Musikmesse 2015: Nord has introduced the Stage 2 EX – updating their Nord Stage 2 instrument line with 1 GB memory for the Nord Piano Library and a new ultra lightweight Hammer-Action Portable HP76 model.
The Stage 2 EX features 5 Grand Pianos, 7 Upright Pianos, 11 Electric Pianos, Clavinet, Harpsichords and a vastly improved Nord Sample Library selection, including brand new Strings, Choir and Folk instruments.
Features:
- DOUBLED MEMORY FOR NORD PIANO LIBRARY – The Nord Stage 2 EX features 1 GB memory for the Nord Piano Library allowing you to bring even more of our unique sampled acoustic and electric pianos on stage.
- LIGHTWEIGHT 76-KEY MODEL – The Nord Stage 2 EX HP76 sports an ultra lightweight Hammer Action Portable keybed (E-G) as found in the Electro 3/4/5 HP and Piano 2 HP models. Weighing only 12 kg (27,3 lb), this makes the Nord Stage 2 EX HP76 the most portable Hammer Action Stage instrument ever.
- IMPROVED FACTORY SOUND BANK – The Nord Stage 2 EX features a brand new Factory Sound Bank with both new sounds in the Piano Library as well as a completely updated and refined selection of sounds from the Nord Sample Library. We’ve also optimized our sounds allowing you to fit even more sounds without comprising playability. New sounds include:
- Nord Piano Library: DX Electric Pianos
- Nord Sample Library – new Acoustic Strings (solo and ensemble), Female Choirs, Ethnic Stringed Instruments, Flutes and Woodwinds, Brass/Orchestra and Tuned Percussion sounds.
The Nord Stage 2 EX comes in three models:
- The Nord Stage 2 EX 88 features a fully weighted Hammer Action Keybed (A-C) and weighs 18,5 kg (40,7 lb).
- The Nord Stage 2 EX HP76 has the lightweight Hammer Action Portable keybed (E-G), the same type as from the Electro 3/4 HP and Piano 2 HP and weighs 12 kg (27,3 lb)
- Nord Stage 2 EX Compact features a 73-note Semi Weighted Waterfall keyboard (E-E) and weighs 9,7 kg (21,4 lb)
Apart from the keyboard type and the number of accessories available, all three models have identical features.
Pricing and Availability
All models are expected to ship in May 2015, with pricing to be announced. See the Nord site for audio demos and more info.
Is 1Gb for piano and 380 MB for synths enough? This still seems pretty low for today’s standards.
It’s not the GBs, it’s the engine.
Who cares?
Where’s the information on the Roland JD-XA?
Nord has lost it’s edge. Welcome Roland Version 2.0 what a bunch of stupid products. Bring a new analog synthesizer or a performance based synthesizer with 3 octaves, a successor of the G2!!
That’s not what nord does. Nord does stage pianos…. very well. That’s their market, and that’s where they find success.
Spoken like someone who’s never played a Nord.
Nord’s keyboards are always great sounding, and fantastic feeling to play. They have great build quality, that’s designed to hold up to the wear and tear of gigging musicians.
None of the synths from Korg, Roland, Arturia or Novation are in the same league, if you’re a player.
If you’re more of a studio synthesist than a player, build quality isn’t that big of a point. But if you are a keyboardist, you want a solid, reliable axe, like a Nord, Moog, Yamaha, DSI, etc.
I think the build quality of Roland products is second to none, e.g. their stage pianos. Korg is probably OK too for their more expensive products. Actually I had most problems with Moog and DSI gear
The person who posted above at 11:49 doesn’t seem to understand Nord’s business model or how the market works. It makes little sense for Nord to update the G2 when the market is already flooded with so many new synths, when the Lead 4 and A1 already have so much competition, and when they’re making more money with the Electro and Stage lines.
As for Roland, let’s assess how stupid they are when we see how well the JD-Xi is selling. Safe bet is that it sells like hotcakes, and then who’s the stupid one?
Spot on, my friend.
So many controls, there’s hardly room for the Red any more.
Let me guess… 4k?
Always, always, always wanted a Nord Stage. Never could afford one.
Nor can I get close to one at a shop – they are lorded over by lunchbreak Manzareks.
no g3, no sale.
I must say that I think the Nord stage pianos are overrated. The quality of the Hammonds and electric pianos used to be better than anyone else’s, but that’s not the case anymore. (For Leslie sims, use a Neo Ventilator.)
I actually prefer the Roland and Yamaha piano sounds to the Nord sounds, and the keyboard has always been the weakest part, compared to Roland/Yamaha. Fine if you play Rhodes or organ a lot, but just not very good for piano.
So even though they are good instruments, don’t let the price fool you into thinking that you are getting the very best. Also, the updates are minimal this time, but they still ask premium prices.