way you’re playing intermediate to advanced classical music on a digital keyboard unless it’s something like a Kawaii Novus.

 

Or maybe negotiate the current price?

 

Definitely. The EX model was introduced in 2015. The standard Stage 2 was released in 2011. The Stage 3 was released in 2017 (use as production end date for the 2). So that is a pretty wide range of age that it could be (6 years of production for just the stage 2). That will usually also be reflected in the overall condition of the board. From newest/best condition to oldest/worst you could be talking about up to 1000$ differences in value.

 

Last edited: Oct 30, 2023

I've had the chance to play both the Nord Stage 2 and the Kurzweil Forte 8, both 88 keys and I much prefer the Forte.
Pro Nord: Lightweight, great control surface, sounds great
Pro Kurzweil: Better keyboard action, more sound variety, much better sample import and more sample storage, a full DX7 clone, good sequencer

Another one to check out is the Yamaha YC88, I haven't tried it myself though.

 

yes

 

dunno if this is even a possibility but iirc the Nord 2 is part of the same slew of chips like virus and waldorf that are emulated now. it would suck to invest 2300 bucks then next year have the nord 2 released on emulation. but i have no idea if thats even on the docket for them.

 

The Yamaha CP88 and YC88 are great alternatives to the Nord Stage. You can get a new CP88 for the same price as this Stage 2. Considering that they are ~2x cheaper than a Stage 4 for very similar performance and features... it makes it hard to justify paying Nord's very premium price.

But this is down to personal preference ofc. I prefer the Kawai MP11SE as its action is leagues above the others IMO. The big downside is that it is extremely bulky and heavy.

 

the nord lead 2 is a motorola chipset they should be able to emulate. motorola dsp56xxx. they are way different than a nord stage 2. A serious piano player wouldn't want a nord lead2 "to play". it is not hammer action, keys are plastic, and only 49 keys. The Stage 2 should cost about double, or even more. The nord lead 2 can be as old as 1997.

 

oops i mixed those up, good looking out