Product Comparison: Nord Stage 2 EX vs Nord Stage 2 HA88


General Specifications
Brand
Nord
Nord
Model
Nord Stage 2 EX
Nord Stage 2
About the Product
The Nord Stage 2 EX updates our flagship instrument line with 1 GB memory for the Nord Piano Library and a new ultra lightweight Hammer Action Portable HP76 model. Our outstanding new Factory Bank features 5 Grand Pianos, 7 Upright Pianos, 11 Electric Pianos, Clavinet, Harpsichords and a vastly improved Nord Sample Library selection including great new Strings, Choir and Folk instruments. The Nord Stage 2 EX features our award winning Piano, Organ and Synthesizer technologies combined with a well thought-out, user friendly interface, a choice of premium keybeds and an almost obsessive level of quality control. The Stage 2 EX truly sets itself apart as an instrument for the professional performing musician.
The Nord Stage 2 features Nord Sample Library-compatibility, the B3 and transistor organ engine from the C2, MIDI over USB and more memory for your favorite sounds. All in an amazingly user friendly interface where all vital functions are only button away! Representing a stunning new take on the famous Stage series, the Nord Stage 2 is our flagship instrument line. Utilizing our very latest sound generation technology in the three categories of Piano, Organ and Synthesizer combined with a well thought-out, user friendly interface, a choice of premium keybeds and an almost obsessive level of quality control, the Stage 2 truly sets itself apart as an instrument for the professional performing musician.
Key Specs
Number of Keys
88
88
Weighted Keys
Yes
Yes
Instrument Sounds
3
3
Metronome Included
No
No
What customers say about "Key Specs"
Nord Stage 2 EX 88-Key Hammer Action Keybed
  • After much hand wringing over whether to purchase the Stage 2 HA76, I decided to get the lighter Stage 2 EX HP76 and I'm really happy with the purchase.
  • This is the best all around gigging keyboardist's instrument for someone living in a city using public transportation, although still a bit bulky and not a paperweight at 28 lbs. Still, it's a great all around keyboard!
  • I've had this keyboard for a couple of months now, and it continues to impress me with how responsive it is and how easy it is to manipulate sounds on the fly.
Nord Stage 2 HA88 8-Key Hammer Action Digital Stage Piano
  • I've been using the Nord Stage 2 for over a year in jazz groups, and I am very happy with it. It is totally made for performance and is easy to change sounds, dynamics, effects, layers, and splits really quickly.
  • I love it! But I found i was using it mainly for the piano and sometimes the synth strings playing on very low volume for accompaniment. So I realized maybe I should have just bought the Nord Piano 2.
  • I've been playing keyboards professionally since the early 90's and my Nord Stage 2 is the most enjoyable one so far.
  • Just want to say that i have one of these and i am very happy with it! I give lessons on this and i could not be more satisfied.
  • First of all, if you're looking for a professional keyboard with an amazing sound, the Nord is outstanding. I grew up playing classical piano, and if I ever played a keyboard, for some reason, they were all Yamahas.
Size & Weight
Height
4.7 in.
4.7 in.
Width
50.7 in.
50.7 in.
Depth
13 in.
13 in.
Weight
40.7 lbs.
41 lbs.
What customers say about "Size & Weight"
Nord Stage 2 EX 88-Key Hammer Action Keybed
  • The one big factor for me with the HP76 is the expanded piano memory, and the reduced weight.
  • Trading in my 60 lb. workstation for a 20 lb. workhorse turns out in retrospect to have been a no-brainer. I even take my keyboard back and forth to practice, 'cause it weighs no more than a guitar and is about the same size.
Nord Stage 2 HA88 8-Key Hammer Action Digital Stage Piano
  • It's lighter than most keyboards of its type, which is really nice. The pianos are its strongest quality, the synth sampled sounds are its weakest but still very good.
  • Beautiful sounds and you can load you own samples and it is also lighter then most 88's best organ and piano i have heard in a portable keyboard.
Features
Display Type
OLED
OLED
Mixing Capabilities
Yes
Yes
Equalizer
Yes
Yes
Drum Pads
No
No
Recording Feature
No
No
MIDI
Internal and MIDI clock source
Internal and MIDI clock source
USB Port(s)
Yes
Yes
Power Source
AC adapter
AC adapter
Extras
400 Programs - 4 Banks with 20 Pages each. Each Page has 5 Program locations, Master Clock functionality with manual, external and tap-tempo rate control, Wooden Pitch Stick, Modulation Wheel
Three models, Master Clock functionality with manual, external and tap-tempo rate control, 400 Programs - 4 Banks with 20 Pages each. Each Page has 5 Program locations, MIDI over USB functionality
What customers say about "Features"
Nord Stage 2 EX 88-Key Hammer Action Keybed
  • Even though the stock patches for the synths are not amazing in and of themselves, there are a lot of things you can do with them, and with layering/split options, and multiple effects available, all adjustable in real time, it's a pretty inspiring instrument to play on.
  • But for the overall package of sounds, feel, features, weight, and inspiration, I would highly recommend this instrument if you can swing the price.
  • The keyboard action actually makes me a better player, because it responds to the slightest nuance of my playing style, allowing me to be more creative and achieve results that I didn't realize I was capable of.
Nord Stage 2 HA88 8-Key Hammer Action Digital Stage Piano
  • If you have to play bass with a left-hand split, you will most likely have to twique the bass sample sound with some effects to get an acceptable bass sound.
  • Really love the piano samples....especially with headphones on.....or speakers really loud.
  • The effects panel lets me get a psychedelic phased out wawa EP sound within seconds.
  • The keys are solid and feel great. The lights are cool. It records and plays live gigs great.
  • The Nord Stage 2 has several key features including splits and layers that make it well worth an upgrade. I
  • The controls and layout have a high learning curve. The "drawbar" buttons are unacceptable for a true Hammond player. The sounds and musicality are outstanding though.
Warranty / Certifications
Manufacturer Warranty
3 year(s)
3 year(s)
Certifications
CE, FCC
CE, FCC
Other Information
Manufacturer
Other reviews