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Average Price: $2,400

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1501+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

Step into a world of sonic possibilities with the Nord Stage 2 EX 88-Key Piano. This versatile stage piano is not just an instrument; it's a complete musical experience designed for both the stage and studio. With an impressive array of piano, organ, and synthesizer sound engines, this 88-key marvel lets you explore a vast spectrum of styles and genres. Whether you're crafting delicate ballads or driving synth leads, the Nord Stage 2 EX is your go-to companion.

The fully-weighted Hammer Action keybed offers a natural and responsive feel, making it perfect for pianists who demand authenticity in every keystroke. The 1GB Nord Piano Library provides access to a rich collection of meticulously sampled acoustic and electric pianos, ensuring you have the right sound for every performance. Plus, with the ability to use all three sound engines simultaneously, you can create lush, layered textures that fill the room.

Designed for professionals who require quick access to vital functions, the Nord Stage 2 EX features dedicated controls for effortless sound customization. Whether you're a live performer or a studio wizard, this stage piano is engineered to inspire creativity and elevate your sound.

Key Features:

  • 88-key fully-weighted Hammer Action keybed for authentic playability
  • Integrated piano, organ, and synthesizer sound engines
  • 1GB memory for the Nord Piano Library, offering high-quality instrument samples
  • 380MB dedicated to the Nord Sample Library for expansive sound possibilities
  • Extern Section for seamless integration with external MIDI sound modules
  • Dedicated control knobs for fast, intuitive sound shaping

Product specs

Brand Nord
Model Stage 2 EX HA88 Hammer Action 88-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 Weighted
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Keys 88 Keys
Polyphony 60 Voices

FAQs

What is the key action like on the Nord Stage 2 EX 88-Key Piano?

The Nord Stage 2 EX features a fully weighted hammer action keyboard, providing an authentic piano feel suitable for both classical and contemporary playing styles.

How does the Nord Stage 2 EX differ from the Nord Stage 2?

The Nord Stage 2 EX offers increased memory capacity for enhanced sample storage, allowing for a broader range of sounds and improved performance over the original Nord Stage 2.

Is the Nord Stage 2 EX suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Nord Stage 2 EX is designed for live performance with its intuitive interface, robust build, and versatile sound engine, making it a reliable choice for gigging musicians.

What connectivity options does the Nord Stage 2 EX offer?

The Nord Stage 2 EX includes MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and USB MIDI connectivity, facilitating integration with other digital instruments and DAWs for versatile performance and recording setups.

Can the Nord Stage 2 EX be used for sound design?

Yes, the Nord Stage 2 EX features a powerful synthesis engine with extensive sound-shaping capabilities, ideal for creating custom sounds and exploring a wide range of musical genres.

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Nord Stage 2 EX Demo with Chris Martirano

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 MESSE 2015: Nord Stage 2 Ex by sonicstate

MESSE 2015: Nord Stage 2 Ex

sonicstate

sonicstate

Video thumbnail for Nord Stage 2 EX 88-Key Piano by Musician's Friend

Nord Stage 2 EX 88-Key Piano

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for MusikMesse 2015: Nord Stage 2 EX Keyboard by Gear4music Guitars

MusikMesse 2015: Nord Stage 2 EX Keyboard

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Nord Stage2 EX Tutorial #1: Keyboard Overview by ptsa00

Nord Stage2 EX Tutorial #1: Keyboard Overview

ptsa00

ptsa00

Video thumbnail for Nord Stage 2 EX , Amber Upright .. by CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

Nord Stage 2 EX , Amber Upright ..

CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

Video thumbnail for Nord Stage 2 EX announced! by PianoManChuck

Nord Stage 2 EX announced!

PianoManChuck

PianoManChuck

Video thumbnail for Nord Stage 2 EX Demo by Matt Cossey by Algam Benelux

Nord Stage 2 EX Demo by Matt Cossey

Algam Benelux

Algam Benelux

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Nord Stage 2 EX 88-Key Piano.

Use cases and applications

  • The 73 compact model fits into a Nord backpack case for hands-free carrying, enhancing portability compared to the heavier 88 and 76-key models.

    Source
  • Dual keyboard mode allows seamless integration with a MIDI controller, enabling diverse setups with weighted and non-weighted boards for different sound configurations.

    Source

User experience

  • Used Nord Stage 2 EX units from climate-controlled environments, like churches, are valued for their minimal wear, leading to better overall condition and reliability.

    Source
  • Nord's interface is praised for its straightforward design, making it easier to learn functions like effects and volume regulation compared to brands like Yamaha or Korg.

    Source
  • Owners report that switching between programs on the Stage 2 causes sound cutoff, unlike the seamless transition offered by newer models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Nord Stage 2 EX includes an "Extern" function, beneficial for controlling multiple keyboards from the Nord, enhancing its versatility in multi-keyboard setups.

    Source
  • The Nord Stage 2 EX allows for quick parameter adjustments without menu diving, which users find advantageous for on-the-fly changes during performances.

    Source
  • The Nord Stage 2 has 500MB for piano samples, significantly less than the Stage 3's 2GB, affecting the number of high-quality samples it can store.

    Source
  • The aftertouch on the weighted keys requires significant pressure, which some find impractical for synth playing, favoring the waterfall keys for easier execution.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some users experience low volume on electric piano samples, often resolved by using a two-pole jack cable for headphones, indicating potential cable-related sound issues.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Owners find Nord's Sound Manager essential for managing piano and sample libraries, emphasizing the importance of exploring Nord's extensive sound libraries.

    Source
  • Samples from older Nord libraries are compatible with newer models, but synth patches may not be due to engine updates.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Kawai ES4 is heavier than the Nord Stage 2 HA88 by about 4.5 lbs, making the Nord a more portable option despite its weight.

    Source
  • The Stage 2's synth section is considered less advanced compared to newer models, limiting sound creation possibilities directly on the keyboard.

    Source

Build quality

  • The semi-weighted keys on the SW73 model are waterfall-style, modeled after Hammond organ keys, making them slightly smaller and differently shaped than the fully weighted keys.

    Source
  • The Nord Stage 2 uses a Fatar TP/8O keybed, favored by some for its quality among stage pianos and synths, offering a well-regarded playing experience.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Pricing for the Stage 2 varies widely, with some regions seeing prices as low as $2,000, while others report over $3,000.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Nord Stage 2EX Review

musictech.com

The Nord Stage 2 EX 88-Key Piano is lauded for its exceptional sound quality and hands-on control. With dedicated sections for piano, organ, and synths, it offers a versatile range of sounds, from grand pianos to detailed organ simulations. The build quality and portability are notable, especially in the lightweight EX HP76 model. The onboard effects section enhances its appeal by allowing extensive sound manipulation. Minor criticisms include the manual sorting of sounds and the incongruity of playing non-keyboard sounds on a keyboard. Despite these small drawbacks, the Stage 2 EX series stands out for its comprehensive features and superior sound, making it a top choice for keyboardists.

positive

Nord Stage 2 EX 88 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Nord Stage 2 EX 88 earns high praise for its excellent sounds and versatility, making it a strong contender for those seeking a reliable stage and studio keyboard. Its live-focused interface is celebrated for ease of use, though it's noted as more of a minor refresh than a groundbreaking update. While the organ and piano sections shine, some feel the piano samples could benefit from more nuanced mechanical noise. Despite these small drawbacks, the Stage 2 EX remains a top choice for musicians seeking quality and performance in one package.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
morato

Wonderful keyboard, highly recommend if you can afford.

The sound quality of this keyboard is great, the keys feel very nice to play. The synthesizer and organ is a plus as well.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Zedd uses Nord Stage 2 EX 88-Key Piano

Zedd

Music Producer

ARE WE DREAMING

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Mentioned by Zedd in this November 2017 Sound on Sound interview. It is visible in this photo and this photo, both from the same interview.

For a while, Zaslavski worked in Interscope’s studio in Los Angeles, but two years ago he moved to the Hollywood Hills, where he set up a studio in his house. “I don’t need a lot of gear. All I have here are my Augspurger speakers, the large ones you find in most big commercial studios, two small, five-inch KRK monitors, a Mac Pro with Cubase, an [Antelope Audio] Orion soundcard, a Slate Raven controller screen, a Slate Digital Virtual Microphone System, two MIDI keyboards — the Roland SV1 Stage Vintage and the Nord Stage EX88 — plus a very small two-octave MIDI controller with tiny keys, just to be able to really quickly check a synth sound or a sample."

See how Rivers Cuomo uses Nord Stage 2 EX 88-Key Piano

Rivers Cuomo

Singer, Guitarist

Weezer

...
Verified via YouTube

Used in this performance of happy hour

See how Mike Shinoda uses Nord Stage 2 EX 88-Key Piano

Mike Shinoda

Singer, Guitarist

Linkin Park

...
Verified via Photo

Mike can be seen playing the Nord stage 2 ex here

See how Jared Leto uses Nord Stage 2 EX 88-Key Piano

Jared Leto

Singer, Guitarist

Thirty Seconds to Mars

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo from one of Jared's tweets you can see a Nord stage 2 ex

See how Gracie Abrams uses Nord Stage 2 EX 88-Key Piano

Gracie Abrams

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via NME

In this article in NME we can see Gracie Abrams playing a Nord Stage 2 EX piano and the photo credit states that this is in her Lollapalooza 2022. Note, the Nord Stage 2 EX label and straight sides of the keyboard in the photo, while some other Nord keyboards have curved sides. The large space to the right (the left side for the keyboard player) indicates this is the 88 key model. There is another view here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y2RYINpBik

See how Vince DiCola uses Nord Stage 2 EX 88-Key Piano

Vince DiCola

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

Vince DiCola is seen using a Nord Stage 2 EX 88-Key Piano, as evidenced by a post on Instagram by Different Direction Management, which features a photo of him tagged at the TFcon event.

See how Darius uses Nord Stage 2 EX 88-Key Piano

Darius

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Darius played on this keyboard for an instagram video

See how Sigrid uses Nord Stage 2 EX 88-Key Piano

Sigrid

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:37 the name on the conector pannel and at some points the low a sharp / b flat key are visible.

See how Daniel Powter uses Nord Stage 2 EX 88-Key Piano

Daniel Powter

Singer

...
Verified via Photo

He play with this keyboard when he's on tour in 2016

See how GLASYS uses Nord Stage 2 EX 88-Key Piano

GLASYS

Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

He plays it throughout this video and describes the gear used in the description.

"Gear used: DSI Prophet 6, Nord Stage 2 EX, Studio Electronics? Boomstar 4075, Therevox? ET-4, Akai? MPK Mini, MWFX? Judder, MXR? Carbon Copy, Suzuki? Pro-37 Melodica."

Album Usage

The Nord Stage 2 EX 88-Key Piano has been featured on the following albums:

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 Stage 2 EX 88-Key Piano, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
tastatore

tastatore

Gear IQ 544

martinjandl

martinjandl

Gear IQ 91

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