Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $4,555

High-end/Boutique

$400

$2001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Nord Stage 3 Compact". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 22, 2026.

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Description

Step into a world of unparalleled sound with the Nord Stage 3 Compact, a versatile powerhouse for keyboardists and synth enthusiasts alike. Designed for both stage and studio, this digital piano is renowned for its exceptional sound quality and intuitive interface. With 73 semi-weighted keys, it offers a superb balance between portability and playability, making it an ideal choice for musicians on the move.

The Nord Stage 3 Compact is equipped with the Nord Lead A1 Synth Engine, featuring comprehensive sound creation capabilities that cater to the most demanding sound designers. Its sophisticated Organ section is powered by a C2D B3 tone wheel simulation, delivering authentic organ sounds that have become a hallmark of the Nord brand. The advanced Piano section supports seamless transitions, ensuring smooth changes between sonic landscapes.

The intuitive front panel is a testament to Nord’s commitment to user-friendly design, allowing players to easily tweak settings on the fly. With the inclusion of OLED displays for Program and Synth sections, real-time adjustments have never been more accessible. This model also features a wide array of effects, from reverb and delay to modulation options, giving you the creative freedom to shape your sound.

Key Features:

  • 73 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch
  • Nord Lead A1 Synth Engine with sample playback
  • C2D B3 tone wheel simulation for authentic organ sounds
  • Seamless transitions between programs and effects
  • OLED displays for clear visibility in all lighting conditions
  • Comprehensive effects section including reverb, delay, and modulation
  • Split and Layer functionality for versatile performance setups

Product specs

Brand Nord
Model Stage 3 SW73 Compact 73-Key Semi-Weighted Digital Piano
Finish Red
Year 2017 - 2025
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 120 Voices

FAQs

How does the semi-weighted keybed of the Nord Stage 3 Compact affect playability?

The semi-weighted keybed of the Nord Stage 3 Compact offers a balance between the responsiveness of a synthesizer and the feel of a traditional piano, making it suitable for both expressive piano playing and fast synth passages.

What are the main sound engines included in the Nord Stage 3 Compact?

The Nord Stage 3 Compact features three main sound engines: Piano, Organ, and Synth. These engines provide a wide range of sounds, from acoustic and electric pianos to classic organs and versatile synth tones.

Is the Nord Stage 3 Compact suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Nord Stage 3 Compact is designed for live performances with its intuitive interface, seamless sound transitions, and lightweight design, making it easy to transport and set up on stage.

Can the Nord Stage 3 Compact integrate with a computer for music production?

The Nord Stage 3 Compact offers MIDI I/O and USB MIDI connectivity, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with computer-based DAWs for music production and live performance setups.

Does the Nord Stage 3 Compact support external control via MIDI?

Yes, the Nord Stage 3 Compact supports external control via MIDI, enabling it to be used as a master keyboard or to control external MIDI devices, enhancing its versatility in various performance and studio environments.

HIFIMIDI

HIFIMIDI

Nord Stage 3 Compact 73 - One-Year Review

Video thumbnail for Nord Stage 3 Compact 73 - One-Year Review by HIFIMIDI

Nord Stage 3 Compact 73 - One-Year Review

HIFIMIDI

HIFIMIDI

Video thumbnail for SOUNDS and LAYERS - Beginners Guide - NORD Stage 3 Compact by DSoundman

SOUNDS and LAYERS - Beginners Guide - NORD Stage 3 Compact

DSoundman

DSoundman

Video thumbnail for I bought a Nord Stage 3!  Nord Stage 3 Compact 73 Unboxing Video by Randy Santa-Ana

I bought a Nord Stage 3! Nord Stage 3 Compact 73 Unboxing Video

Randy Santa-Ana

Randy Santa-Ana

Reviews

PROS

  • Mind-blowing sounds, highly customizable

  • Combines three instruments in one: piano, synth, and B3 organ

  • Ideal for serious musicians across all genres

  • Simple layout, intuitive to use

  • Waterfall keybed comfortable for long playing sessions

  • Excellent live tweaking capabilities for synth, effects, and amp sims

CONS

  • High price may induce buyer's remorse

  • Limited organ replication compared to previous models

  • Only 2GB of memory, limiting sample library usage

  • Requires expensive Nord pedals for full functionality

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Nord Stage 3 Compact.

Comparisons

  • The Nord Stage 3's piano sounds are considered weak compared to the Yamaha Motif XS and Roland RD-2000, sounding thin and boxy through headphones.

    Source
  • The Korg Nautilus permits up to 16 splits and layers, offering more flexibility than the Nord Stage 3, which is limited to three split points.

    Source
  • The Stage 4 introduces individual effects per sound and more storage, though some users find the Stage 3's layer effects sufficient for live use.

    Source
  • The Stage 4's added 4-op FM synth and new compressor are key updates, but overall functionality remains similar to the Stage 3.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Nord Stage 3's headphone amp struggles with high-end headphones like the HD650s, requiring an external amp for better performance.

    Source
  • The Nord excels at replicating the Rhodes MkI sound, making it indistinguishable from the actual instrument when paired with the same amp.

    Source
  • The Nord Stage 3 Compact allows for layering two independent organs, pianos, and synthesizers, and splitting the keyboard into four parts for versatile performances.

    Source
  • The Stage 3's song mode, when paired with a pedal, is highly valued for efficient live performance management.

    Source
  • The Stage 3 allows easy setup with external MIDI controllers, providing flexibility for users who prefer weighted key action.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Nord Stage 3 is considered overkill for home use, better suited for gigging musicians needing diverse real-time performance capabilities.

    Source
  • The Nord Stage 3 is favored by live performers for its swift sound adjustments and robust stage performance capabilities.

    Source
  • The Nord Stage 3 Compact is favored for its lightweight build, making it ideal for musicians who prioritize portability during gigs.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users suggest using larger sample sizes from the Nord library to potentially improve sound quality, though space limitations might pose a challenge.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners appreciate the Nord's interface with dedicated knobs and buttons, making adjustments quicker compared to touchscreen-based models like the Korg Nautilus.

    Source

User experience

  • Users find the Nord Stage 3's interface intuitive, facilitating creativity with less menu navigation compared to other workstations.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Nord Stage 3 Compact review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Nord Stage 3 Compact impresses with enhanced functionality, including real drawbars and a new organ engine, elevating its inspirational use. The A1 synth engine is a significant upgrade, providing a robust and versatile sound. Despite lacking XL Rhodes samples and Clavinet note-off noises, the NS3's improvements in sound transitions, piano memory, and effects make it a leading choice for stage performers. Its intuitive design and long-term upgrade potential make it a wise investment, though some B3 enthusiasts might desire further tonal tweaks. Overall, it's a refined, performance-focused stage keyboard.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
tom_hartlett

My Primary instrument now

I perform live in solo, duo, trio, and full band gigs; the Nord Stage for me gives me everything I need; great piano, EP's, B3, and synth/samples that get through. I love the live tweaking capabilities with the synth, effects, and amp sims. Pretty costly but I have all I need with this keyboard!

rtuckr

One Synth to Rule Them All

Or at least that's what I told myself when I sold my left kidney to pay for it.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Minoru Mukaiya uses Nord Stage 3 Compact

Minoru Mukaiya

Keyboardist

Casiopea

...
Verified via YouTube

In the music video titled "M.R.I_ミライ" by Katsushika Trio, released on July 5, 2023, Minoru Mukaiya is visibly using the Nord Stage 3 Compact as his secondary keyboard. This video is available on the official Katsushika-Trio YouTube channel.

See how JVKE uses Nord Stage 3 Compact

JVKE

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video, at the timestamps [0:00, 0:08, 0:19, 0:49, 1:15, 1:42, 2:40], JVKE can be seen using Nord Stage 3 Compact, judging by the model and colors of the buttons, JVKE, was using this item to perform their song, Golden Hour, on August 21, 2022.

See how Terry Riley uses Nord Stage 3 Compact

Terry Riley

Keyboardist, Composer

The Theatre of Eternal Music

...
Verified via Photo

Terry Riley is seen using a Nord Stage 3 Compact seen with an SIR (or Studio Instrument Rentals) company sticker on it. This keyboard was likely only used as a borrowed keyboard for this performance.

See how Gunnar Mathias Michaeli uses Nord Stage 3 Compact

Gunnar Mathias Michaeli

Keyboardist

Europe

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 50-second mark of the video titled "EUROPE – Exclusive Lockdown Session Track #2" on the YouTube channel europethebandtv, you can see Gunnar Mathias Michaeli using a Nord Stage 3 Compact keyboard.

See how Peter Anspach uses Nord Stage 3 Compact

Peter Anspach

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Behind the Gear

Behind the Gear interviewed Peter Anspach to check out what gear Peter uses.

See how Edward James uses Nord Stage 3 Compact

Edward James

Keyboardist

The Marías

...
Verified via YouTube

Edward James is seen playing the Nord Stage 3 Compact at 6:02 in a video by ALT 98.7 FM, where The Marias perform live inside the Helpful Honda Music Lounge. The Stage 3 also comes in 76 and 88 key versions, but the clear difference between these two is that it uses a white knob, which you can clearly see at 6:02 in the video.

C

Colin Padalecki

Guitarist

Surfaces

...
Verified via Photo

He can be seen using it in this instagram post. It is also used by Surfaces' touring musicians.

See how Logan Metz uses Nord Stage 3 Compact

Logan Metz

Singer, Keyboardist

Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo you can see Logan with a Nord Stage 3 Compact.

See how David Kurnia Albert uses Nord Stage 3 Compact

David Kurnia Albert

Keyboardist, Composer

Noah

...
Verified via IDN Times

In the IDN Times article by Tyas, David Kurnia Albert is mentioned using the Nord Stage 3 Compact.

Album Usage

The Nord Stage 3 Compact 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 3 Compact, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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Yamaha DX7-IIFD Synthesizers
1
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Roland EV-5 Expression Pedal Expression Effects Pedals
1
Squier Jazz Affinity
Squier Jazz Affinity Electric Basses
1
Apple iPad Air (General)
Apple iPad Air (General) Computers & Peripherals
1
Yamaha SK20
Yamaha SK20 Synthesizers
1
Roland Fantom-X7
Roland Fantom-X7 Synthesizers
1

Community setups

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Gear IQ 96

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