Nord

Stage 2 - 88 Key

SKU: # 335865   |   Model: # STAGE2-88   |    Product Reviews6 Reviews  Write a Review

Stage 2 - 88 Key

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Stage 2 - 88 Key
Stage 2 - 88 Key
Stage 2 - 88 Key
 This product is no longer available.
Nords award-winning Organ, Piano and Synth technologies - All in one amazing package.


Stage EX vs Stage 2 comparison chart

Representing a stunning new take on the famous Stage series, the Nord Stage 2 is our flagship instrument line. Utilizing our very latest sound generation technology in the three categories of Piano, Organ and Synthesizer combined with a well thought-out, user friendly interface, a choice of premium keybeds and an almost obsessive level of quality control, the Stage 2 truly sets itself apart as an instrument for the professional performing musician.

The Nord Stage 2 is compatible with the Nord Sample Library and also the Nord Sample Editor software that lets you create your own sample instruments, for infinite possibilities! Combined with Nord Piano Library compatibility the Nord Stage 2 is an instrument that offers huge expandability.

Main features
Piano Section
State-of-the art sample-based Acoustic Pianos
Advanced Vintage Electric Pianos
String Resonance
Selectable Piano Release
Dynamic Pedal Noise via optional Nord Triple Pedal
Nord Piano Library compatible
Organ Section

Latest generation Nord B3 Organ modeling
Faithful simulations of classic Vox and Farfisa organs
Advanced rotary speaker model with slow, fast and stop modes
Draw buttons with LED bar graphs for easy overview of active drawbar settings.
Synth Section

Powerful Classic Analogue, FM and Wavetable synthesis
Sample Playback
Nord Sample Library compatibility
Nord Sample Editor software included
Arpeggiator
Master Clock
Global features

Comprehensive Effects section
Single-function control knobs and instant visibility of current settings
External section allowing the Nord Stage 2 to serve as a master keyboard
Expanded Live Mode with 5 locations
Three Models

The Stage 2 comes in three models: The Stage 2 HA88 and Stage 2 HA76 feature our new top-of-the-line fully weighted Hammer Action keyboard. The Stage 2 SW73 features a 73-note Semi Weighted Waterfall keyboard. Apart from the keyboard type and the number of accessories available, all three models have identical features.

The Sound Inside
The Stage 2 has three sound generating sections; Piano, Organ and Synthesizer, all of which can be used simultaneously. Furthermore, up to two sounds from each section can be combined in a single program for massive sonic flexibility.

Piano Section
The Stage 2 Piano section has evolved from the multi award winning Nord Piano; featuring our state-of-the-art sampling techniques the Stage 2s pianos capture the extraordinary nuances and real character of the individual source instruments. Combined with the intelligent String Resonance that reproduces the sound of the piano strings resonating at their fundamental or harmonic frequencies when other strings are played, and compatibility with the optional Nord Triple Pedal that adds Dynamic Pedal Noise the result is breathtaking realism and an unsurpassed expressiveness.

An all-new feature in the Nord Stage 2 is the Selectable Piano Release function. With Piano Release activated you get a slightly longer release more suitable for legato playing. This important feature reflects adjusting the damper tension in an acoustic or an electromechanical instrument.


In addition to vivid acoustic Grand and Upright pianos, the Piano section also features some of the finest, most desirable vintage electric pianos. The Stage 2s piano sounds are future-proof thanks to its compatibility with the Nord Piano Library. This free online library is continuously updated with both upgraded existing pianos and all-new pianos to keep your instrument constantly renewed.


Organ Section
Over ten years have passed since we made our first digital model of a tone wheel organ. The Stage 2s dedicated organ section now uses our third generation B3 Organ model, the same as found in our acclaimed Nord C2 Organ.

Considered by many to be the most accurate emulation of the B3 ever, the Stage 2s organ model is based on the analysis of the signals from each of the 91 spinning discs inside several original instruments and painstaking work on understanding exactly how all the components interact with each other. The virtual circuitry reacts not only to the settings on the panel but also during the real time performance. The Stage 2 will faithfully reproduce the important foldback and energy robbing characteristics; the latter will produce the gentle compression effect that makes those lovely smears absolutely wonderful. There are 3 tone wheel modes that allow you to switch from a clean, factory specd instrument to a worn and battered workhorse with many years of touring.

We also created carefully modeled emulations of two of the most famous transistor organs from the 1960s, the Vox Continental and the Farfisa Compact. Alongside the organs themselves, the Stage 2 features our very latest rotary speaker simulation derived from the C2. Incorporating the acoustic variations that occur as a physical rotating spreads the sound around in a room, they bring the Stage 2s organs to life with remarkable realism. In terms of control, Draw buttons and LED bar graphs have replaced the original mechanical drawbars. This gives you the advantage of always having the correct drawbar settings after changing preset. For Organ sounds only, the Stage 2s keybed is programmed to respond at its highest trigger position, resulting in authentic feel and allowing lightning fast organ techniques.

Synth Section
The Stage 2s powerful new synthesizer engine was built from the DNA of the Nord Wave. Capable of classic analogue synthesis, three operator FM synthesis, Wavetable synthesis and, crucially, compatibility with the Nord Sample Library. The Nord Sample Library not only give Stage 2 owners access to the huge free library of world-class sounds, including the famous vintage Mellotron and Chamberlin samples previously only available to Nord Wave and Nord Electro 3 users, but thanks to the included Nord Sample Editor for Mac and PC, allows user-created samples to be loaded into the instrument and thus opening up a whole new creative world of sound.

The Synth engine itself features classic analogue synthesis with dual saw, hard sync and pulse wave modulation, three-operator FM synthesis with 32 different modulation frequencies, Wavetable synthesis with 62 waveforms and Sample based synthesis. A new great-sounding multimode filter features 12 and 24dB low pass, high pass, band pass and notch filters. And with an Amp envelope, Modulation envelope, an LFO, and Unison control, the Stage 2s synth capabilities are hugely powerful, delivering amazing on-stage sound.

The Synth section also features a new Arpeggiator that can be easily synced to the Stage 2s Master Clock for perfect timing with other elements of the Stage 2, including its effects.

Programming and Control
To make programming and on-stage control as simple as possible we have arranged the sound generators and controls of the Stage 2 into dedicated sections Piano, Organ and Synth. Not only does this make for a very intuitive approach to programming but also instantly shows you which settings are active. There are no deep menus, no complicated screens to navigate. All vital functions are controlled by dedicated single-function knobs.

In addition our patented Pitch Stick and Modulation Wheel allow maximum musical expression and our efficient Morph Grouping technique is also included, allowing you to assign sound and effects parameters to physical controllers.


Extern Section
The Nord Stage 2 wouldnt be a master keyboard if it couldnt control external devices with ease. The Extern Section is designed solely for this purpose, so that any MIDI-connected gear gets seamlessly integrated with the Stage 2s built-in instruments. Zones, splits and layers are handled exactly as if the external equipment was a part of the Stage 2 itself. All settings are saved together with a Program so advanced setups can be immediately recalled in real-time during a performance. You can even use the Extern Section to automatically transmit Bank Select and Program Change messages to your external units.

The Keyboard
Naturally, a keyboard is not just about the sound but also the feel. The Stage 2 HA88 and Stage 2 HA76 feature our new top-of-the-line fully weighted Hammer Action keyboard that also has been improved for response when playing rapid repeated notes. The Stage 2 SW73 features a 73-note Semi Weighted Waterfall keyboard. At Nord we also do something that nobody else does: during the assembly of each instrument in our Stockholm factory, every keybed is individually and specifically tuned for a consistent response and balance.

Effect Section
No sound is complete without the proper use of effects. In the Nord Stage 2 we incorporated all the effects required to cover musicians needs. All of the three instrument sections - Organ, Piano and Synth - can be routed individually through the Stage 2s built-in effect units. Turning the effects on and off, and controlling the routing is easily done by a touch of dedicated buttons, readily accessible at the bottom of each effects unit.

The new Master Clock function makes it easy to sync effects to other elements, like the arpeggiator, LFO or even one of the other effects. You can easily lock the effect rate to a range of note values make the delay do quarter note triplets of what arpeggiator is playing, while the LFO gently sweeps the filter up and down in half notes, all perfectly interlocked. The Master Clock can also be controlled by an external MIDI clock perfect for syncing your parts to a backing track, including tempo changes!

Effect 1
Here you can choose from Tremolo, two Wahs, an Auto-Wah, and an AutoPan. Use the AutoWah with a Clavinet for raw funk licks, create a psychedelic vibe with an Electric Piano on AutoPan, or give a Wurlitzer some body using the Tremolo. There is also a Ring Modulator on board, an effect used by many experimental and electronic musicians.

Effect 2
The two Phasers, two Choruses, the Flanger and new Vibe effect are modeled from the classic analog stomp boxes that define the sound of popular music. These swirling Phasers, metallic Flangers, and thick Choruses that are used by uncompromising professionals everywhere are crystal clear and faithfully simulated on the Nord Stage 2.

Delay
A delay unit has been included to create haunting echoes or slap back effects. The delay also supports a ping-pong mode, and the tempo can easily be adjusted with the tap-tempo button, or synced to the master clock. The delay also has an Analog mode for creating those classic warped sounds when changing the delay rate on repeats.

Amp Simulation & Equalizer
This effect section combines a three-band equalizer with a sophisticated amplifier and speaker cabinet modeler. Classic amplifiers and speakers are a crucial part to make vintage Electric piano sounds come alive. Nord offers the famous sounds of speaker simulations of a Twin Reverb, a Jazz Chorus 120 and a Wurlitzer speaker. When no Amp Model is selected, the unit provides a neutral three-band EQ with sweepable mid and a crunchy overdrive.

Rotary Speaker
The new improved Rotary Speaker simulation, which not only brings an essential character to a live organ performance, can also be used with any of the electric or acoustic piano sounds and the synthesizer.

Master Effects
A Compressor and a Reverb are placed at the end of the sound chain, to help you blend your sounds more naturally together. The Reverb unit has six different Hall, Stage and Room spaces to create different atmospheres for your sounds, while the Compressor helps you keep the overall mix tight and under control.

Q & A


There are currently no questions for this product.

Reviews


3.90.205.166
claudebot
Nord Stage 2 - The Red Cadillac of Keyboards 0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
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Value  
Overall  
Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Saint John, New Brunswick
This is an awesome instrument....fits all of your needs and is a ideal 'player's board.' Probably will be a slight learning curve because of all the things to learn but will be the best investment you ever made!
Posted by anonymous on Mar 27, 2015
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The Red Cadillac - Nord Stage 2 - 88 Hammer Action Weighted 0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
Features  
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Value  
Overall  
Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Saint John, New Brunswick
WOW.... After playing keys for over 30 years and never owning my own board (hard to believe), I made my first & last purchase...The Stage 2. One could go on at length about all the benefits and functions; however, if you're about the performance and not a work station...then this is the way to go. The Stage 2...does it all....synths, organs, pianos, layering, splits, anything that a series musician could want or need. It has gone up in price since I bought it in October, so if you're contemplating this...act quickly. I would encourage anyone to read reviews, go on Youtube and look at the Stage 2 in action, and do some real consumer research to see if it fits your needs...it's pricey, has a few limitations, and accessories aren't cheap... but the experience you'll have playing on this machine and the fondness you'll have for it are without words.... Many thanks to Dan Chamberlain at Long & McQuade- Saint John...he made the whole process of buying, setting up, tech questions, and external gear an awesome time.
Posted by Ian Lee on Mar 7, 2015
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Nord Stage 2 88 HA 0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Calgary Chinook, Alberta
This is the best feeling, best playing keyboard I have ever owned. For performance it is unbeatable, always reliable, solid as a rock - really the only keyboard you need. Nord constantly provides new samples and updates the software. Not cheap but perhaps the best all-around keyboard there is. I am a piano player and the feel and sounds of classic pianos is second to none.
Posted by anonymous on May 9, 2014
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Amazing keyboard! 0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
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Overall  
Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Markham, Ontario
Nord make amazing stuff. You trade a million features for less, but super high quality ones. I love the immediacy of everything. Controls are all there at your fingertips for instant editing. It takes very little time to learn your way around. The sounds are top notch, and the editing software is easy to use to organize your presets. I love the ability to load new sounds and samples. The samples can then be run through the synth section. The effects section is easy to get around in too, and they can now be synced to the master clock. Nice and lightweight for a board this big. Triple pedal is a great add on, but should be included at this price! I do wish there was more sample memory for both the pianos and synth section. I would like double, which in this day and age shouldn't be too hard. Or better yet, maybe they could use an internal SSD drive? Overall, I love this unit. I got rid of everything else so I can become well versed with all the nuances.
Posted by Jason on Aug 11, 2012
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Nord Stage EX 88 0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
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Closest Store   Port Coquitlam, British Columbia
I love my Stage EX 88. You'll love the Stage 2 88. No fancy bells and whistles, but all the sounds you will need for most serious gigging, and customizable on the spot. Love it!
Posted by anonymous on Apr 9, 2012
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N/A 0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
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Closest Store   Burlington, Ontario
Nice keyboard, worth the money if your a purist.
Posted by anonymous on Feb 26, 2012
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Rental rates


This product is normally available for rental. Please contact your preferred location for further information.

1 Day from $58.00

1 Week $115.00

1 Month $230.00

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Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty

A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.

Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.

How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
  • Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
  • Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
  • No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
  • Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
  • Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
  • Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
  • Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
  • Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
  • Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
 

Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.

Purchasing additional years of coverage

Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.

If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:

  • NEW products: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
  • USED products: 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. 4% for each additional year.
  • GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
  • BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.