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Description

The Nord Stage EX 88 is your all-in-one solution for live performances and studio sessions, blending the best of organ, piano, and synthesizer capabilities into a single, powerful instrument. Boasting 88 hammer-action weighted keys, this keyboard ensures authentic playability, whether you're delivering a soulful organ solo or a dynamic piano performance. The iconic red design and intuitive layout make it instantly recognizable and easy to navigate, especially when you're in the heat of a gig.

At its core, the Nord Stage EX 88 houses a rich selection of sounds, from the warmth of B3 organs to the clarity of grand pianos and the versatility of a multi-oscillator synthesizer. The synth section is particularly noteworthy, offering up to nine oscillators per voice, allowing you to craft everything from lush pads to gritty leads with ease. Meanwhile, the Extern Section enables seamless integration with your existing MIDI setup, turning the Nord Stage EX 88 into the ultimate master keyboard.

The comprehensive effects section, featuring delays, reverbs, and a rotary speaker, lets you shape your sound further, providing the perfect finishing touches. Whether you're layering sounds, splitting zones, or morphing between settings, the Nord Stage EX 88 offers unmatched flexibility and control.

Key Features:

  • 88 hammer-action weighted keys with aftertouch
  • B3, Vox Continental, and Farfisa organ models with full polyphony
  • Six essential piano sound groups, including grand and electric pianos
  • Multi-oscillator synth section with up to nine oscillators per voice
  • Comprehensive effects section: delays, reverbs, rotary speaker, and more
  • Seamless MIDI integration with the Extern Section
  • Supports three split zones with visual LED indication
  • Four assignable audio outputs and a stereo headphone output
  • Includes sustain pedal, power cord, USB cord, and Nord CD/DVD-ROM

Product specs

Brand Nord
Model Stage EX HA88 Hammer Action 88-Key Digital Piano
Finish Red
Year 2008 - 2011
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 type of keyboard action does the Nord Stage EX 88 have?

The Nord Stage EX 88 features a weighted hammer action keyboard, which provides a realistic piano feel, making it ideal for pianists who prefer the touch and response of an acoustic piano.

How many keys does the Nord Stage EX 88 have?

The Nord Stage EX 88 is equipped with 88 full-size keys, offering a complete range for performing complex compositions and providing an authentic piano playing experience.

Is the Nord Stage EX 88 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Nord Stage EX 88 is designed for live performances, featuring robust build quality, a wide range of sounds, and intuitive controls that make it easy to switch between patches and settings on stage.

Does the Nord Stage EX 88 support MIDI connectivity?

The Nord Stage EX 88 offers comprehensive MIDI connectivity, including MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and USB MIDI, allowing seamless integration with other MIDI-compatible devices and software.

What is the polyphony capability of the Nord Stage EX 88?

The Nord Stage EX 88 provides 60 voices of polyphony, ensuring that complex musical passages can be played without note dropouts, even when using layered sounds or effects.

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Kraft Music - Nord Stage EX Stage Piano Demo with Chris Martirano

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

Kraft Music - Nord Stage EX Stage Piano Demo with Chris Martirano

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Video thumbnail for Nord Stage EX Keyboard Demo and Overview | Full Compass by Full Compass

Nord Stage EX Keyboard Demo and Overview | Full Compass

Full Compass

Full Compass

Video thumbnail for NORD STAGE EX , DEMO NA CLASSIC KEYBOARDS by CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

NORD STAGE EX , DEMO NA CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

Video thumbnail for NORD STAGE EX 88 | JAMMING ON PRESETS | Synthcloud by Synth Cloud

NORD STAGE EX 88 | JAMMING ON PRESETS | Synthcloud

Synth Cloud

Synth Cloud

Video thumbnail for NordStage EX vs NordStage3 Piano Section by MeX (Subtitles) by MeXKeys

NordStage EX vs NordStage3 Piano Section by MeX (Subtitles)

MeXKeys

MeXKeys

Video thumbnail for NordStage EX vs NordStage3 Synth Section by MeX (Subtitles) by MeXKeys

NordStage EX vs NordStage3 Synth Section by MeX (Subtitles)

MeXKeys

MeXKeys

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • Older models lack a sample library for non-piano sounds, limiting sound options like mellotrons and acoustic strings.

    Source
  • Memory is significantly lower in older models, with only 128 mb in the original Stage and 256 mb in the EX, compared to 2 GB in newer models.

    Source
  • Stage 3 has independent reverb and rotary per panel, enhancing sound layering and effects stacking capabilities.

    Source
  • Stage 3 allows seamless program switching without sound cut-offs, improving live performance transitions.

    Source
  • The Nord Stage 2 offers approximately 500MB of piano sample memory, significantly less than the Stage 3, but still sufficient for essential piano and synth sounds.

    Source
  • The Nord Stage 2 allows selective loading of piano and synth samples, letting users choose only preferred sounds to maximize limited memory.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report dissatisfaction with pre-2015 hammer action emulations, recommending newer post-2015 models for improved key action.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the Stage 3's clearer screens, which simplify navigation and understanding during use.

    Source
  • A user transitioning from the 2EX to the Stage 3 described it as a substantial upgrade in every aspect, particularly for live performances.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The EX model offers slightly more memory than the original Stage but both are still limited compared to newer versions.

    Source
  • Stage 3's synth section is reported to be significantly superior to the Stage 2 EX, offering enhanced sound creation.

    Source
  • The Nord Stage 2's B3 simulation is slightly less advanced compared to newer models, but it still provides a satisfactory experience for most users.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Stage 3's improved features make it favorable for musicians who frequently stack sounds and need smooth transitions.

    Source
  • The Nord Stage 2 is appreciated for its "everything in one keyboard" solution, ideal for players who prefer standalone instruments over computer integration.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Nord Stage 2 features a Fatar TP/8O keybed, which is praised for its quality, making it attractive to those who prioritize key feel.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Nord sample compatibility ensures that even older models like the Stage 2 can access a wide range of sounds, despite synth engine limitations compared to newer models.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Clavia Nord Stage EX 88 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Nord Stage EX 88 is a reliable workhorse for gigging musicians, boasting authentic-sounding organs, pianos, and synths with easy-to-use controls. Its subtle upgrades include enhanced memory and new harpsichord sounds, though the changes are largely cosmetic. The grey and black panel can be hard to read in low light, and while the EX excels in sound quality and versatility, it lacks some features that would make it truly competitive with other high-end keyboards. Overall, it's a professional-grade instrument, but leaves room for improvement in future iterations.

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Artist usage

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See how Missy Higgins uses Nord Stage EX 88

Missy Higgins

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

At around 0:39 - 0:41 (seconds) of the clip, you can see Missy Higgins play a Nord Stage EX 88 during at a live performance in 2012.

See how Tom Schmitz uses Nord Stage EX 88

Tom Schmitz

Keyboardist, Composer

Mushroomhead

...
Verified via Acrosstheocean

The image shows schmotz using a Nord stage ex

See how Mikael Jorgensen uses Nord Stage EX 88

Mikael Jorgensen

Keyboardist

Wilco

...
Verified via Virus

"My main 88 key controller is the Nord Stage EX which is controlling a MUSE Receptor running Native Instruments' Komplete 8, and very specifically the Acoustic Piano & Electric Piano samples in Kontakt. I've found that these are the best sounding sets for what I'm doing with Wilco. I've got a Moog Multipedal to control some virtual effects like reverb sends, Wurly tremelo amount, and sending the piano through a leslie simulator."

See how Megan Washington uses Nord Stage EX 88

Megan Washington

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this image, you can see Megan Washington play a Nord Stage EX 88 during a live performance.

See how Milan Bauters uses Nord Stage EX 88

Milan Bauters

Singer, Guitarist

Kasier

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "24 oktober 2025 - Kasier @ Schakelbox (Waregem) - Compilatie" by HB Concert Video's on YouTube, Milan Bauters is seen using the Nord Stage EX 88 keyboard during a live performance.

See how Masashi Hamauzu uses Nord Stage EX 88

Masashi Hamauzu

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified

Masashi Hamauzu is confirmed to use the Nord Stage EX 88 during his live performances with Imeruat, as evidenced by his frequent appearances with the instrument on stage, a fact supported by documentation provided by The Wild Faery Company.

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 EX 88, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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barry_warne

barry_warne

Gear IQ 194

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