Clavia Nord Stage 88 user reviews ( 10/10) - 9 user reviews

• 10/26/10

  MGR/ShackMan's review "Nord Stage 88"

  Characteristics

  Utilization

  Sounds

  Overall Opinion

  First off, this is NOT the EX model. This is the 2008 model that only offers 128MB of memory as opposed to 256MB, and the only other difference is the addition of the 'Resonance' switch on the piano channel to add damper sounds to the pedal. It's BRIGHT red, and pretty sexy to look at if I do say so myself. Everyone will notice you on stage, and people who know Nord will come up and congratulate you on merely PURCHASING one. It's a full 88-key keyboard, weighted (with hammer action and aftertouch, so it feels GREAT), and it fits into any 88-key case. As a musician, I've been playing keys since I was 4, and bass since I was in the 7th grade. It's been an amazing ride, and I've had the opportunity to share the stage with some absolutely amazing musicians, such as saxophonist Tim Price, bassist Victor Wooten, drummer Poogie Bell, and guitarists Joe Negri, Ken Karsh, and Ron Anthony, guitarist for Frank Sinatra.
  
  
  
  I got it used for $2200, whic may have been a little much to pay, but it was the cheapest I could find one, and it sure beat having to haul a digital piano around. I got it because I needed a portable keyboard that did everything (organ, synth, strings, bass, pads, pianos, wurly, clav, e. piano, rhodes, etc.) and did it all WELL.
  
  
  
  <a href="http://www.shutterdownmusic.com">http://www.shutterdownmusic.com</a>
  
  
  
  As always, I like the fact that the interface is all knobby and everything is laid out in a very precise and logical manner. Everything is sorted into Organ/Piano/Synth groups. Plus, every single paramater can be set to work for any one of the three or multiple at once. Much appreciated. Layering, splitting, storing, binding, creating, etc. is all done as easy as pie. I also love the redness of it. It really stands out from the crowd. The sounds themselves are absolute bliss, from the B3, Farfisa, and Vox Continental sounds all the way through all the pianos, amp modelings, Leslie models (which can also be applied to the pianos and synths!), all the way down to the reverb modeling. It even comes with it\'s own compressor, as well as an external controller panel for mixing that in along with organ/piano/synth sounds, which have their own individual volume settings. I also especially appreciate the modulation wheel and bend knob design. It\'s actually designed to let your thumb rest on the mod wheel and your first finger rest right in the groove of the bending knob, so that you can manipulate both at once very comfortably. WAY more awesome than ribbons or levers. It also sports 4 channels of outputs or two stereo sets, as well as a headphone jack that doesn\'t mute the main out (unless you want it to), and a full compliment of organ and expression inputs to control rotor speed, organ swell, and other midi and expression pedals. The software editor and the online sound bank also let you choose from hundreds of downloads of other pianos/organs/instruments to put on your Nord, so you\'re never without the exact tones you need for your gig. Last but not least, the action is absolutely fantastic for a 30-something pound piano. Yeah...only 30 pounds. WOW.
  
  
  
  Not much to say here. The bright red design might not be the best for concerts/recitals/musicals where the pit is visible, as it can be distracting in a more formal setting. The rotor speed on the leslie is only fast/slow. Some of the amp models sound a little thin. Oh, and $3400 is a little pricey for a keyboard, but I firmly believe this board is well worth it, even at that price.
  
  
  
  Don\'t let it get banged around. The red, much like black, will show scratches right away.
  
  
  
  Great, great, great, great, great, great board. I\'ve wanted one for years now, and it\'s an absolute joy to finally have one. These are the best stage pianos on the market, even a head and shoulders above the Korg SV-1, which is, really, its only competition, and the Korg doesn\'t do anything that betters Nord. Not a thing. At all. I give it a 5, because I don\'t have the option to rate it a 10. It\'s that good.
  
  
  
  This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
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• 12/07/08

  Audiofanzine FR's review

  Characteristics

  (Originally written by Septentrion/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
  
  I have to admit that I miss my Gem ProMega 3 but I sold it because of its weight, reliability problems, and because Gem has no reliable after-sale service anymore.
  
  
  
  What other European brand do we have left? CLAVIA (from Sweden) of course!!! I bought a NordStage76 and WOW!!!! It has everything I liked about the ProMega3: ease of use, musicality, manufacturing quality, keyboard quality, simplicity (one function per control like with the Gem, although some buttons require that you press an additional button, which isn't very convenient). It's a real instrument, not a Japanese toy! And compared to the ProMega, you get additional advantages like more accuracy! Yes, even Rhodes sounds are great! And let's not forget the latest piano provided by Nord as a free download... It's amazing!!! My hands can't believe it yet. On top of that it is light (especially the 76 version) and versatile.
  
  
  
  Like with the ProMega, you actually feel that the Nord Stage is an instrument made by musicians for musicians and with a strong European character.
  
  
  
  I would have liked to keep my ProMega at home but I didn't have enough space or money.
  
  
  
  I don't regret having upgraded to the Nord Stage, which is like its modern reincarnation.
  
  
  
  Small cons:
  
  
  
  The limited memory space is a pity (the new EX model solves that problem).
  
  
  
  The USB connector isn't Midi compatible (it's only conceived to download sounds, configurations, or update the OS).
  
  
  
  No arpeggiator, split points aren't fully adjustable, lack of punch in the audio output (the overall sound quality compensates this disadvantage).
  
  
  
  But I'm being picky because I actually love this instrument and I look forward to lots of years of pleasure with it.

  Utilization

  Everything has already been said about this device. Intuitive, simple and easy to use. It has the same spirit as the ProMega. Everything is musical and inspiring to play and create music.

  Sounds

  I don't know anything better for piano, rhodes and organ sounds. Even though I've tried out virtually everything on the market. Some provide better pianos but none of them offers such a comprehensive solution nor a well-balanced sound. And the playability is incredible (I was a bit afraid that the keyboard would be too light but it's perfect for me and it reminds me an old piano).
  
  
  
  I was positively surprised by the synthesizer section. It's a lot of fun and very convenient for additional sounds.
  
  
  
  The effects are awesome too! For example, a rhodes + leslie with distortion and you're ready for Echos!
  
  
  
  With a hi-fi system the sound lacks a bit of punch but it is terrific when you play with a PA system.

  Overall Opinion

  It's been a two months honeymoon. I use it at home, for rehearsals, for recording sessions and live on stage with a band. Even my musician friends noticed the precision, the presence and the dynamics of the sound, but also the stereo depth and the presence within a mix (strong but not overemphasized).
  
  
  
  I hesitated a long time before buying it (and my banker did too), but like all other musicians who have it, I don't regret it. It's a real instrument, made for musicians.
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• 11/01/08

  Daso's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  I would add only: no sequencer, no arpeggiator, keyboard, dedicated to its "key" no frills.
  
  Keyboard a bit special one "hybrid" has 3 sections sound very different organ / piano / synth + effects sections.
  
  
  
  Cons:
  
  a memory ridiculous that allows the storage of all the desired combination.
  
  
  
  Assets:
  
  -The USB connection that allows the update and load new samples and config. characters
  
  -Very clear provision in section.
  
  
  
  The piano keyboard is very nice, even though the aftertouch is actually too hard.

  Utilization

  Manual short and concise but to be honest I have read so little the grip is intuitive.
  
  Available knobs simple intuitive and ergonomic.
  
  
  
  I would say a word about the "synth" very ergonomic and can be an excellent introduction to the handling of an analog. Everything is clear and you learn just by looking at the disposal of the various modules (approx. modulation, osc, filters, ampl. Etc ...)
  
  The reactivity of sounds is an incentive to tweak the knobs for hours in this section.

  Sounds

  I acquired the North Stage for one thing: the sounds of acoustic pianos.
  
  The big advantage provided by Clavia (a real big plus) is the downloading of sound via USB and among them, better than factory pianos.
  
  
  
  My opinion will be very targeted.
  
  
  
  Cons:
  
  -Like many, I found that some samples do not really.
  
  Low-volume
  
  -Its a little too "distant" to factory settings.
  
  Flash-imposed quota ridiculous and sounds by 2 category, which do not allow the storage of any combination of samples.
  
  
  
  Assets:
  
  In my opinion, three essential piano sounds: the st c7 XL yam, the yam st C7 (because other samples exceeds the memory capacity) category of "large" category and the rain piano "upright"
  
  -2 Tracks superimposed, so that you can tweak a piano sound terrible. For example, the mix Yam Gr XL + Rain piano gives a very convincing piano.
  
  Effects-reverb impressive pianos can be obtained "liquid" on the basis of wonderful st yam c7 (Avoid XL here, which tends to overload the sound and make it too fat)
  
  
  
  Some part-sound "synth" interesting, original and usable.

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for 3 months.
  
  So I've spent part of summer nights on it with almost white.
  
  The piano sounds great and so well regulated, is astonishing even for an informed ear.
  
  The solo piano is a joy on the North course.
  
  The synth is a bit expensive, though still affordable, with defects that could have been avoided (memory ridiculous)
  
  
  
  But to have no uncertainties, the most by far outweigh the less.
  
  I wanted a realistic and practical piano (recorded on studio, his headphone for the night and transferable). I was served!
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• 09/23/07

  alcools's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Very good piano touch for those who like it (not my case c, even if I am born pianist), knob-quality keyboard, and a joy to behold. Aftertouch too difficult to reach (too much resistance on the keyboard).
  
  
  
  No problem by connecting to PC: Instal, update Fast and easy.

  Utilization

  I think we should just read the manual (in French for a short time) because the front is very disconcerting at first, yet I have a Nord Lead III. When the operating principle is included (for me after 2 hours of playback and 4 hours of practice), it goes very fast, almost everything is obvious.

  Sounds

  - Beautiful: Organ and Rhodes. A happy one as the other party for the organ, I even removed my config the Native VST B3 was already a very high level!
  
  
  
  - Very Good: Piano. There are two sounds of the original grand piano (Steinway and Yamaha), but to get one that takes the road (in my opinion) it is better to remove all two to exchange the updated Yamaha ( 65 MB available on the website of Clavia).
  
  
  
  - Medium Original - Even if programmed: Synth, but it is not his first vocation priori. We get it easily usable and sounds very nice, but not of complex sounds possible (no LFO, arpeggiator or sequencer).
  
  
  
  - The electric piano and Clav: No opinion, I never use these things!
  
  
  
  ALL of the knob, buttons, any thing on the control surface sends MIDI control messages: Great as master keyboard.
  
  
  
  Effects management is simple and effective, although not always enough for my taste configurable (especially for the global reverb).

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for 5 days and I'm happy. The only drawback: The split points are imposed (all FA or DO), so if you want to note splitter ready ... you can not, so I was also obliged to make an NS88 instead of a Compact NS, 9 kg more and feel piano (I prefer synthetic touches me because it is largely keyboard master to drive full of VST on Forte).
  
  
  
  The price is justified by the sound quality and construction (and knobs), and a nice piano-like pedal comes with. The stand does not come with, why not ... but it could be sold cheaper (more than 200 euro anyway!).
  
  
  
  This synth is perfect for me, and there are currently no other product on the market that will make me change.
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• 05/21/07

  benshon's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  See manufacturer
  
  
  
  - All the controllers and effects must be
  
  - Via mac / pc is the main flaw that you can not use the NS88 to control the south via USB ... surprise on the spot there!.

  Utilization

  Configuration fairly intuitive, no sub sub menus, there is 5 min then 80% already includes the operation of the beast. Then for functions a little deeper, read the manual, but is clear and easy to read.
  
  Editing sounds is easy again, no need to take the lead on a screen, all effects have their own buttons (sometimes double-feature with the shift key) but it&#39;s very simple.

  Sounds

  Normally we buy first the Nord Stage sounds for its main organs namely, electric pianos, acoustic pianos, clavinet, wurlitzer .... go retail:
  
  
  
  - Acoustic Pianos: Personally I immediately passed to the Shift 2.16 and I took the time to compare the C7 closed (30 MB) / steinwayD (30MB) to C7 XL (66 mo). The first 2 are good, but not very convincing in the clarity of sound, velocity, with the sustain (when there are only use this piano solo I hear). The sound is to keep the C7 XL when you really want to play the piano. This sound is quite convincing, better than anything I&#39;ve experienced:
  
  - The grand steinberg (yuck)
  
  - Bossendorf (FRO)
  
  - Orchestra EastWest Quantum silver (too fake, draft, even if it was not too bad)
  
  - Garritan Personal Orchestra (the orchestra more fake silver)
  
  - The family of Yamaha CP (stifled media)
  
  - Some Korg (very disappointed)
  
  - A Kawai (always the mark of reference) but suffered from a lack of realism in the serious
  
  The C7 XL is not perfect: one or two buttons in the bass has a sound dirty. The mediums may be even less fat. With the sustain pedal can quickly arrive at a more messy than a real acoustic piano, but overall a little traffickers in equalizer and practicing some régagles reverb, you get a sound quite usable, even for a business mix, and even for the piano solo. PS: do not rely on demo of the official site, they are very bad.
  
  A little more to the Rain Piano, which is kind of old piano with hammers and full of dust that can be very interesting to use
  
  
  
  - Electric Pianos: The 3 Rhodes are also convincing, but even when lack of velocity. To overcome this defect, only one option, add an amp simulator simple bump when at home, or put a good amp behind the NS88 for the stage (you can now resume Sigur Ros album leaf and quietly in your chair ), but otherwise no complaints. The Clavinet is not bad, but I do not know enough. The Wurlitzer is one of the best I have heard. CP80 electric piano will give you a hard time with equalization, but it comes at a very convincing result (Kean).
  
  
  
  - The organ now: The zippers are very convenient and can carry all types of organ sounds, what fun for a while, and when it opens up fully, we end up with the organs warm, powerful. Very good too.
  
  
  
  - The synthesis part: It depends on the style of music you want to do. For me to use the sounds of the synth part as tablecloths, or as bass sounds quite right for me (music indie, rock). There is something to take the head several days to discover sounds quite drinkable (better than factory). Check out the video on dailymotion of Rita Mitsouko + channel. The keyboardist uses a NS 88 and pulls out a guitar solo quite impressive with this beautiful toy. In short, for my style (interpol, bloc party, M83, Arcade Fire, Sebastien Schuller) there are the sounds I need.

  Overall Opinion

  I use the NS88 for several months. I like the fact that this keyboard is a kind of platform for high quality sound. Everything is usable, pianos, rhodes, organs, synths etc ....
  
  It is dedicated to the scene but also can bring happiness to homestudios. I also like the fact that virtually everything is accessible directly. I much prefer to turn the knobs frequency than going to an LCD screen menu to adjust the curve 54 Attack 38 (if you know). My purchase was mainly justified by the fact that I was a bit tired of fiddling sounds in soft drinks, and to overlay to blow my ram (2GB anyway). I was looking for a first acoustic piano sound convincing, and good supplements around in connection with my style of music. The contract is completed. This 128 MB memory is still frustrating (I recall that the C7 XL is already half) and I wanted a good sound xylophone / vibraphone to be fully satisfied.
  
  
  
  The touch of the piano is quite realistic what they say. (I look at my M audio Keystation 88 high now).
  
  
  
  I&#39;m used to playing on a real acoustic piano and my ear is very critical reports on the piano. It is still not to be confused on a real piano in this one, but one would approach slowly.
  
  
  
  The price, oh yes, the price, I bought 2500 euros for review at a store B Audiofanzine referenced in, but I was lucky enough to perceive a range of stocking and I jumped at the chance . 2500 euros + house + 2 foot pedals would be a good compromise.
  
  
  
  With the experience I would definitely do it again this choice. Just take a look in most concerts pro ... there is always a red key in the area (Blonde Redhead, Au Revoir Simone, Mogwai, etc ...) and then we must not forget that this keyboard has won two times in a row as the best key stage by a jury of professionals (2006 and 2007) any category at MusikMesse in Frankfurt (one of the most famous salons in the world) ... so it must cough up .... of course, but there is little chance that you swing to a friend ebay or later .... unless of course you want to gain the real instruments!
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• 11/22/06

  *Bilou*'s review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  SPECIFICATIONS in other reviews, and the Clavia site;)

  Utilization

  Use ultra-simple: almost one button per function

  Sounds

  I am primarily a pianist, and even more if people like this keyboard for the sounds of organ and vintage keyboards, bah I'm falling in love with his piano, and his touch!
  
  
  
  The possibility of combining sounds can give about the results stunning!
  
  
  
  And how dynamic it was in the fingers!
  
  
  
  Even with a P-120, an FP-5 and a RD700SX at hand is the one I prfre!
  
  
  
  INTERESTED also a great thing, the principle of two "layers" which allows two synths in one: each section (piano, organ and synth) can be twice as active at the same time . For example, you can play the acoustic piano shuffled with the Rhode (and trs Yum-yum be shuffled)

  Overall Opinion

  It's expensive, but when you love it does not count!
  
  
  
  **********
  
  (Edit) After a few months of use, it is still going strong. But over time I realize that some small dtails would welcome: XLR symtrise and more output level would be nothing wrong apprciable.Sinon is a gem!
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• 10/28/06

  mout72's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  The Nord Stage is not as blind CHARACTERISTICS, there is relatively little, but everything is useful and usable.

  Utilization

  The configuration is very simple. What is great is to have everything at hand. There is no need to go into 50 sub-menus to find how to activate an effect or the sound rgler gnral. There are plenty of pots and trs organiss well even if was a little fighter Premire view, everything is incredibly intuitive.

  Sounds

  Sounds are monstrous. The pianos are gniaux. They may not be the best nor the most ralistes but they are used and enjoyable play. The adquate keyboard / sound is great. The Rhodes are amazing (I have an internship Mark I 73, I know what I mean!) And has a range of effects and amp simulations on hand to get the sound you want quickly . Clavinet, Wurlitzers, Yamaha CP, nothing is thrown away.
  
  
  
  The basic sounds of synths are not super great but it was quickly by editing things INTERESTED trs.

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for several weeks due to 4 hours per week (the keyboard is not me). I really fell in love. I just sold my Yamaha S90 76 to buy the version notes (more lgre, more portable, even keyboard).
  
  
  
  For cons, I would like the report qualitprix zero. It is a wonderful machine, but I can not justify the 3000 euros for such a product. At this price the same one does not have feet! When DCON is not even ... So a lil yellow card for Clavia for a.
  
  
  
  But otherwise, there's nothing to say is the bomb, plus the sounds free updates to the site of Clavia's really INTERESTED trs. It puts the pill in 3000 euros easier I guess. It remains to see how long these updates will dveloppes ...
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• 06/28/06

  pico's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Semi-heavy keyboard with aftertouch 88 notes.
  
  -4 Pedals inputs, 4 audio outputs, two MIDI and it trhu, a USB port for loading and changing sounds of bones.
  
  -3 Types of organ: hadmond B3, Farfisa and Vox Continental-
  
  -4 Acoustic piano
  
  -3 Rhodes
  
  -1 Wurlitzer
  
  -4 Clavinet type
  
  Yamaha CP 80 -1
  
  -1 Synthtiseur multitimbral part 2
  
  
  
  etc ... for more information see the website of clavia

  Utilization

  Operation is very easy as Trs all keyboards brand Clavia
  
  good ide on the north course as the Nord Lead 3 is the function that allows you to morph paramtrer and save a single Controller changeme twelve o'clock every possible course north Manir tr s fun.

  Sounds

  A 100% keyboard-vintage (Rhodes, Clavinet, Wurlitzer, CP80) + 4 + 1 beautiful acoustic piano synth best off of all of North SERIES lead.
  
  
  
  -The effects are spectacular and trs useful for the production of original sound.
  
  
  
  -The touch of the piano and trs and enjoyable a game is perfect mix between piano, organ and synth.

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for 2 weeks and I'm telling trs
  
  Jai apprci medium without the feet of the north course was the opening of the package only to find they taient option, so I take a point for the cot especially stingy Clavia this kind of product that even when rating high.
  
  
  
  Otherwise apart from this small lack, frankly there is no photo, it's the best keyboard I numrique possd.
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• 09/05/05

  Coincoin's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Piano-style keyboard Fatar
  
  
  
  3 machines combined (organ / piano / synth)
  
  
  
  6 zones split
  
  
  
  orders of high-speed access
  
  
  
  sound "too good" but others will be charged later

  Utilization

  ...

  Sounds

  ...

  Overall Opinion

  ...
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