3 Reasons Why I Haven't Upgraded to the Nord Stage 4

[@midiexpert]

No song mode on stage 4-deal breaker. That Eric didn’t mention this surprises me, it’s honestly the primary reason not to upgrade (along with the weight).

[@PatchFoundry]

Personally I don't use song mode, because I prefer to make song-specific patches and manually load them in in setlist order. How do you use song mode?

[@midiexpert]

@@PatchFoundry it’s indispensable, because I don’t need to make duplicates of any of my patches. I may use several patches per song, and repeat some of those patches in different order for another song in the set. If I didn’t have song mode I’d need many duplicates of patches, plus it would be harder to switch patches within songs and then go back to a previous patch during the song.

[@PatchFoundry]

@@midiexpert That makes a lot of sense. I don't use this way of managing patches, but if I did, this would be an absolute dealbreaker.

[@midiexpert]

@@PatchFoundry I’m interested in how you organize your sets. For example, are you a one patch per song person? If so, you might have to copy some patches to step through the set. If you never repeat or perhaps only use a few patches in a set, then you don’t need song mode, I guess. I do a Stevie Nicks Tribute show., 90 minutes, and in it many of my patches are 2 or three way splits using pianos, organs, clavs, guitars, ep, and arpeggiated patters with synths, etc and other pads and synths. Different song sections require switching back and forth between up to five patches per song, then going to the next group of patches for the next song. I could do the same thing by using a program like MainStage or gig performer, but the programming of,those are very time consuming and I find using my Nord exclusively for sounds so much more efficient, and requires less baggage. Please share with me your methods, types of gigs, and whether you use a software solution for sounds or for set/patch organization, I really would love to understand how other pros get the job done.

[@midiexpert]

In my recent experience of needing a replacement Stage 3 HP 76, there were none anywhere for less than $4200, but thru sheer luck I got a new floor model one that was priced at $4500 for $3200, which was by far the best deal ever, considering I bought my original one in mint condition for $3k. Thst one is in repair limbo, and will be a luxury spare piano if it ever gets fixed (probably new main board replacement). One other thing, the video references the Stage 4 73 HP, but in fact it’s a HA 73, an improved hammer action that accounts for the extra 9 lbs. I’m also a bit disappointed that they went to a 73 key bed, same as the non weighted compact model. For general keyboard work 73 is adequate, but for jazz, even 76 is barely enough keys, and I tend to use my 88 key board for those gigs even though I like my Stage 3 76 so much better in most ways.

[@fjzingo]

Had the 3 88 and sold it since I didnt like the keys and got a CP88. Fast forward, needed synth, organ and a light weighted keyboard for rehearsal. Suddenly one 73 uwas for sale used in my town. Bam! Still use CP88 for pianocentric gigs.

[@carlgrainger2669]

Love my NS2 EX then NS3 and have delayed upgrading till now. No other instrument has me in SAD syndrome if not played everyday. The NS4 is an investment in quality & capability with yourself the only limiting factor. When you count the years of playing pleasure you get the price totally works out cheap - especially when trading up (Old Nords keep good value and sell quickly in my experience)

[@PatchFoundry]

I agree- it's FAR more keyboard than the vast majority of keyboard players need. But of course, I feel that way about the Stage 3 as well 😂

[@brendaneyremusic]

same for me,the upgrade would be mostly cosmetic for me when the Stage 3 does everything very well

[@PatchFoundry]

Agreed.

[@joshuanesbit]

have you been using hired stage 4s for the past few months for gigs to just try it out? Hope you'll still be able to keep adding patches to the stage 4 cover collection :)

[@PatchFoundry]

Definitely will keep updating!

[@Eighty8Music]

What 88 keyboard controller you using at desk ?

[@PatchFoundry]

I've got this one- really happy with it at the price point it is: amzn.to/4bAonfm

[@Eighty8Music]

Thanks for the quick reply. Yeah I was wondering if it was that one I debated this one because I've heard a lot of piano players don't like the key action, but I've heard opposite too. So you feel good about the playing action?

[@PatchFoundry]

@@Eighty8Music for the money, I've found it to be great. It's definitely a mid-tier keybed, but to me it plays better than anything I've played in the sub $1,000 range!

[@midiexpert]

@@PatchFoundry interesting, I’ve seen these online, and while the price is right, plus the accessories like magnetic music and computer stand are appealing, I don’t care for the pitch/mod sticks. Although my Nord has a pitch stick, the mod control is a wheel, they work well together, not sure two sticks would be that easy to control. Also, it’s 38 lbs, and while for most people that is light weight, not for me, and there are other keyboards that are at or under 39 lbs, which is the sweet spot for hammer action keyboards. Yamaha CK 88 costs more, but at 30 lbs is easier to transport and set up, has good action and sound, full midi capability and more. It is 3 times as expensive. If Casio had a mod wheel on their Privia keyboard they would be perfect for a sub-1000 keyboard. A Roland RD 88 is another sub 30 lb option, and might be the best value of all.

[@Alex-q1w3l]

How do you guys afford stuff like this? Isnt this thing like $6000 after tax? Thats crazy thats like a car... How is the Nord Stage 4 for Classical playing also hows the action, is it premium? Thanks!

[@PatchFoundry]

You’re right- not cheap at all. I work as a full time musician so I am using my Nord Stage 3 a lot (last year it was about 200 shows and sessions) so the income covers it for me. Some do it for fun and have extra income to spare. Nords also hold their value better than some keyboards- mine is worth only about 1k less than what I bought it for about 7 years ago. So that usually means when I buy a Nord, I’ll probably get some money out of it on the backend.

[@PatchFoundry]

Also, if I was just playing classical music and needed a piano sound, I would probably not get a Nord Stage 4. The action is OK, but to me the weakest part of the Nord Stage series. For just piano sounds with a great action, there’s several other far more inexpensive options out there.

[@Alex-q1w3l]

@@PatchFoundry Thank you for the reply. What would say is the best Digital piano SLAB only? Under $10K

[@joshuanesbit]

Just bought my stage 4 73 key for 3500£

[@joshuanesbit]

Brand new

[@PatchFoundry]

Wow- where did you find that deal?

[@joshuanesbit]

@@PatchFoundry on a music retailer here in the UK! Was looking at just getting stage 3 used but it actually ended up costing more than a brand new 4!

[@Justin_collier]

The nord is just over priced. I can find better piano sound in my Kawai. I’m not a fan of Nords action myself, and nords are too over kill for a church in my opinion

[@PatchFoundry]

It is very pricey, for sure. The CP series is a great alternative if you don't need a lot of the power of The Nord Stage 3 or 4, as well.