Clavia Nord Stage 3 compact

Answer to the main question

I finally pulled the trigger and got the Compact. Regarding the dilemma between this and HP, I'd say the semi-weighted keys play extremely nicely and are well worth the weight saving + the drawbars are a bonus. HP keybed isn't as good as the 88.

And regarding many reviews saying it's too expensive compared to competition - yes, it's a decision nobody makes lightheartedly, but for live performances, I've found nothing that works better for me than Nord. Anything can happen during a live performance - guitarist breaks a string and you have to solo the thing off in an instant, while adjusting everything accordingly etc. It's just very comforting to have a lot of control via hardware buttons. Workstations offer you more in terms of sound, but you have to program the set very carefully. Many say, that the synth doesn't offer layers, but I can assure you, you can play any type of genre with this thing. I've seen people not using the full potential of the extern section or the sample editor, there aren't many instances you'd wish for something more. Only thing I'd ask, is maybe a proper sidechaining inside the hardware and the ability to assign effects to multiple engines at the same time, but it's a minor complaint, more memory would be always welcome.

All and all, my back thanks me from the first day and the asking price quickly turns into investment.

I've hit a jackpot with this one!

This is my first Nord, but boy it will definitely won't be my last as I'm already considering buying the Stage 3 88 for the band's studio. My previous decision was to by an electro 6D 73 to use it as a light weight bottom keyboard for pianos and organs. After more thought though I decided to upgrade to the stage 3 compact because of the electro's limitation that will require me to always have another keyboard with it. And I'm so glad that I decided to spend that extra amount on the stage 3 compact! it is still very light, the waterfall keybed offers the best compromise between the fully weighted keys and the light synth keys that you would find in most keyboards. in fact, I don't think there's any other keyboard in the market now that offers the stage 3 compact's keybed, besides maybe the Kronos LE which only comes in the 88 key version I think. I can't speak enough about this keybed! It allows me to play synth and organ passages freely and lightly while not taking away the responsiveness of the weighted feeling when playing piano parts. It is really the best of two worlds.

If you're reading this and not knowing what to expect from the nord stage 3 in general then believe me this keyboard IS the real deal. Sound wise I think it beats any other competitor, and I'm not talking about pianos and electric pianos here (which many find to be the best in the market) because those will ALWAYS be subjective. But I'm talking about the power and versatility of both the synth engine and the organ engine. Honestly, I knew exactly what I was expecting from the piano and the organ engine, but it was the synth that really blew me away! The user manual is only 62 pages including the indexes! so we're talking about roughly 50 pages only that will get you up and running in no time to understand the whole keyboard (in case you're totally new to nord like me!).

My ONLY point against it is the fact that while it allows you to layer up to 6 layers of sounds it restricts you to only four zones of the keyboard because the split point cuts through both panels of the keyboard.

Compared to very advanced synths/workstations like Montage or Kronos, those big boys might be able to do more, but they require much more thought in order to achieve what you want to achieve with them.. It is here where the Nord shines! because it does what it does so easily, so logically and so straight forward, which allows you to put that time and thought into actually playing your music.. :)

Gigging musician's friend

This board has all the features of the 88 note flagship but has a keyboard that is a great compromise between a weighted piano board and an organ keyboard.

I gig in small venues 2-3 times a week playing a mix of classic rock and blues. In little pubs and clubs space is at a premium and this little keyboard is perfect without compromising quality or live usability. The keyboard is a little light for piano if like me you're used to a fully weighted board but I've quickly got used to it and now wonder what the hell I did for years carting a 22kg coffin around the place.

It's expensive and the accessories are ridiculously priced. You don't need the sustain pedal; any pedal will work; you can change the polarity. The Roland DP-10 is a much better pedal for less money.

You can check out the merits or otherwise of The Nord Stage 3 line elsewhere but for me this is the one.