Nord Stage 3 Versus Nord Wave 2 Simple Comparison (for Nord Newbies)

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hello everyone! I just released the latest course called "Master the Nord Wave 2" found at www.MyKeysToMusic.com. Also on the site is the course "Master the Nord Stage 3". So either keyboard you choose, we have you covered... Thanks for watching!

[@lloydsnyder2738]

Hey Marc. Good overview. I'm going to look at the Wave 2 but the Stage 3 is my way to go. Especially since I'm taking your course on it. Great work. Keep the videos coming.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hey Lloyd! Thanks so much and thanks for being a student!! We'll keep em coming.

[@chriscopeman8820]

I watched this video a few weeks ago and I've been thinking of getting wave 2 ever since. Today I hit the buy button and I'm sooo looking forward to my new synth showing up at my music store. Thanks.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@Chris Copeman Wow awesome! The hard part is waiting now. When does it arrive? Have you owned other synths before? Are you new to synthesis or an old pro?

[@chriscopeman8820]

@@MyKeysToMusic I have Arturia's V7 collection of vintage synthesizers and their Pigments, all software synthesizers. This is my first hardware synth. I have a midi controller and it's lots of fun but the keybed is rubbish. I want something more fun to play because honestly, I'm rubbish at the keys and need lots of practicing. I'm thinking this Nord is going to do it for me. Thanks.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@Chris Copeman Thanks for the comment here. I think you are correct in this thinking Chris. Congrats on your new "hardware synth" too. I think you'll find it a bit more engaging than the software synths. There's just something about moving real knobs and pushing actual buttons that makes the entire experience more rewarding and dare I say, more fun.

[@tuneunleashed]

On The Nord Stage 3 you have basically two Nord Stage. You have Panel A and B to make two Nord Stage 3's in one. Panel A you can layer up to 3 sounds and Panel B as well and link them up together to make 6 layers. So....Just to let you guys know you can layer up to 6 sounds on The Nord Stage 3. Its actually fun because it allows you to work and create through the limitations which I give props to Nord for it. It feels more like an instrument. So bouncing from Panel A to B only for adjusting volumes shouldn't be a problem at all have fun with it. It makes you work.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Well said @Lordtunes World! And just to further clarify what you said here, yes you can layer 6 engines but you are in fact limited to each engine only twice. In other words, you can have up to two synths or two pianos or two organs at a time (one for Panel A and one for Panel B). Where this sometimes surprises people is that if you are using a bass sound from the synth engine in the left hand, you're now left with a single synth engine, and sometimes people long for more than that. But you are correct in that it gives you nearly everything you need for most occasions and if you plan it correctly it will work out. In fact, for the more complicated songs I've done lately, I use an entirely new program and switch to it mid-song. Because the Nord has seamless transitions, it makes doing this program switching very feasible (or at least more feasible than one would think).

[@BigMack392]

If pianos are your target instruments, you should consider the Nord Piano 5. It has the ability to layer two keyboards of any of the several piano types. It also has a sample synth section with the ability to layer two synth presets. And you can set up four layers, i.e., two pianos and two synth samples. Just a thought.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

You are right. And the Nord piano 5 uses samples from the sample library 4.0 which are slightly better than the 3.0. However three are more samples available on the 3.0 library as of this writing. The piano 5 is actually quite powerful and the latest version even has mono mode and glide along with true vibrato.

[@sonofsun1320]

But also if you’re not a beginner in Music Synthesis the Nord Wave is the way to go. Also the Nor Wave has arpeggiator per part and Nord Stage doesn’t.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@sonofsun1320 You are correct! The Wave 2 requires a touch more understanding with synthesis, although the Stage 3 does require some knowledge as well. The Stage 3 does allow a different arpeggiator per part (there are 2 panels/parts on the Stage 3). However, the Wave 2 has 4 parts (called layers) AND it also has a pattern capability as well as the polyphonic arpeggiator, which are two things the Stage 3 doesn't have. So yes, the Wave 2 has a much more powerful arpeggiator implementation and capability over the Stage 3. Thanks for your comment!

[@justinnabors2866]

Hello! Love your videos. I would love to see a more in depth video, or another series like your synth course. Thanks so much for making these!

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hi Justin. Actually, I'm nearly done rehearsing for a big detailed video comparing the Stage 3 and Wave 2. Not sure if it's going to be one giant video with channel markers or several smaller parts. I think I'm leaning towards one big video. Stay tuned in the coming days... Thanks for watching! Don't forget to share when the time comes... 🙏🏽

[@MrChrisKnight]

Thanks so much for this review so helpful!

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@Chris Knight You are so welcome!

[@JAWS9]

Marc, had it not been for this video, I would have purchased the Wave 2 and would’ve been sorely disappointed. The Electro 6 is what I need. Thank you!!!

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@J.A. White It's for reasons just like this that make creating these videos 100% worth it! Congrats on your decision. And when you're ready to expand your Electro or you find you are in an arpeggiator type of mood, you can add that too by introducing a low-cost external device such as this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5TXXomMrLhlgbs

[@JAWS9]

@@MyKeysToMusic Well, I just saw your video comparing the Electro 6D and Stage 3 Compact. Now I’m really in a crux. Thanks for the great analysis. I may just bite the bullet & get the Stage 3.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@@JAWS9 If it's in the budget, go for the Stage 3. There are simply so many songs and situations out there that require a synth (or two in this case with Panel A and B). Plus the Stage 3 has a lot of bells and whistles that come in handy (like morphing, the Extern section, aftertouch, the pitch stick and wheel, the ability to send program changes upon loading, song mode, and more pedal options). Yes it's more expensive and heavier, but it can do more once you learn it. Granted, you can cover quite a few songs with the Electro too, but not as many as the Synth. Take for example, this song from the cars - it's impossible to do this one with the Electro: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIauZ4mBq8mDY9E

[@leonaltmark2852]

Love your music instruments analogy to vaping. Im a music lover so I’m cool with your review.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Thanks Leon. I don't remember saying anything about "vaping" being mentioned haha. In any case, it's always neat to meet another music lover, so thanks for your comment!

[@leonaltmark2852]

I dont do many comments. Obviously I put this reply in wrong spot but its cool we are on same wavelength.. vaping , obscure music and every type of art is my bag. Funny, all I studied in college was science..

[@mckreunski]

Thanks Marc, very useful! Looking forward to a more in-depth video of the differences between the Stage3 synth and the new Wave2.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hey Cees! Yes, it's something I'll work on.

[@josheredia392]

Hi Marc If you had to choose a synthesizer, between these 2 which would you choose: - Nord Stage 3 - Nord wave 2 taking into account live performances and recording of songs and sequences. thank you!!

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hi Jos Her. Tough question! If I was only able to use one keyboard I would get a Stage 3 but the decision is fairly close like 55% to 45% in favor of the Stage 3. For live playing the 73 keys on a Stage 3 Compact versus the 61 keys on the Wave 2 can make a difference. Having piano and organ in your hip pocket comes in very handy too while playing live. Now, if we're talking about recording songs and sequences exclusively, I'd be inclined to go with the Wave 2 because piano and organ can be replicated very well today using software available on the computer. Ideally, I'd have both keyboards for a well-covered gig. You can also consider a Stage 3 as your main bad boy keyboard and then get a lower-cost synth to supplement other synth/sample parts you may need. Let's say a Stage 3 with a Korg Monologue for example. Or maybe a lower cost sampler player. Or you can bring a laptop to the gig and have all your pianos and organs come from that while you do all your live tweaking with the Wave 2 and have that be the main keyboard. The key is to ask yourself how much you are going to really miss piano, electro-mechanical/organ sounds if you have only the one keyboard. If you're not going to miss them, then the Wave 2 should keep you covered fairly well. Hope that helps. Oh and there is also a pretty decent piano sample that comes loaded on the Wave 2 which caught me by surprise and I'm using it a lot so that may, in fact, cover you on a gig as far as having a basic piano is concerned.

[@josheredia392]

Now another question if you had to choose between: Nord lead 4 and Nord wave 2? Greetings from South America!

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hi Jos - sorry for the delay on this response here. If you can swing the budget, I'd get a Wave 2 over a Lead 4 for the following reasons: 1) The Wave 2 can play samples - allowing you to make your own too. 2) The Wave 2 has a very powerful arpeggiator (the best Clavia has made) 3) The Wave 2 has the layer sliders for immediate volume control over each layer visual (and morphable). 4) The Wave 2 is a brand new keyboard. The Lead 4 is now considered "Legacy" by Clavia as they've taken it off their main products page. 5) The keybed on the Wave 2 is semi-weighted and provides aftertouch. However, if you are looking for the small footprint, obviously the Lead 4 is a much smaller lighter keyboard and is also less money. Hope that helps!

[@chrislindsey89]

Awesome info! Thank you very much.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Glad it has helped! Oh, and be on the lookout for a much more elaborate and detailed comparison video coming soon...

[@ukrop-chik]

Hi Marc, thanks for the video, and thanks for what you are doing. I've got a question: As we all know, the Nord synths are all different, not only because of the specs, but the sound character. E.g. Lead 2x vs Lead 3 or Lead A1 vs Lead 4, etc, etc.. If I 'm not mistaken, Clavia officially confirmed that engines for Lead 4 and A1were developed by two different teams, so they are completelly different engines. We also know, that Stage 3 has the A1 engine on board (with some limitations and some extras), but it is an A1 engine. Now, what about Wave2? Is it more Lead 4 or A1 or something completely new? Once again, I am not about the specs, layers amount, FX etc. I would like to know where the wave2 engine is coming from? If it's completely new, what would be the closest Clavia synth in terms of the sound character? I know, it's a tricky question, sorry. Many thanks in advance!

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hello Nemydom Mail. Thanks for your question here. I would say that the new Wave 2 is more like the Lead A1 and Nord Stage 3 without a doubt. In fact, I put the basic waveforms through an oscilloscope and they look (and sound) identical to my eyes and ears. Great question!

[@ukrop-chik]

@@MyKeysToMusic Thanks a lot, Marc! I expected that. What is really strange to me is that Clavia discontinued Lead4 at the time they introduced W2. Logically, they needed to keep L4 and stop A1, as both Stage3 and A1 share the engine... Anyway, I am a happy owner of S3, 2x and L4 - great combination of the red stuff :)) Don't think I am interested in W2 at the stage - S3 more than enough for my needs. Thanks again - love your channel!

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@@ukrop-chik Thank you!

[@darrickkeels6387]

Hey Marc, how do you like the stock sounds that come with the Wave 2?

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hi Darrick! Actually, I haven't played around enough with the stock sounds yet to fully determine that yet. The ones that I played with so far are good - I think there is still a lot to discover. I do like how they pre-install the Symphobia String collection and it's nice to have room for that and more with the expanded sample memory etc.

[@darrickkeels6387]

@@MyKeysToMusic Maybe you will go live and talk about it a bit. Hint hint. 😊

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@@darrickkeels6387 Haha - the thought had crossed my mind! Hmmm..

[@MRFThorne]

Hi Marc, I was looking forward to seeing this video - you've got your Nord Wave 2 at last! This is a very useful explanation of the differences between the Nord Stage 3 and the Wave 2; I still believe that the Nord Wave 2 will satisfy my keener interest to have a fuller, deeper synthesiser, and was impressed by the video demonstration I saw recently with Andertons Music (in-depth videos with the NW 2 seem a little thin on the ground on KZbin at the moment, but hopefully they're coming). It's interesting that you consider that the Nord Stage 3 might have an advantage or two over the Wave 2 in the synthesiser "department" as well. I'd be hoping to gig with the Nord Wave 2 due to its portability; organs are nice, but I think you can emulate an organ-type sound with synths and get away with it (or I could do in my band!), whereas this really can't be done on a synth with pianos. Food for thought, since having a piano is still fairly indispensable to have when playing live. Congratulations again on the purchase, it is going to be a little later in the year before I can get hold of my Nord Wave 2. I hope you warned your family there was another Nord keyboard on the way! :)

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hey Mark! Yes, got the Wave 2! Glad you like the explanation and yes, Andertons Music did a nice job. There are "organ sounds" available in the Wave 2 and for the most part, you might be able to get away with it for basic organ sounds. No rotary speaker emulation though and that does make such a noticeable impact if B3 is the thing you're really after. You might be able to "spoof" a bit of a rotary flavor using some effects which I'll have to try. There is one decent piano sample available in the library (surprisingly decent) which might be all some people need in this area too. That would make a good video title: "Can you get away with just the Wave 2 as your only keyboard at a gig?" I'll ponder on this. I'm excited to produce more stuff around these topics and thanks for your support and attention. Oh and yes, the family sees more and more red keyboards in the house and they just scratch their head. I've become quite a collector these days. But I know that by having all these keyboards, it helps get the word out and answer the questions for those who need to know! Thanks for watching 🙏🏽

[@MRFThorne]

@@MyKeysToMusic Thank you for your detailed reply, Marc. I'd be very interested to see a video on whether it would be possible to play an entire gig with the Nord Wave 2 - I guess, that would depend on your piano/organ requirements and the more limited memory with the Nord Wave 2. The other question that we've touched upon before is whether the combination of a Nord Wave 2 plus a Nord Sage 3 would be the ultimate giging "combo" of keyboards; with the possibilities afforded by Nord Sample Editor 3.0, I'd venture that the answer here might be yes!! Best wishes, Mark

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hi Mark - sorry for the delay on this response. For some reason, KZbin doesn't always send an Email for every response to me so I happen to be reading through these manually at the moment. Funny, yes, I was thinking that these two keyboards would be the ultimate combo for any gig. You'd have nearly every vintage sound covered, with piano, organ, electric piano and 6 layers of synth samples. The only thing better would be having a second keyboard player! There are a few things that you don't get with the Nord keyboards such as Polyphonic glissando and all the fancy reverb effects and sequencers of other synths. But I'm a believer that Nord keyboards were never meant to be workstations or recording equipment, but rather geared more for the active gigging and studio musician.

[@isaiastale5084]

hello ,why you prefer Nord Stage 3 compact instead Hp76? im debating ,want to get a Nord Stage 3 but idk wich one I need your help!!

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hello @Isaias Tale Great question. Not sure if you made your decision or not, but you inspired me to write a blog article about this on my main website which will come out next week. Here are some considerations between the two keybeds: First of all, either keybed will allow you to play virtually any style of music. It comes down to which one you prefer, really and what your expectations are. The HP 76 is good for those with piano as a priority and who have become accustomed to weighted keys. The Stage 3 compact on the other hand comes with the 73 key Semi-weighted Waterfall keybed. The Compact is good if you plan to play a lot of organ and want the smallest and lightest Nord Stage 3. I personally prefer the waterfall keybeds. This is the same keybed they provide with the Nord Wave 2 for example. I have a demonstration video here that compares the waterfall with the HP: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3nco3l8lJWrmJY The HP style can have a polarizing effect on people. They either love it or they don't. It can be very "resistant" and wear you out over time if you're playing fast and for long periods. I demonstrate this in a video between the waterfall and the HP here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3nco3l8lJWrmJY If you get used to playing the HP 76, I can almost guarantee your arms will get stronger over time, and it could serve you well - especially if you find you want to keep your acoustic piano chops and dexterity up. The 76 however is not as good as the 88 version or the other keybeds offered in the Nord Piano 5 or the Nord Grand.

[@isaiastale5084]

@@MyKeysToMusic thank you, this helped me a lot

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@@isaiastale5084 Glad to hear it! Thanks for your comment.

[@synthury1858]

Hi Marc ! Thanks for all these incredibly detailled videos around Nord products. Would you consider the combo Wave 2 + Stage 3 76HP as being coherent ? Or would you prefer the combo Wave 2 + Electro 6 HP ? (Let's put money aside as the price difference between Electro and Stage is huge). Many thanks for your feedback. Peace. S.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Synthury. Thank you for your comments/compliments! Terrific question and you are wise to notice the power in these particular combos. The Wave 2 and Stage 3 76 is very coherent, although I slightly now prefer the Stage 3 Compact configuration a tad better. That's only because I find the waterfall keyboard more forgiving on playing fast etc. I actually also enjoy the reduced weight and size. I think this combo is killer. The Electro 6 Wave 2 combo is killer as well and a very close second. If I were to use an Electro and a Wave 2, I'd put the Wave 2 on top because it has the pitch stick and mod wheel. Here are some noticeable advantages by using the Stage 3 over the Electro in combination with the Wave 2: 1) The Stage 3 has song mode/set list option. That would put this keyboard potentially on top where you can pick your song and have it auto set the Wave 2 to a given program as well. 2) The Stage 3 has an "Extern" option giving it more control over splits and the ability to turn off and on the Wave 2 with a click of a button (assumes the Stage 3 is on top controlling things) 3) The Stage 3 has a full-featured synth engine with an arpeggiator. If both keyboards were synced with a master clock, you technically now have 2 independent arpeggiators happening on the Stage 3 and Wave 2 at the same time in sync. 'mind blown' 4) The synth has the ability to play two layers versus one. Combined with the Wave 2, that gives you 6 layers of sample/synth. Lots of options with that. I think in either of these combos, you'd want to have the kind of stand that lets you see both keyboard control panels easily too (something like this: www.guitarcenter.com/Proline/PL402-2-Tier-Double-X-Braced-Keyboard-Stand.gc) Hope that helps, feel free to present more ideas/questions. 😉

[@synthury1858]

​@@MyKeysToMusic Thanks Marc for this very detailed answer ! Your explanation confirms that this combo makes sens ! A very good starting point :) In fact, the choice of the keybed is quite tricky now. I am clearly leaning towards the Stage 3 over the Electro. I have read quite a lot of comments in the Nord User Forum about the keybed action of the HP and it seems that most users find it slow and heavy, the 88 seems really to be the best. Would you go for the compact over the HP for that reason ? I find the waterfall of the Wave 2 is just fantastic to play.The size of the 88 is really an issue considering the space available. The size of the 76 or compact would just be more appropriate. Thanks for your help ! Take care. S.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

I would for the 73 Compact. Like the Wave 2, it’s a joy to play. I find it to be a perfect feel. I like the small size and weight too!

[@illustriouschin]

This is essential information for Nord Noobs thank you.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Thank you @Gordon Chin - glad it helps!

[@Alaskanulu15]

Hey mark! Question- can the wave 2 serve as a MIDI for my stage 3 b3 organ for a few songs we play live? Thanks!

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Yes absolutely! You would simply go from the traditional MIDI out from the Wave 2 to the MIDI In on the Stage 3. You would likely take advantage of the "Dual Keyboard" feature as well (as demonstrated in the video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y17QnWaOZrGgY5o).

[@Williamk492]

Thank you for keeping it simple 👍🏻

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Happy to do it!

[@xxportxx2893]

Thank you. Please review Nord Stage 4 ;-) Waiting for the 4 to one day be released. This year?

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hey XPlane Port. Well, that is the million-dollar question. There is a thread actually about this topic where people try to guess here: www.norduserforum.com/nord-stage-forum-f3/new-nord-stage-in-2020-t18515.html

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@Carl Grainger Hey Carl. Ya, that has been the track record. Hard to know for sure, but that seems to be their process for release and the current pace they are on.

[@TheKeyToMusicOfficial]

thank you

[@MyKeysToMusic]

You are welcome - thanks for watching!

[@jgstriccoli]

Hi Marc! Thanks again for your videos! They're very usefull! I can deep dive better into my NS3 since I ve watched your videos... I'm curious: Which was your first Nord keyboard? It seems that you love this brand, like me! I'll be glad to see another video with the full comparison between the synths of these 2 ... I'm in Argentina and is difficult to buy right now this new Nord Wave (tooooo expensive) but I hope to have one in some time!

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Thanks Juan! So, my first Nord Keyboard was the Electro 3. I was so pleased that it had good piano and Rhodes sounds as well as some sample ability. Then I traded that in for an Electro 5 and was so excited to have the digital delay (which I really missed having on the Electro 3). Then I started looking at the Stage 3 (for months). I had gone back and forth so many times on that decision that I quickly realized that I must not be the only one who deliberates over these bigger purchases. Then I created the channel and started to really learn the instruments and found so much enjoyment out of helping others find their way around. I then wanted to have a "better way to train" people so I created online courses (www.mykeystomusic.com) which gives people better learning environment in my opinion without the ads, marketing speak, and distraction of KZbin. Plus, I can replace a video lesson anytime things change or I find a better way to teach a given topic. Thanks for asking about this and stay tuned for a detailed comparison video on the Wave 2 versus the Stage 3.

[@baristaprodigycoffee5233]

I like that the Nord Stage 3 has a synth built into it as an ultimate all around keyboard I would like to hear some of the features compared to the Nord Wave 2. I want to get a Nord Stage 3 88 for traveling I love the content of your Channel it's a great resource!

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hello and thanks for your comment today. I see that you are considering a Nord Stage 3 88 for traveling- that's a big keyboard for travel - but still lots smaller than a Hammond B3! 😉 Thanks for watching and stay tuned for more.

[@baristaprodigycoffee5233]

@@MyKeysToMusic Thank you for the reply! Yes it is a big keyboard one to consider is the Nord Stage 3 HP76 for it's design to be more portable and lighter weight. The Nord stage 3 88 has more weighted key action it's what I'll have to take into consideration. I'll stay in tuned for more great content.

[@cozy7850]

Thanks for the explanation. But perhaps only those who have touched it once can understand it.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hey Cozy, I think I agree with you on that one and that statement which can be taken a few different ways. It reminds of a story I was just reading. Here in the US, not all retailers who carry Nord boards actually have them available to play in the store which makes it nearly impossible to get an idea of how they "feel". Not sure what the answer is but, I understand that dilima.

[@blanquis1824]

Nord Stage 3 vs Nord Lead A1 please.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Thank you. I'll add this to the list. First however will be Stage 3 versus Wave 2. The current plan is to have that first one out within a week or so.

[@DeanoPiano]

Hi Mark I was hoping you could help me with something, I’m a Nord Stage 3 owner and I’m looking to record music again like I did around ten years or so ago etc, anyways I’ve just recently purchased a Focusrite 4i4 audio interface that’s due to arrive on Sunday but I’m clueless as to what cables to buy to record the Nord at it’s best in stereo, there’s TS and TRS cables but I’m just clueless when it comes to stereo cables, and as to how many I will need and what inputs and outputs to connect them to, I hope you can help thanks, Dean.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hi DeanoPiano! Nice to hear you are getting back into recording! You can use two TS cables coming from Output 1 and 2 from your Stage 3 into the Focusrite. Then the Focusrite will connect to the computer via the USB cable. Keep in mind that you can record either MIDI or actual audio in whatever DAW you decide to use on the comuter. I recommend checking out this video for the basic setup if you haven't already: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4aZm2ilaL6Zl6M. Then check out this video if you want to record both MIDI and Audio at the same time (assumes you have a Macintosh): kzbin.info/www/bejne/bp7VfIlpasRna7M. Feel free to keep asking questions along the way too!

[@DeanoPiano]

My Keys To Music Thank you so much for this information I’ll let you know how I get on once my gear arrives, I would also like to thank you for the hard work you put into this channel, it’s really helped me with some of the Nords features as im a first time Nord owner, Thanks again.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@@DeanoPiano So happy to hear this DeanoPiano. Thanks for your support!

[@moetarded7757]

Sounds like we need both!!!! Lol

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@Moe Tarded Yes, wedo need both!! Funny you mention this. I'm strongly considering creating a series of videos to cover the various options one has when combining multiple Nord keyboards. I'd like to paint every scenario because I feel there are a lot of people out there who actually do have two Nord keyboards in one combination or another. Or others that might be on the fence to purchase their second Nord but not exactly sure which one would suit them best based on the one they already have.

[@danielmikkelsen5470]

I was thinking of getting the first Nord Wave used. I would like to ask if it is as good regarding synth, as Stage 3?

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hi Daniel! So, the original Nord Wave in some small aspects has a more powerful synth (sort of). However, as a general statement, today's Nord Wave 2 has a lot more overall capability and features list. The original Wave was released in 2007 (already 13 years ago by the timing of this comment). I kind of wish I had a comparison video on it. First, be sure to check out Clavia's comparison chart here: www.nordkeyboards.com/products/nord-wave-2/comparison-chart Then, here is a good thread with a ton of details and talk about the Wave 2 from Nord community. The thread contains a ton of details with the occasional mention of the original Nord Wave: www.norduserforum.com/nord-wave-forum-f11/new-nord-wave-2-introduced-t18920.html?hilit=nord%20wave

[@danielmikkelsen5470]

@@MyKeysToMusic Awesome, thanks a lot! I will dig into that and try to learn more about the differences! I was wondering if I could ask another quick question, because I stumbled on some demos of the nord lead A1, and the synth sounds amazing, and even easily makes all those fat 80s sounds from what you hear. Is it up there with the others, soundwise approx, or does it sound inferior ? That's an old one of course, so maybe its more compatible to the wave in terms of sounds?

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@@danielmikkelsen5470 So, the Nord Lead A1 (which I also have here) is another great offering from Clavia (still being made and sold today). It consists of 4 layers each one having emphasis on virtual synthesis. It appears to be in the same footprint size and style as the original Nord Wave as well. Now, the A1 cannot play samples whatsoever. So imitating any kind of acoustic instrument will be hard at best. But the A1 is a very strong synth and sonically speaking comes from the same core sound generation as the Wave 2 and Stage 3 from everything I've seen and heard.

[@danielmikkelsen5470]

@@MyKeysToMusic That's so great to get feedback on, cause I was looking long for a pure and powerful synth! From other brands, I find it's kind of hard to know what you get. Though I am also looking for 88 keys with piano and organ, the stage 3 is somewhat pricy for me at this time. Think I'm going to get another more affordable one together with the lead A1 at first. This is really helpful, thanks a lot!

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@@danielmikkelsen5470 I think that is a good plan. Report back if you can on what you ended up with... Happy to help along the way.

[@Charlyaraya]

Nord Stage 3 or Nord Electro + Nord Lead A1 ?

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hello @Carlos Araya - great suggestion and I'm strongly considering making a video to this exact question. If you are still around and would like to proof it for me, I'd appreciate it. Send me an email to [e-mail]

[@Charlyaraya]

@@MyKeysToMusic thank you very much, I already got a Wave 2 and I love it, so I will be getting a Nord electro 6 to complete my setup. I do not speak english as a first language, but I am learning a lot with your videos

[@MyKeysToMusic]

@@Charlyaraya Excellent! I really love the Nord Wave 2 as well! In that case, I will hold off on making the comparison video. Enjoy your Nord keyboards!

[@cathieapodaca]

What Leslie speaker is best used with a Nord?

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Great question Cathie! Having never owned an actual Leslie speaker, my experience is limited. If I were to purchase one today, I'd personally be interested in the Leslie Studio 12 because it provides rotation without the extreme bulk of the traditional Leslie speakers. Here's an unbox and review with a Studio 12 from a guy who has owned a 145 and who owns a Nord Electro 6!: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3ndoXuCpMxseq8 Here's a video that takes a looks at the pros and cons of the Leslie Studio 12 with a competitor: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHnFgWltat-CfNU Let us know what you decide...

[@desmoriderssthlm552]

Hi Marc, Thanks for another great video! As you know I have a NW2 since the end of March (I live a few blocks from Clavia in Stockholm). I really love this instrument but I am not very good at programming. Do you now anyone who will be sharing or selling NW2 programs? I bought some great sounds from Soundcloud.com to my Stage 3 and I would like to buy "ready-to-use" sound banks also.

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hi DesmoRiders - Nice to hear from you. I'm jealous of your location so close to the mother ship! So, I think the sound makers have to first get the Wave 2 and then start creating content for it so I'm not sure what the time frame is like but you could reach out directly to the people that offered the Stage 3 sounds you purchased and start asking those same questions. They might have something in the works or know of someone else who does. You can also reach out to www.synthonia.com and start asking those questions. They work with several Nord patch creators. Great question and thanks for watching!

[@desmoriderssthlm552]

​@@MyKeysToMusic Thanks Marc! As you say the NW2 is a new product and it may take a while for these companies to create sound and get them on the market. Meanwhile I will experiment with the factory sounds. I also look forward to see coming videos from you showcasing the opportunities on the NW2. Thanks for keeping doing great videos!

[@ceyhanyzc]

Does Wave has seamless sound transition when changing programs?

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hello Ceyhan. Terrific question… The answer is no, the Wave 2 does not have seamless transitions (as hard as that is to believe).

[@KeithJCarberry1]

always wanted a nord wave but they are too expensive. i wish there was a good poor hardware man's nord wave option

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Hello Keith - I think there are a LOT of people that feel the same way (me included at times). Or perhaps they could present these as a rack-mount or something like that if that saves on the cost. Heck, they could even present them as a VST/AU Plug-in.

[@moetarded7757]

If you only can do it once lol

[@MyKeysToMusic]

Exactly!