Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $5,073
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$500
$1501+
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Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Nord Stage 3 HA88". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Nord Stage 3 HA88, the fifth generation of Nord's legendary Stage series, designed for the discerning performing musician. This model is packed with Nord's cutting-edge features, combining the Nord Lead A1 Synth Engine with sample playback, the Nord C2D organ, an enhanced Piano Section, and extensive hands-on effects.
The Nord Stage 3 HA88 doesn't just stop at being a top-tier synthesizer, it also offers access to the wealth of sounds available from the Nord Piano Library and the Nord Sample Library - both of which can be downloaded in their entirety from the Nord website. This model boasts Nord's high-end fully weighted hammer action piano keys, offering a key range from A-C, perfect for players who demand the best in touch and feel.
The Nord Stage 3's innovative architecture is divided into three tone-generating areas: the Piano Section, the Organ Section, and the Synth Section. Each section is carefully designed to deliver unique and vibrant sounds, making the Nord Stage 3 HA88 a versatile instrument that can adapt to any musical style.
Key Features:
- Nord Lead A1 Synth Engine with sample playback
- Nord C2D organ emulation
- Enhanced Piano Section with a wide selection of grand, upright, electric and digital pianos.
- Extensive hands-on effects including improved Delay with added Feedback filters and Analog Mode
- Access to the Nord Piano Library and Nord Sample Library
- Fully weighted hammer action piano keys with a range of A-C
- OLED displays for Program and Synth section
- Seamless transitions when changing programs
- Extended Split functionality with optional Crossfade
- Song List Mode and extended Morph Destinations
- Doubled memory (2GB) for the Nord Piano Library
- Expanded polyphony (120 voices)
- Dedicated OLED display for Oscillator functions
- Expanded Memory (480MB) for the Nord Sample Library
- Super Wave category (S-wave)
- Two new Principal Pipe Organ models
- Separate Compressor per Slot with Amount and Fast mode
- Separate Reverb per Slot with Bright mode
Product specs
| Brand | Nord |
| Model | Stage 3 HA88 Hammer Action 88-Key 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 | Weighted |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI |
| Number of Keys | 88 Keys |
| Polyphony | 120 Voices |
FAQs
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What type of key action does the Nord Stage 3 HA88 have?
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The Nord Stage 3 HA88 features a fully weighted hammer action keybed, providing a realistic piano feel suitable for both professional pianists and keyboardists.
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Is the Nord Stage 3 HA88 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Nord Stage 3 HA88 is designed for live performance with its robust build, intuitive interface, and seamless transitions between sounds, making it a popular choice for stage musicians.
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How does the sound engine of the Nord Stage 3 HA88 enhance its versatility?
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The Nord Stage 3 HA88 includes three sound engines—piano, organ, and synth—allowing for a wide range of sound possibilities and flexibility in various musical genres.
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Does the Nord Stage 3 HA88 support MIDI connectivity?
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Yes, the Nord Stage 3 HA88 supports MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and USB MIDI, facilitating integration with other MIDI-compatible devices and software.
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What is the polyphony of the Nord Stage 3 HA88?
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The Nord Stage 3 HA88 offers 120 voices of polyphony, enabling complex performances without note dropouts.
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Can the Nord Stage 3 HA88 be used in a studio setting?
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Absolutely, the Nord Stage 3 HA88 is equipped with versatile sound engines and MIDI capabilities, making it an excellent choice for studio recording and production environments.
Videos
nordkeyboards
Nord Stage 3 - Official demo
Reviews
PROS
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Almost limitless sound design possibilities
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Features realistic samples across a broad range of instruments
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Intuitive effects and easy editing for layers/splits
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Lightweight compared to similar models (19kg)
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Physical manual and clear online instructions enhance ease of use
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Expressive feel and inspiring sounds
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Simple to use for live performances, composing, and sound designing
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Option to use extra MIDI controllers for more versatility
CONS
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Sample loading and sound auditioning can be time-consuming
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Weighted key-bed feels somewhat plastic, not as good as competitors
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Bright red color can be unappealing and lacks color options
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Physical drawbars on compact model replaced by buttons on the HA88
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Key alignment issues reported, though functionality remains unaffected
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Factory presets reset process, while straightforward, might be cumbersome for some
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Nord Stage 3 HA88.
Comparisons
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Users find the Yamaha Motif XS and Roland RD-2000 superior in piano sound quality compared to Nord Stage 3, especially for classical music applications.
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The Roland V-Stage is noted for its Zen Core Engine, offering deeper synth control, though it lacks sampling capabilities found in Nord keyboards.
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The Nord Stage 4 Compact is praised for its portability at 23 lbs, making it a preferred choice for gigging musicians needing a light, versatile board.
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Features and functionality
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The headphone amp on the Nord Stage 3 struggles with high-impedance headphones like the HD650s, leading to distortion and inadequate volume.
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Nord Stage 3's audio processing headroom issues can harm dynamic range, impacting the naked piano sound quality.
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The Nord Stage 4 HA88 uses a Fatar TP/40 M action, which is medium-weight at 85g, allowing for dynamic piano play while accommodating organ techniques like palm smears.
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Software and compatibility
Use cases and applications
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The Nord Stage 3 excels in reproducing Rhodes MkI sounds, matching the authentic sound when paired with a guitar amp.
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The Nord Stage 4 HA88's heavier keys are preferred by classical pianists for dynamic pieces, while the TP/80 semi-weighted keys of the Compact model are favored for funk and rock styles.
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User experience
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Owners express disappointment with Nord Stage 3's acoustic piano sounds via headphones, describing them as thin and boxy, failing to simulate an acoustic piano.
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Users transitioning from other weighted keybeds, like the Yamaha Montage 6, appreciate the Nord's TP8o action for EPs, citing improved velocity calibration.
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Setup and maintenance
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Ensure the mod wheel operates smoothly without jumps by assigning it to morph a parameter during testing.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 5 Reviews and 15 Ratings
1034
The absolute best workstation ever
This piece of gear is the ultimate overlord end-boss of all the keyboards/workstations out there. The options are endless and the quality is outstanding. It doesn't get much better than this. Little hint: if you buy a new one: download the white grand patch from the nord website and replace the other XL grands ;) Cheers, MST
142
Best
Best keyboard I've played ever for Live, composing, and sound designing because it's very simple to use.
Artist usage
Add artist
Flying Lotus is seen using the Nord Stage 3 HA88 in a Facebook video post dated May 1, 2019, where he discusses the creation of the beat for "Spontaneous."
At around 16:05, Finneas says that his rack for live shows includes a Nord Stage 3. It is unclear whether or not he uses the 88 or 76 key version. At 16:13, he says that it's "always [on] a grand piano because it's just got such good hammer action," which is great, since Billie's songs usually include a piano.
In this Tiny Desk (Home) Concert from NPR, Billie Eilish performs using a Nord Stage 3.
Wata is confirmed to use the Nord Stage 3 HA88, as evidenced by a post from the Instagram user borisdronevil.
In the video at 31:29, you can see a shot of his Nord Stage 3 in the white box under the Mellotron.
Confirmed through visual evidence from her performance at the Decididas Summit on February 29, 2024, Paulina Villarreal utilizes the Nord Stage 3 HA88 keyboard. The specific model can be discerned from the distinct size and key spacing characteristic of the HA88, as depicted in a provided screenshot. Further verification is available from multiple videos of her performances, showcasing her playing this specific model. This information substantiates Paulina Villarreal's use of the Nord Stage 3 HA88 in her musical arrangements.
In the video titled "Velours - Anomalie LIVE at Nexus ICA," Anomalie is shown using the Nord Stage 3 HA88 during a live performance, as documented by the Nexus Institute of Creative Arts on YouTube.
In an Instagram post by danwoolfie, Tom Ogden is seen with a Nord Stage 3 HA88 during a performance, as captured in the photo.
In an Instagram post by Adam Wakeman, he shares a photo from the New Wimbledon Theatre in London, where he is using the Nord Stage 3 HA88 during a performance with Jane McDonald.
Album Usage
The Nord Stage 3 HA88 has been featured on the following albums:
MSG II
Vulfpeck & Vulfpeck (2025)
ZUURSTOF
Aaron Blommaert (2024)
Wasted Love (feat. Lagique) [Remixes]
Ofenbach (2021)
Wasted Love (feat. Lagique)
Ofenbach (2021)
my future
Billie Eilish (2020)
everything i wanted
Billie Eilish (2019)
Spontaneous / Takashi
Flying Lotus (2019)
Little by Little
Lane 8 (2018)
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 HA88, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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