In this article, I will be exploring the different Nord digital pianos currently available. This includes a brief history of Nord digital pianos, followed by a comparison table of the different models, and then a detailed review of each model in case you want to learn more about any in particular.
Nord Digital Piano History
The Nord company started back in 1983 when its founder Hans Nordelius invented the first drum pad called the “Digital Percussion Plate 1” (DPP1), which allows its user to play with dynamic sampled sounds. The immediate success of this device led to the introduction of their brand name “ddrum.” The extraordinary ddrum gained massive popularity that people considered it as the best digital drum triggering system worldwide. In 1995, the Nord Lead was released by the company. This is the first synthesizer by Clavia and was a distinctive device that took on the emulation of analog synthesis, which is a combination of unique sounds and an intuitive user interface.
In 1996, Magnus Kjellander signed with Clavia and led the way to a new approach in the company’s software design. Hence, the creation of the Nord Modular in 1997. This is the first-ever digital modular synthesizer known to be the most flexible and innovative synthesizer ever released. In 2001, the first Nord electro was introduced, which features stunning emulations of classical vintage electro-mechanical instruments that are extremely portable and unacquainted with the real instruments. In 2005, the Nord Stage, with a mixture of all Clavia’s areas of expertise in acoustic, electric piano sounds, organ emulations, effects, as well as synthesizers, was released. As years went by, Nord was able to release noticeable and successful digital pianos and synthesizers including the Nord wave series, Nord Stage series, Nord electro series, and Nord Piano series. Nowadays, Nord has become a well-known company that manufactures high-quality digital pianos and synthesizers.
Nord Digital Piano Price Chart
Below is a basic Nord digital piano pricing chart with all models included, from cheapest to most expensive. Each of these models is explored in detail below. These prices are approximate and you will need to do in-depth research to get the most up-to-date pricing.
| Model | Price |
| Nord Lead A1 | $1,799-$2,099 (USD) |
| Nord Electro 6 | $2,299-$3,999 (USD) |
| Nord Wave 2 | $2,699-$3,999 (USD) |
| Nord Piano 4 | $2,999 (USD) |
| Nord Piano 5 | $3,299-3,499 (USD) |
| Nord Grand | $3,699-$4,499 (USD) |
| Nord Stage 3 | $3,799-$5,999 (USD) |
Nord Digital Piano Models
Nord Lead A1
Indicative Price: $1,799-$2,099 (USD)
The Nord Lead A1 is an analog modeling synthesizer. This has a reputation for sounding fantastic and is equipped with a simplified and very powerful interface panel. The Nord Lead A1 operates excellently for live-action and studio uses, it will surely provide you with sounds that will no doubt stand out. This product is ideal for all musical genres due to its newly thought-out user interface that produces faster programming and sensational sonic results.
Pros:
- The newly installed VA engine sounds similar and as good as the earlier models of the Lead series.
- It features a greatly enhanced effects section.
- It is multi-timbral (four synths all in one)
- Despite being solid and compact, the Nord lead A1 remains lightweight and portable.
Cons:
- Compared to conventional VA synth engines, the Nord Lead A1 is limited.
- Does not offer an aftertouch effect and a screen for aiding programs or organizing sounds.
- Requires time to get used to due to the unusual parameters
- Audio is not supported via a USB connection.
Nord Lead A1 Specifications:
General Features:
- 26 voices and 4 part multi-timbral
- 3 part effect section (FX, delay, and reverb) for each part.
- 49 key velocity-sensitive keyboard with additional octave shift buttons +/-2octaves (only for keyboard version)
- Keyboard Split equipped with 2 slots for both upper and lower sections.
- Modulation wheel (only for keyboard version)
- Pitch Stick without dead zone at zero crossing (only for keyboard version)
- Programmable Pitch bend range up to +/-4octaves
- Separate up/down bend range: -12 or -24 semitones, +2 semitones
- 1 pedal input for sustain
- 1 pedal input for expression pedal
Dimensions
- Height: 92mm
- Width: 802mm
- Depth: 260mm
Weight
- 4.85 kg or 10.7lbs
Type
- Keyboard Synthesizer
Sound Engine
- modeling
Number of keys
- 49 keys
Type of keys
- Synth Action
Velocity-sensitive
- Yes
Other controllers
- Pitch stick and Mod wheel
Polyphony
- 26 notes
Number of effects
- 6
Effect types
- Ensemble
- Chorus
- Phaser
- Flanger
- Ring modulator
- Drive
Arpeggiator
- Yes
Audio Output
- 4 ports sized 6.35mm
Headphones
- 1 port sized 6.35mm
USB
- 1 port type B
Midi input/output
- In/Out/USB (5 pins)
Pedal input
- 1 pc Sustain
- 1pc Expression
Power source
- Internal
Nord Lead A1 User Reviews
Andrew Prayner from Mayfields Heights: “Yes, five stars. An incredibly compact, lightweight, and powerful synthesizer. Based on its specifications you are capable of covering any genre, but since the genres I play are classic/prog rock and synthpop, I can’t imagine a virtual analog better in playing them. In my opinion, its primary strengths are its physical design and the sounds it can produce that are a solid analog emulation, very flexible filters, and exclusive effects. Everything is reachable including the program change, performance modes, layering, pitch and mod, octaves, and poly/mono/legato modes. This feature is made possible due to its left-hand landing area.”
Dick O’Riley from Rochester, NY: “This synthesizer is something out of a dream. I hope to learn more about layering even though I am still base working with one system. Some tutorials online move a bit too fast. I wish there was a local class or online tutor that could walk me through some continued learning. I’ll probably learn more about this product’s capability over time.”
Where to buy a Nord Lead A1
You can purchase the Nord Lead A1 directly at physical instrument stores and malls near you. You can also purchase them online via Amazon and Sweetwater, which will deliver the product directly to your homes.
Nord Electro 6
Indicative Price: $2,299-$3,999 (USD)
The Nord Electro 6 is a very portable package, and is a combination of Nord’s vintage award-winning mechanical and acoustic instruments. This product is considered by Nord as their most powerful and flexible electro with a polish of modern classic. The Nord Electro 6 includes 3 independent sound sections, a new streamlined user interface with the addition of seamless transitions.
Pros:
- Equipped with Seamless Transition
- New streamlined user interface
- 3 part Multitimbral
- Split and Layer are all 3 sections with optional Split Point Crossfades
- Extended Polyphony voices
- Extended memory of 512 MB for sample memory and voice polyphony
- The additional 2 pipe organs and nifty dual organ mode
Cons:
- Quite expensive
Nord Electro 6 Specifications:
General Features:
- Seamless Transition
- Memory expansion of up to 512 MB for Nord sample library
- Split and layer for all 3 sections
- Oled Display
- Reverb with the bright mode
- A variety of other studio effects that are tweakable
- Extended voice polyphony of 30 voices (For synthesizer model)
- Dedicated sample synth section (For synthesizer model)
- Attack, decay and release, and other dynamic controls (For synthesizer model)
- 1GB for Nord piano library with the addition of filter (For piano model)
- 4 dynamic curves and sympathetic string resonance (For piano model)
Dimensions
Nord Electro 6D (73 keys)
- Height: 97mm
- Width: 1066mm
- Depth: 296mm
Nord Electro 6D (61 keys)
- Height: 97mm
- Width: 900mm
- Depth: 296mm
Nord Electro 6 HP
- Height: 121mm
- Width: 1074mm
- Depth: 344mm
Weight
Nord Electro 6D (73 keys)
- 9.2 kg or 20.28 lbs
Nord Electro 6D (61 keys)
- 8.1 kg or 17.85 lbs
Nord Electro 6HP
- 11.4 kg or 25.13 lbs
Type
- Keyboard Synthesizer
Sound Engine
- Nord Piano Engine, C2D Organ Engine, Nord Sample Synth Engine
Number of keys
- 73 keys and 61 keys
Type of keys
- Semi-weighted Waterfall type
Touch sensitivity
- 3 levels/off
Other controllers
- Drawbars
Polyphony
- 120 piano notes and 34 synth notes
Presets
- 400 programs with 8 banks
Effects
- Yes
Audio Input
- 1 port sized 3.5mm (Monitor)
Audio Output
- 2 ports sized 6.35mm (right, left)
Headphones
- 1 port sized 3.5mm
USB
- 1 port type B
Midi input/output
- In/Out/USB (5 pins)
Pedal input
- 3pcs sized 3.55 (control, sustain, rotor)
Display
- OLED
Software
- Nord Sound Manager and Nord Sample Editor (download)
Power supply
- Standard IEC AC cable (included)
Nord Electro 6 User Reviews
Spence from Boston, MA: “The fully weighted hammer action with a light synth springy action is something I found perfect- it’s enough to remind your finger about the weight of the keys and is quick in allowing fast playing. The construction was flawless and the packing for shipping by Sweetwater made sure the piano arrived without damage. You can see the craftsmanship going into the design and construction of this thing, it’s simply beautiful to play.”
Barry from El Dorado Hills, CA: ” Despite owning a Kronos and two Hammond SK models, none of them can beat the B3 sound of this Nord model. It’s not just me, my bandmates also agree, it has the soul of the original instrument. It is great to have a USB connection that enables me to connect my laptop and organize timbres/patches while still figuring out everything. The touch is a little more firm than the Hammond, but with a good, solid feel.”
Nord Wave 2
Indicative Price: $2,699-$3,999 (USD)
The Nord Wave 2 is a dominant 4-part performing synthesizer. It combines virtual analog synthesis, samples, FM, and wavetable with the addition of a layer-focus interface altogether. It is also equipped with a polyphony that has 48 voices, innovative performance features, and hands-on controls. The Nord Wave 2 presents exceptional sonic possibilities with advanced layering and tweaking.
Pros:
- Colorful and appealing analog character
- Features a multitimbral design that includes a fully independent FX and supports layers, splits, and sequencing with enough polyphony.
- Clear one-knob-per-function interface with pretty much no menu-diving.
- Features a quality five-octave keyboard with many real-time control options
- Outstanding support software
Cons:
- Advanced programmers and users might find the synth architecture quite limited.
- Sample content can’t be explored. Users can’t adjust the start point or loop parameters.
- Wavetables are preset and have no interpolation between waves.
Nord Wave 2 Specifications:
General Features:
- 4 layer synthesizer with LED faders
- Equipped with virtual analog synthesis, wavetable, FM, and sample playback
- Offers 48 voices
- 1GB memory for Nord Sample Library
- Provides effects, EQ, delay, and reverb for every layer.
- Advanced arpeggiator and gate features
- A 61-key semi-weighted keyboard with octave shift buttons +/- 2 octaves.
- Keyboard split with three points
- Advanced morph functionality
- Impulse morph for instant morphing overrides
- Group functionality for multi-layer editing
Dimensions
- Height: 100mm
- Width: 990mm
- Depth: 295mm
Weight
- 8.75 kg or 19.29 lbs
Type
- Keyboard Synthesizer
Sound Engine
- FM, wavetable, sample-based, Virtual analog synthesis
Analog/digital:
- Digital
Number of keys
- 61 keys
Type of keys
- Semi-weighted
Aftertouch
- Yes
Velocity-sensitive
- Yes
Other controllers
- Pitch stick and Mod wheel
Polyphony
- 48 notes
Presets
- Four-part multi-timbral
- 16 x 25 programs
- Nord Sample Library 3.0
Oscillators
- Sine
- Triangle
- Sawtooth
- Square
- Pulse
Low-frequency Oscillators
- One Low-frequency oscillator with five waveforms
Filter
- 12dB/24dB Low Pass, bandpass, highpass, ladder M, LP+HP
Envelope Generator
- Attack, decay, sustain, and release (amp) and AD/AR (mod)
Effect types
- Tremolo
- Ring mod
- Chorus
- Ensemble
- Vibe
- Drive
- Five reverbs
- Advanced delay with feedback
Arpeggiator
- Polyphonic
Memory
- 1GB sound memory
Audio Input
- One port sized 3.5mm (Monitor input)
Audio Output
- two ports sized 6.35mm (l/r)
Headphones
- 1 port sized 6.35mm
USB
- 1 port type B
Midi input/output
- In/Out/USB
Pedal input
- 1 pc sized 6.35 (Sustain)
- 1pc sized 6.35 (Control pedal)
Software
- Nord Sound Manager
OS requirements:
- Mac OS 10.7 or later (MAC)
- Windows 7 or later (PC)
Power source
- Standard IEC AC cable
H4- Nord Wave 2 User Reviews
Jon Remy from Dallas Texas: “The Nord Wave 2 is very lovable. Sampling is easy, especially since it is equipped with a handy sample editor. It is useful to have that sound manager. I admire all its features such as the analog modeling, wavetables, FM, and sampling!”
David James’s review on Sweetwater: “This is an awesome keyboard. This product is probably 4 synthesizers equipped with a complete set of controls such as Amp, filter, effects, LFO, Arp, etc. There are multiple ways to split or stack every layer and each one can be a VA oscillator, Wavetable, FM, or sample. I could probably say I am a fanboy of Nord, especially since this is my sixth Nord instrument. Compared to the previous generations, the Wave 2 is larger and heavier due to its compactness. This is my favorite Nord because of its two OLED displays, an arpeggiator that possesses programmable rhythms (saved with each program), 48-note polyphony, and production of rich sounds making it a product to check out!”
Where to buy a Nord Wave 2
You can purchase the Nord Wave 2 directly at physical instrument stores and malls near you. You can also purchase them online via Amazon and Sweetwater, which will deliver the product directly to your homes.
Nord Piano 4
Indicative Price: $2,999 (USD)
The Nord Piano 4 is the fourth generation of the award-winning series of Nord’s stage pianos. It features the combination of a greatly expanded polyphony, an outstanding keybed that is triple sensored, and Nord’s virtual hammer action technology. This model is newly equipped with seamless transitions, dedicated piano filters, and split-point crossfades which provide its users/artists an exceptional piano feel and experience.
Pros:
- 88 keys
- Innovative Virtual hammer action technology
- Seamless transitions
- Seven (7) split points
- Equipped with triple pedal
- Offers many effects
- 120-note polyphony
- Equipped with numeric pad mode
Cons:
- Quite expensive
- Time-consuming to learn all controls
- Only comes in red color
Nord Piano 4 Specifications:
General Features:
- OLED display
- Seamless transitions
- Split point crossfades
- 16 banks with 25 programs- 400 locations
- Organized functionality programs
- Live mode with five (5) live programs
- Global transpose: +/- 6 semitones
- Program transpose: +/- 6 semitones
- Fine-tune: +/- 50 cents
- Triple sensor keybed equipped with virtual hammer action technology
- Split functionality with additional selectable split points and LED indications
- Layer functionality
- Mono output option
- Dynamic sustain Pedal action with Nord triple pedal
- Free OS updates
Type
- Stage Piano
Dimensions
- Height: 121mm
- Width: 1287mm
- Depth: 340mm
Weight
- 18.5 kg or 40.1 lbs
Pedal Dimensions:
- Height: 224mm
- Width: 264mm
- Depth: 70mm
Pedal weight
- 2 kg or 4.4 lbs
Sound Engine
- Nord Piano Engine, Nord Sample Synth Engine
Number of keys
- 88 keys
Type of keys
- Grand Weighted Hammer Action, Triple Sensor
Touch Sensitivity
- 3 levels, off
Polyphony
- 120 notes (Piano) and 34 notes (Synth)
Presets
- 400 programs with 16 banks
Effect types
- Reverb
- Delay
- Phaser
- Tremolo
- Wah
- Chorus
- Flanger
- Distortion
Audio Input
- One port sized 3.5mm (Monitor input)
Audio Output
- two ports sized 6.35mm (l/r)
Headphones
- 1 port sized 6.35mm
USB
- 1 port type B
Midi input/output
- In/Out/USB
Pedal input
- 2pcs 6.35mm (sustain and volume)
Pedal Included
- Nord triple pedal
Display
- OLED
Software
- Nord Piano Library (version 5)
Power supply
- Standard IEC AC cable
Nord Piano 4 User Reviews
Robert Nuckels from Mill Valley, CA: “The Nord Piano 4 is the most inspiring stage piano I have ever used. I’ve had it for a week. I’ve spent so much time on it that I have developed ‘Piano-Player’s Neck: PAIN! I DON’T CARE, I WOULD PLAY THIS PIANO NO MATTER WHAT the pain is. Intuitive, inspiring, the works. It makes a difference when you sit down to a World-Class instrument like the NORD PIANO 4. The most significant purchase of gear I have made since my Nord C2 10 years ago! THIS IS THE REAL DEAL !”
John’s from CA review on Sweetwater: “This Piano has made me practice more and play more because I simply enjoy the sound and feel more than any previous I’ve owned.”
Where to buy a Nord Piano 4
You can purchase the Nord Piano 4 directly at physical instrument stores and malls near you. You can also purchase them online via Amazon and Sweetwater, which will deliver the product directly to your homes.
Nord Piano 5
Indicative Price: $3,299-3,499 (USD)
The Nord Piano 5 is the latest model of Nord’s award-winning series. It is compact and equipped with dual piano engines, dual sample synths, and expanded memory twice of the previous generation. This model is a combination of a first-class triple sensor keybed and the company’s exclusive virtual hammer action technology. One of the best features of the Nord Piano 5 is surely its portability which will ensure an extraordinary playing experience.
Pros:
- 2GB piano library and 1GB sample library
- Layering two pianos and two synths
- Comes in a 73-key variant
- Triple Sensor
Cons:
- Expensive
- Possibility of MIDI channel limitations with regards to layering
Nord Piano 5 Specifications:
General Features:
- Triple sensor keybed with grand weighted action
- Nord virtual hammer technology
- Advanced layering (2 pianos and 2 sample synths)
- Advanced keyboard split with optional crossfades
- Seamless transitions
- OLED display for an excellent overview
Type
- Stage Piano
Dimensions
Nord Piano 5 (88-keys)
- Height: 342mm
- Width: 1287mm
- Depth: 120mm
Nord Piano 5 (73-keys)
- Height: 342mm
- Width: 1070mm
- Depth: 120mm
Nord Triple Pedal
- Height: 224mm
- Width: 264mm
- Depth: 70mm
Weight
Nord Piano 5 (88-keys)
- 18.5 kg or 40.1 lbs
Nord Piano 5 (73-keys)
- 15.5 kg or 34.1lbs
Nord Triple Pedal
- 2 kg or 4.4 lbs
Sound Engine
- Nord Piano Engine, Nord Sample Synth Engine
Number of keys
- 88 keys and 73 keys
Type of keys
- Grand Weighted Hammer Action, Triple Sensor
Touch Sensitivity
- Light, Medium, Heavy
Polyphony
- 120 notes (Piano) and 46 notes (Sample Synth)
Presets
- Grand
- Upright
- Electric Pianos
- Digital
- Layer
- Clavinet
- Harpsichord
Effect types
- Reverb
- Delay
- Pan
- Tremolo
- Vibrato
- Wah-wah
- Ring Modulator
- Phaser
- Flanger
- 3-band EQ
- Compressor
- Tube
- Overdrive
- Envelope
Audio Input
- One port sized 3.5mm (Monitor input)
Audio Output
- two ports sized 6.35mm (l/r)
Headphones
- 1 port sized 6.35mm
USB
- 1 port type B
Midi input/output
- In/Out/USB
Pedal input
- 2pcs 6.35mm (sustain and volume/control)
Pedal Included
- Nord triple pedal
Display
- OLED
Software
- Nord Sound Manager (Download) and Nord Sample Editor (Download)
Power supply
- Standard IEC AC cable
Nord Piano 5 User Reviews
Wayne Tibbit from Dallas, review on Sweetwater: “I have played the Hammond organ and Piano/Synth in rock and blues groups for decades. I have replaced my previous Stage 3 Compact with the Piano 5 (73-keys) and found its Mod/wheel controls and keybed phenomenal. The Piano 5’s highlights a “compact-class” size and weight which I find enjoyable. It’s right sounds, action, and dimensions make the Piano 5 the perfect one. The Nord piano library of grand, upright, and electric pianos is huge and of high quality. All my needs are satisfied by their synth library and instrument’s synth engine. The Piano 5 primarily works great like magic and feels like the real thing due to the new hammer action with triple sensor software. For me, the 73-key variant is perfect and helps you prevent missing the lower and upper half-octave of an 88. The user panel and interface are well designed for live performance, the same as all the Nords I’ve used and played. The 73 fits on top of the organ without overhang on the sides and because its center of gravity is near its centerline it rests solidly without the need for a separate stand or support (I use an anti-slip mat between the piano and the organ). The Piano 5’s combination of manageable weight, size, sound, and feel pleases me the most. If you need the perfect stage piano to compliment your perfect Hammond or Hammond clone, this could be it”.
Where to buy a Nord Piano 5
You can purchase the Nord Piano 5 directly at physical instrument stores and malls near you. You can also purchase them online via Amazon and Sweetwater, which will deliver the product directly to your homes.
Nord Grand
Indicative price: $3,699-$4,499 (USD)
The Nord Grand features a first-class weighted keybed with advanced triple sensors that precisely captures the hammers’ movements, resulting in a smooth and natural feel similar to a grand piano. This model is equipped with Nord’s award-winning performance features and hands-on user interface. Aside from providing users a new playing experience and lightweight, the Nord Grand is elegant and is the latest approach of the company’s stage piano series.
Pros:
- Quality and quantity of sounds
- Capable of adding and removing sounds depending on personal preference.
- High-quality build (take care of the case since it is made of wood)
- Good Kawai action and quite responsive
- Good ability to tailor touch and sounds
- Includes excellent pedals equipped with half-pedal support
Cons:
- Lack of action feel for advanced users
- Power switch and headphone jack placement is inconvenient (back panel)
- Weak escapement sensation especially when repeating soft notes
Nord Grand Specifications:
General Features
- 88-note Kawai Hammer Action equipped with triple sensors
- Ivory touch keys
- Seamless transitions
- Layer and split with split point crossfade
- OLED display
- Support for Nord Piano Monitor
Type
- Stage Piano
Dimensions
Nord Piano Grand
- Height: 168mm
- Width: 1286mm
- Depth: 387mm
Nord Triple Pedal
- Height: 224mm
- Width: 264mm
- Depth: 70mm
Weight
Nord Grand
- 20.9 kg or 46 lbs
Nord Triple Pedal
- 2 kg or 4.4 lbs
Sound Engine
- Nord Piano Engine, Nord Sample Synth Engine
Number of keys
- 88 keys
Type of keys
- Kawai Hammer Action and Advanced triple sensors
Touch Sensitivity
- Light, Normal, Heavy
Polyphony
- 120 voices
Presets
- 2GB Nord Piano Library
- 16 global banks
- Six (6) piano types:
- Grand
- Upright
- Electric piano
- Clavinet
- Digital
Effect types
- Phaser
- Flanger
- Chorus
- Vibe
- Pan
- Tremolo
- Wah
- Stereo Delay with Tap Tempo
- Reverb
- Distortion
- Compressor
Audio Input
- One port sized 3.5mm (aux in)
Audio Output
- two ports sized 6.35mm (L/R)
Headphones
- 1 port sized 6.35mm
USB
- 1 port type B
Midi input/output
- In/Out/USB
Pedal input
- 2pcs sized 6.35mm (sustain and volume)
Pedal Included
- Nord triple pedal’
Expansion
- 512MB memory for Nord Sample Library 3.0
Display
- OLED
Software
- Nord Sound Manager (Download)
Power supply
- Standard IEC AC cable
Nord Grand User Reviews
Bryce from Buffalo, NY review on Sweetwater: “Due to the pandemic, I wasn’t able to feel and touch a real piano for a long period. However, recently I was able to play a 9ft Steinway piano at my school and my first reaction was not that my Nord feels somewhat like a piano but rather the Steinway feels like my Nord. Some people comment that this thing is a toy instrument and that is something I don’t understand. Honestly, I recommend you to buy this beast and for sure it’s not going to fail you.”
Russell R. Blair from Florida Sweetwater review: “This instrument is the closest thing to a Grand piano, touch, and sound I’ve ever felt. I grew up on a Steinway. I own a Korg SV1 88, Fatar StudioLogic 990 88 and a Yamaha 88. I highly recommend the Nord Grand. Yes, it is expensive but worth it.”
Where to buy a Nord Piano 5
You can purchase the Nord Grand directly at physical instrument stores and malls near you. You can also purchase them online via Amazon and Sweetwater, which will deliver the product directly to your homes.
Nord Stage 3
Indicative Price: $3,799-$5,999 (USD)
The Nord Stage 3 emerged from the successful stage piano series of Nord and is the series’s latest release. This model is compact with the outstanding technologies from previous models comprising the Nord Lead A1 Synth Engine with sample playback, Nord C2D organ, enhanced piano section, and extensive hands-on effects. The Nord Stage 3 is an extraordinary performance keyboard.
Pros:
- Excellent build quality
- Great keys
- Detailed and beautified piano and organ section
- The simple and effective Synth section
- Extensive and easy to control effects
- Number of presets
- Convenient preset navigation and saving
- 4 split zones (10 split point options)
- Intuitive controls
- Hand-made product from Sweden
Cons:
- Highly Expensive
- Limited to predetermined split points
- All effect sections can be accessed for 1 sounds source
- No dedicated outs per section
Nord Stage 3 Specifications:
General Features:
- OLED display for program and synth section
- Seamless transition
- Extensive split functionality with optional crossfade
- Song list mode
- Extensive Morph Destinations
Type
- Digital Stage Piano
Dimensions
Nord Stage 3 (88-keys)
- Height: 118mm
- Width: 1287mm
- Depth: 334mm
Nord Stage 3 (76-keys)
- Height: 127mm
- Width: 1122mm
- Depth: 347mm
Nord Stage 3 Compact (73-keys)
- Height: 104mm
- Width: 1070mm
- Depth: 302mm
Weight
Nord Stage 3 (88-keys)
- 19kg or 41.8lbs
Nord Stage 3 (76-keys)
- 12.5kg or 27.5lbs
Nord Stage 3 Compact (73-keys)
- 10kg or 22lb
Sound Engine
- Nord Piano Engine, Nord C2D Organ Engine, Nord Lead A1 Synth Engine
Number of keys
- 88, 76, and 73 keys
Type of keys
- Fully weighted Hammer Action
Touch Sensitivity
- 3 levels, off
Aftertouch
- Yes
Other Controllers
- Modulation wheel and Pitch Stick
Polyphony
- 120 notes piano and 34 notes synth
Presets
- 400 programs with 8 banks
- Including:
- Nord Lead A1 Synth Engine
- Organ Modelling
- Vox Continental
- Farfisa
- Pipe Organ
Effect types
- Flanger
- Phaser
- Chorus
- Delay
- Ring Modulator
- Tremolo
- Auto Pan
- Wah
- Speaker Simulations
- Filters
- Rotary
- Reverb
- Compressor
Audio Input
- One port sized 3.5mm (monitor in)
Audio Output
- four ports sized 6.35mm (channels 1-4)
Headphones
- 1 port sized 6.35mm
USB
- 1 port type B
Midi input/output
- In/Out/USB
Pedal input
- 2pcs sized 6.35mm (sustain and control)
- 1pc sized 6.35mm (organ swell)
- 1pc sized 6.35mm (rotor pedal)
- 1pc sized 6.35mm (program change)
Display
- OLED
Power supply
- Standard IEC AC cable
Nord Stage 3 User Reviews
Norman Hartendorp’s review on Sweetwater: “This is my first Nord. Not just to own but to put my fingers on and play. Video and audio examples and written reviews are my only exposure. The main reason for my decision was for its reputation for sound and build quality. I must confess that before I had the opportunity to personally play this, I counted myself as one who believed in questioning what was so special that it costs significantly more than the competition. Well, now I know that every bit of its reputation is well deserved. I’m learning things about Stage 3 that I never imagined it could do. Integrating it into my current setup makes me more and more amazed at its usefulness.”
Arun Kamar’s review on Sweetwater: “There are no disadvantages in this product.”
Where to buy a Nord Stage 3
You can purchase the Nord Stage 3 directly at physical instrument stores and malls near you. You can also purchase them online via Amazon and Sweetwater, which will deliver the product directly to your homes.
