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Description

Nord's best keyboard action, incredible sound and performance.

Nord's primary stage piano in recent years has been the Nord Stage 2. The Nord Stage 2 EX updates all features of the Stage 2, retaining all of the timeless attributes that has made it one of the most popular stage pianos available. A full gigabyte of memory bolsters the already muscular Nord Piano Library, resulting in broader, deeper, richer sound. Additionally, several new piano voicings have been introduced for you to audition. One or several of them may suit your performance perfectly.

This is the 88-key version of the Nord Stage 2 EX, equipped with Nord's Hammer Action keybed. The EX 2 88 keybed uses Nord's top-of-the-line fully weighted hammer action piano keys. Perfect for electric and acoustic piano sounds, but also works great for organ playing. Key range A-C.

The new Factory Bank features 5 Grand Pianos, 7 Upright Pianos, 11 Electric Pianos, Clavinet, Harpsichords and a vastly improved Nord Sample Library selection including great new Strings, Choir and Folk instruments. Of course the piano, organ and synth sounds that garnered all of the tech awards over the past several years are retained and worked into the newly developed interface. For the professional, the working musician, the person who insists on great sound and impeccable performance, the Nord Stage 2 EX should be on your short list of keyboard options.

Piano Section
1 GB memory for the Nord Piano Library
State-of-the art sample-based Acoustic and Electric Pianos
Advanced String Resonance (Gen 2)
Long Release option
Dynamic Pedal Noise via optional Nord Triple Pedal

Synth Section
380 MB for the Nord Sample Library
Powerful Classic analog, FM and Wavetable synthesis
Arpeggiator
Unison mode
Master Clock

Organ Section
B3 Tone-Wheel simulation
Rotary Speaker simulation
Faithful simulations of classic Vox and Farfisa organs
Digital LED Drawbars for easy overview of active drawbar settings.

Global features
Comprehensive Effects section
Single-function control knobs and instant visibility of current settings
External section allowing the Nord Stage 2 EX to serve as a master keyboard
Expanded Live Mode with 5 locations
USB-MIDI. No driver required for Mac OS X. WHQL certified driver available for Windows.

Product specs

Brand Nord
Model Stage 2 EX SW73 Compact Semi-Weighted 73-Key Digital Piano
Finish Red
Year 2015 - 2016
Made In Sweden
Categories Digital Stage Pianos, Digital Synthesizers
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Semi-Weighted
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Keys 73 Keys
Polyphony 60 Voices

FAQs

What are the key differences between the Nord Stage 2 EX and the original Nord Stage 2?

The Nord Stage 2 EX features increased memory capacity for sample storage, a hardware update, and a cosmetic makeover compared to the original Nord Stage 2, enhancing its performance capabilities.

Is the Nord Stage 2 EX suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Nord Stage 2 EX is designed for live performances with its intuitive interface, robust build, and versatile sound engine, making it a popular choice among touring musicians.

How many keys does the Nord Stage 2 EX have and what is the keyboard action?

The Nord Stage 2 EX has 73 semi-weighted keys, providing a balance between the feel of a traditional piano and the lighter touch needed for fast synth playing.

Does the Nord Stage 2 EX support MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the Nord Stage 2 EX supports MIDI connectivity with MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and USB MIDI, allowing seamless integration with other MIDI-compatible devices and software.

What kind of sound engine does the Nord Stage 2 EX use?

The Nord Stage 2 EX utilizes a digital sound engine, providing a wide range of high-quality piano, organ, and synthesizer sounds suitable for various musical styles.

How does the Nord Stage 2 EX handle polyphony?

The Nord Stage 2 EX offers 60 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex sound layering and rich, full arrangements without note dropouts.

nordkeyboards

nordkeyboards

Nord Stage 2 - Demo (Full version)

Video thumbnail for Nord Stage 2 - Demo (Full version) by nordkeyboards

Nord Stage 2 - Demo (Full version)

nordkeyboards

nordkeyboards

Video thumbnail for Nord Stage 2 EX Sounds by muzykujkropkacom

Nord Stage 2 EX Sounds

muzykujkropkacom

muzykujkropkacom

Video thumbnail for Nord Stage 2 EX Demo with Chris Martirano by Kraft Music

Nord Stage 2 EX Demo with Chris Martirano

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Video thumbnail for NORD STAGE 2 EX , DEMO NA CLASSIC KEYBOARDS , COM AGENOR DE LORENZI by CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

NORD STAGE 2 EX , DEMO NA CLASSIC KEYBOARDS , COM AGENOR DE LORENZI

CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

Video thumbnail for CLAVIA Nord Stage 2 EX 88 by session

CLAVIA Nord Stage 2 EX 88

session

session

Video thumbnail for Matt Cossey Tutorial Series: Nord Stage 2 EX - Working with Drawbars by nordkeyboards

Matt Cossey Tutorial Series: Nord Stage 2 EX - Working with Drawbars

nordkeyboards

nordkeyboards

Video thumbnail for NORD Stage 2 EX Grand Pianos Demo - A&C Hamilton by A&C Hamilton Musical Instruments

NORD Stage 2 EX Grand Pianos Demo - A&C Hamilton

A&C Hamilton Musical Instruments

A&C Hamilton Musical Instruments

Video thumbnail for Matt Cossey Tutorial Series: Nord Stage 2 EX - Mixed Feature by nordkeyboards

Matt Cossey Tutorial Series: Nord Stage 2 EX - Mixed Feature

nordkeyboards

nordkeyboards

Video thumbnail for Nord Stage 2 EX Performance with Chris Martirano by Kraft Music

Nord Stage 2 EX Performance with Chris Martirano

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Revolutionary design inspires creativity and play

  • Exceptional sound quality, highly suitable for live performances

  • Lightweight and compact, ideal for gigging and travel

  • Outstanding organ patches; unmatched by many competitors

  • SW keys comfortable for long gigs and dual sets

  • Intuitive interface with upgraded OS and easy program dial

  • Versatile with excellent pianos, EPs, organ, and synth sounds

  • Allows use of samples, enhancing sound customization

  • Great for tight spaces due to its compact size

CONS

  • Some purist piano players may prefer traditional key weighting

  • Lacks traditional draw bars for organ functions, uses up/down buttons instead

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Nord Keyboards - Nord Stage 2 EX.

Use cases and applications

  • The Stage 2 is appreciated for its ability to function as a standalone instrument without computer dependency, appealing to those who prefer immediate playability.

    Source
  • The Twin amp effect is suggested to enhance electric piano sounds like Rhodes, simulating a Fender Twin Reverb amp for a fuller audio experience.

    Source
  • Owners mention the Stage 2 EX excels in producing usable pads and great leads, though its synth section is limited.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the tactile interface with numerous controls, allowing quick adjustments on the fly without extensive menu-diving.

    Source
  • Owners recommend using Nord Sound Manager for seamless downloading and organizing of piano and sample files, essential for customizing the Stage 2 EX's limited memory efficiently.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the ability to update and add new sounds to the decade-old Stage 2 EX, enhancing its longevity and versatility.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users note that Nord's XL piano samples are preferred for their full mapping, offering a more realistic sound compared to smaller-sized samples during live performances.

    Source
  • The Stage 2 EX is favored over the Electro 6 for its superior piano and Hammond sounds due to different D/A converters and algorithms.

    Source
  • The Nord Stage 2 has around 500MB of piano sample memory compared to 2GB in the Stage 3, impacting the number of sounds you can load.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Extern function allows controlling other keyboards from the Nord, an advantage when integrating multiple instruments in a setup.

    Source
  • Nord's interface is noted for being extremely intuitive, with quick access to basic functions like effects and volume regulation, reducing the need for extensive menu navigation.

    Source
  • The Stage 2 lacks seamless patch switching, which can result in sound cutoffs when changing programs during live performances.

    Source
  • The Stage 2 EX's piano response and Leslie simulation are highlighted as superior features by seasoned users.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some users experienced low electric piano volumes, often resolved by ensuring proper headphone jack connection or switching to a better quality adapter.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Pricing varies significantly by region, with $2,000 considered reasonable if the keyboard is in excellent condition, while some areas report higher typical prices.

    Source
  • A Stage 2 EX with a flight case and Roland amp for $2000 is considered an amazing deal by experienced users.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Nord's libraries allow selective downloading of specific sounds, making it feasible to manage limited memory by choosing only essential sounds.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Fatar TP/8O keybed in the Stage 2 is highly regarded for its feel, attracting those who value a quality key action.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Nord Stage 2 EX 88 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Nord Stage 2 EX impresses with its superb sound quality and versatile features, making it a top choice for stage and studio use. Its menu-free, live-focused design is a standout, and the enhanced memory for piano samples is a welcome upgrade. However, it's a modest refresh rather than a groundbreaking new model, with minor hardware updates and some missed opportunities in emulating authentic organ sounds. Despite these small drawbacks, it's an excellent stage piano that continues Nord's reputation for quality.

positive

Nord Stage 2EX Review

musictech.com

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
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Artist usage

Add artist
See how The Chainsmokers uses Nord Keyboards - Nord Stage 2 EX

The Chainsmokers

Singer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Alex has a Nord Stage 2 EX on his rig below his prophet synthesizer. It can be seen at 0:49 in the video

See how Christian Lorenz uses Nord Keyboards - Nord Stage 2 EX

Christian Lorenz

Keyboardist

Rammstein

...
Verified via YouTube

Flakes Nord Stage 2 EX can be seen in 7:31 in this video

See how Teminite uses Nord Keyboards - Nord Stage 2 EX

Teminite

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Teminite uses Nord Stage 2 EX during his youtube performances. The gear can be seen as soon as the video starts.

See how Jason Henshaw uses Nord Keyboards - Nord Stage 2 EX

Jason Henshaw

Singer

...
Verified via Photo

Jason Henshaw was using the Nord Stage 2 EX and tweeted from his personal account,

making a couple quick changes to this demo

See how Louane Emera uses Nord Keyboards - Nord Stage 2 EX

Louane Emera

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube Video, Louane uses a Nord Stage 2 EX Keyboard while playing her latest single "On était beau" on french radio Cherie FM

See how Olivier Coursier uses Nord Keyboards - Nord Stage 2 EX

Olivier Coursier

Guitarist, Drummer

...
Verified via YouTube

As of 0:05 Olivier can be seen with two keyboards and other units, including, a Nord Stage 2 EX 88.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Nord Keyboards - Nord Stage 2 EX, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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