Nord Stage 2 HA88 Stage Piano (88-Key)

No longer available at zZounds
With an interface made for live performance, a hammer-action keybed, and Nord's deep sound set of pianos, electric pianos and organs, the Stage 2 has it all.

Offering impressive sound generation technology from Clavia Nord, plus a full-size, natural-feeling keybed, a wealth of effects, and more, the Nord Stage 2 HA88 wraps up all the performance features you could ask for into one elegant, incredibly powerful instrument. Send your band into high gear with a slew of realistic, advanced tones and FX, or create your own sample instruments and expand your setup with downloadable Nord sounds for a style that you won't hear anywhere else. Professional keyboardists and gigging musicians can hit the stage running with the Nord Stage 2 HA88.

Three Sound Sections: Nord Piano, Nord Organ and Nord Synth

Made for the live stage, the 88-key Nord Stage 2 HA88 is your go-to piano, organ, and synth in one. You can play its three separate sound sections -- Piano, Organ, and Synth -- combined in a single program, and convenient keyboard split functionality lets you draw from organ and piano tones, for example, on different parts of the keyboard, for a richer playing field.

The instrument's Piano section offers sample-based acoustic pianos, vintage electric pianos, and intelligent string resonance, which accurately reproduces the sound of the piano strings resonating at their fundamental or harmonic frequencies when other strings are played. For even more realism, the Stage 2 works with the optional Nord Triple Pedal to add dynamic pedal noise to any performance. Meanwhile, selectable Piano Release yields a slightly longer release for smooth read more legato playing. You can keep your piano sounds fresh and up to date by downloading free sounds from the free online Nord Piano Library.

In the Organ section, you'll find B3 tonewheel organ modeling, simulations of classic Vox and Farfisa transistor organs, and a rotary speaker model with three mode speeds. Draw buttons and LED bar graphs replace traditional mechanical drawbars, and a pre-programmed, highly responsive keybed is all set to accommodate lightning fast organ techniques.

Round out your sound set with modern synths. Choose from classic analog synthesis with dual saw, hard sync, and pulse wave modulation; 3-operator FM synthesis with 32 different modulation frequencies; and wavetable synthesis with 62 waveforms and sample-based synthesis. You also get a multimode filter with 12 and 24 dB low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch filters; a syncable Arpeggiator; and an Amp envelope, Modulation envelope, an LFO, and Unison control. As with the Piano section, the Stage 2's powerful synth engine is always expandable with free sounds from the Nord Sample Library.

Extensive FX

While the Stage 2 HA88 does have a rather awesome set of preset sounds, you'll likely want to customize them in some way with the piano's stellar set of effects to match. Make the sounds your own with everything from Tremolo, a ton of Wah types, and AutoPan to Phasers, Choruses, Flanger, Vibe effects, Delay, amp simulation, three-band EQ, Rotary Speaker emulation, and professional mastering effects like Compressor and Reverb. Each instrument section can be individually routed through the Stage 2's built-in effect units, giving you an easy way to turn FX on and off, control what they do with a touch of a button, and more.

Easy Programming and Control Options

During a live performance, programming the Stage 2 is no problem -- the piano features an intuitive layout that just makes sense, with all the sound generators and controls grouped into their respective sections (Piano, Organ, Synth). It's easy to tell which settings are active, and getting into the nitty gritty of your most-used functions is just a matter of turning dedicated single-function knobs. Nord's Pitch Stick and Modulation Wheel provide extra ways to express yourself, while the Morph Grouping technique allows you to assign sound and effects parameters to physical controllers.

Your Master Keyboard

Control external devices at the drop of a hat with the Extern Section, which enables seamless integration of any MIDI-connected gear with the Stage 2's built-in instruments. Zones, splits, and layers are handled exactly as if the external equipment was a part of the Stage 2 itself, and all settings are saved together with a program so advanced setups can be recalled instantly in real time during a performance.

Features:

- Stage piano with 88 fully weighted hammer-action keys
- Full piano section with sample-based acoustic pianos, vintage electric pianos, and advanced string resonance
- Natural-sounding performances come courtesy of long piano releaseand dynamic pedal noise via the optional Nord Triple Pedal
- Compatible with the Nord Piano Library and Nord Sample Library, for adding more sounds to your rig
- Powerful synth section boasts classic analog, FM, and wavetable synthesis
- Do more with sample playback, arpeggiator, and master clock functionality
- Organ section offers B3 tonewheel organ modeling, simulations of classic Vox and Farfisa organs, and a rotary speaker model with 3 mode speeds
- Draw buttons with LED bar graphs offer at-a-glance overview of active drawbar settings
- Comprehensive effects section for sweetening your sound
- Single-function control knobs and instant visibility of current settings
- External section allows the Nord Stage 2 to serve as a master keyboard
- Expanded Live Mode with 5 locations
- USB-MIDI connectivity
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General:
- Master Level Control
- Wooden Pitch Stick
- Modulation Wheel
- 400 Programs: 4 Banks with 20 Pages each

Program Categories
- Program Sort Modes: numerical, alphabetical or by category
- 5 Live Buffers
- 2 Individual Slot Setups
- 3 Morph sources: Modulation Wheel, Control Pedal, Aftertouch
- Global Mono output
- Programmable Transpose +/- 6 semitones
- Master Clock functionality with manual, external and tap-tempo rate control
- Internal and MIDI clock source
- MIDI over USB functionality

Organ Section:
- B3 Tone wheel Organ, Vox Continental and Farfisa models with full polyphony
- 9 digitally controlled Drawbars
- Percussion controls
- Vibrato / Chorus control
- Two Drawbar settings per program
- 2-Part Multitimbral (2 manuals)

Piano Section:
- Approx. 500 Megabyte memory for Piano sounds
- Acoustic Grand Pianos
- Upright Pianos
- Electric Pianos
- Wurlitzer A200 Electric Piano
- Clavinet D6
- Harpsichords
- Electric Grand Pianos incl. CP-80
- 40-60 Voices Polyphony
- 4 Selectable Velocity Curves
- Clavinet EQ controls
- Advanced String Resonance (Generation 2) on acoustic Grand Pianos and Uprights
- Selectable Piano Release
- Pedal Noise when used with Nord Triple Pedal (optional accessory) on selected acoustic and electric pianos)
- Slot Detune functionality
- 2-Part Multitimbral

Synth Section:
- Sample Playback synthesis:
- Approx. 380 Megabytes of sample memory
- Up to 999 Sample Instruments
- Analog synthesis: Multiple waveforms - including Dual Saw, Hard Sync and PWM
- FM synthesis: 2 & 3 Operator FM synthesis
- Wavetables synthesis: 62 waveforms
- 18 Voices polyphony
- Unison control - with no reduction in polyphony
- Amplitude envelope
- Modulation envelope
- 12 and 24 dB Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass and Notch Filter with Resonance
- LFO with 4 waveforms (square, triangle, ramp and sample & hold)
- 300 Patch memory locations
- Arpeggiator (Up, Down, Up-Down and Random). Range: 1, 2, 3 or 4 octaves.
- LFO and Arpeggiator synchronizable to Master Clock
- 2-Part Multitimbral

Global Parameters:
- Level control
- Zone (split assignment) control

Effects:
- Effect 1: Ring Modulator, Tremolo, Pan, Wah, AutoWah 1, Autowah 2
- Effect 2: Flanger, Vibe, 2 Phasers, 2 Choruses
- Delay - with Ping Pong (stereo taps) and Tap-Tempo
- 3 types of Speaker simulations, JC, Twin and Small
- Tube amp simulation with adjustable overdrive
- 3-band Equalizer with sweepable mid. EQ ranges:
- 100 Hz, 200 Hz - 8 kHz and 4 kHz
- Rotary Speaker: selectable speed (Stop, Slow and Fast) and separate overdrive
- Effect rates/tempo can be synchronized to the Master Clock

Master Effects:
- Compressor
- Reverb: 6 algorithms

Keyboard:
- Hammer Action Weighted keyboards. Range: A-C
- Aftertouch
- Supports 3 split zones with visual LED indication

Connections:
- 4 Assignable Audio Outputs - 1/4", 6,35 mm jacks, unbalanced
- Stereo Headphone output - 1/4", 6,35 mm stereo jack
- 1 Monitor input - 1/8", 3,5 mm stereo jack
- Sustain Pedal - 1/4", 6,35 mm jack; Use a momentary Pedal like:
- Roland DP-2, DP-6, Yamaha FC-4, FC-5, Fatar VFP1-25 etc.
- Sustain input compatible with Nord Triple Pedal (sold separately)
- Rotor Pedal - 1/4", 6,35 mm jack
- Organ Swell Pedal - 1/4", 6,35 mm TRS stereo jack.
- Control/Expression pedal like e.g. Yamaha FC-7, Roland EV-5 etc.
- Control Pedal - 1/4", 6,35 mm TRS stereo jack.
- Control/Expression pedal like e.g. Yamaha FC-7, Roland EV-5 etc.
- MIDI In - 5 pin DIN connectors
- MIDI Out - 5 pin DIN connectors
- USB - type B connector
- IEC320 C7 power connector

Included Accessories:
- User Manual
- Dust cover
- Sustain pedal
- Power cord
- Nord Sample and Piano DVDs
- USB cord

Dimensions: 50.7" x 13" x 4.7" (1287 x 334 x 118 mm)
Weight: 41 lb (18.5 kg)

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Web: https://www.nordkeyboards.com/support

Nord Stage 2 HA88 Stage Piano 88-Key

The Nord Stage 2 HA88 offers incredible Nord piano, organ, and synthesizer voicings in a road-ready, versatile stage piano. The Nord Stage 2 HA88 88-key stage piano utilizes the sound-generation technology from Clavia Nord, combined with a well-thought-out user-friendly interface, 88-key hammer action keybed, and an almost obsessive level of quality control. The Stage 2 HA88 truly sets itself apart as an instrument for the professional performing musician.

The Nord Stage 2 HA88 is compatible with the Nord Sample Library and also the Nord Sample Editor software that lets you create your own sample instruments, for infinite possibilities! Combined with Nord Piano Library compatibility, the Nord Stage 2 HA88 is an instrument that offers huge expandability.

The HA88 Model: 88-note Fully Weighted Hammer Action Keyboard

Naturally, a keyboard is not just about the sound but also the feel. The Stage 2 Stage 2 HA88 features Nord's top-of-the-line fully weighted Hammer Action keyboard that also has been improved for response when playing rapid repeated notes. During the assembly of each instrument in our Stockholm factory, every keybed is individually and specifically tuned for a consistent response and balance.

Piano Section Features:

- State-of-the art sample-based Acoustic Pianos
- Advanced Vintage Electric Pianos
- String Resonance
- Selectable Piano Release
- Dynamic Pedal Noise via optional Nord Triple Pedal
- Nord Piano Library compatible
- Organ Section Features
- Nord B3 Organ modeling
- Faithful simulations of classic Vox and Farfisa organs
- Advanced rotary speaker model with slow, fast and stop modes
- Draw buttons with LED bar graphs for easy overview of active drawbar settings
- Synth Section Features
- Powerful Classic Analogue, FM and Wavetable synthesis
- Sample Playback
- Nord Sample Library compatibility
- Nord Sample Editor software included
- Arpeggiator
- Master Clock
- Global Features
- Comprehensive Effects section
- Single-function control knobs and instant visibility of current settings
- External section allowing the Nord Stage 2 to serve as a master keyboard
- Expanded Live Mode with 5 locations

The Sound Inside

The Nord Stage 2 HA88 has three sound generating sections; Piano, Organ and Synthesizer, all of which can be used simultaneously. Furthermore, up to two sounds from each section can be combined in a single program for massive sonic flexibility.

Piano Section

The Nord Stage 2 HA88 Piano section has evolved from the multi award winning Nord Piano; featuring the state-of-the-art sampling techniques the Stage 2's pianos capture the extraordinary nuances and real character of the individual source instruments. Combined with the intelligent String Resonance that reproduces the sound of the piano strings resonating at their fundamental or harmonic frequencies when other strings are played, and compatibility with the optional Nord Triple Pedal that adds Dynamic Pedal Noise the result is breathtaking realism and an unsurpassed expressiveness.

An great feature in the Nord Stage 2 is the Selectable Piano Release function. With Piano Release activated you get a slightly longer release more suitable for legato playing. This important feature reflects adjusting the damper tension in an acoustic or an electromechanical instrument.

In addition to vivid acoustic Grand and Upright pianos, the Piano section also features some of the finest, most desirable vintage electric pianos. The Stage 2's piano sounds are future-proof thanks to its compatibility with the Nord Piano Library. This free online library is continuously updated with both upgraded existing pianos and pianos to keep your instrument constantly renewed.

Organ Section

Over ten years have passed since Nord made their first digital model of a tone wheel organ. The Stage 2's dedicated organ section now uses their third generation B3 Organ model, the same as found in their acclaimed Nord C2 Organ.

Considered by many to be the most accurate emulation of the B3 ever, the Stage 2's organ model is based on the analysis of the signals from each of the 91 spinning discs inside several original instruments and painstaking work on understanding exactly how all the components interact with each other. The virtual circuitry reacts not only to the settings on the panel but also during the real time performance. The Stage 2 will faithfully reproduce the important foldback and energy robbing characteristics; the latter will produce the gentle compression effect that makes those lovely smears absolutely wonderful. There are 3 tone wheel modes that allow you to switch from a clean, factory spec'd instrument to a worn and battered workhorse with many years of touring.

Nord has also created carefully modeled emulations of two of the most famous transistor organs from the 1960's, the Vox Continental and the Farfisa Compact. Alongside the organ's themselves, the Stage 2 features Nord's rotary speaker simulation derived from the C2. Incorporating the acoustic variations that occur as a physical rotating spreads the sound around in a room, they bring the Stage 2's organs to life with remarkable realism. In terms of control, Draw buttons and LED bar graphs have replaced the original mechanical drawbars. This gives you the advantage of always having the correct drawbar settings after changing preset. For Organ sounds only, the Stage 2 HA88 keybed is programmed to respond at its highest trigger position, resulting in authentic feel and allowing lightning fast organ techniques.

Synth Section

The Stage 2 HA88's powerful synthesizer engine was built from the DNA of the Nord Wave. Capable of classic analogue synthesis, three operator FM synthesis, Wavetable synthesis and, crucially, compatibility with the Nord Sample Library. The Nord Sample Library not only gives Stage 2 owners access to the huge free library of world-class sounds, including the famous vintage Mellotron and Chamberlin samples previously only available to Nord Wave and Nord Electro 3 users, but thanks to the included Nord Sample Editor for Mac and PC, allows user-created samples to be loaded into the instrument and thus opening up a whole creative world of sound.

The Synth engine itself features classic analogue synthesis with dual saw, hard sync and pulse wave modulation, three-operator FM synthesis with 32 different modulation frequencies, Wavetable synthesis with 62 waveforms and Sample based synthesis. A great-sounding multimode filter features 12 and 24dB low pass, high pass, band pass and notch filters. And with an Amp envelope, Modulation envelope, an LFO, and Unison control, the Stage 2 HA88's synth capabilities are hugely powerful, delivering amazing on-stage sound.

The Synth section also features an Arpeggiator that can be easily synced to the Stage 2's Master Clock for perfect timing with other elements of the Stage 2, including its effects.

Programming and Control

To make programming and on-stage control as simple as possible Nord has arranged the sound generators and controls of the Stage 2 into dedicated sections - Piano, Organ and Synth. Not only does this make for a very intuitive approach to programming but also instantly shows you which settings are active. There are no deep menus, no complicated screens to navigate. All vital functions are controlled by dedicated single-function knobs.

In addition Nord's patented Pitch Stick and Modulation Wheel allow maximum musical expression and their efficient Morph Grouping technique is also included, allowing you to assign sound and effects parameters to physical controllers.

Extern Section

The Nord Stage 2 HA88 wouldn't be a master keyboard if it couldn't control external devices with ease. The Extern Section is designed solely for this purpose, so that any MIDI-connected gear gets seamlessly integrated with the Stage 2's built-in instruments. Zones, splits and layers are handled exactly as if the external equipment was a part of the Stage 2 itself. All settings are saved together with a Program so advanced setups can be immediately recalled in real-time during a performance. You can even use the Extern Section to automatically transmit Bank Select and Program Change messages to your external units.

The Keyboard

Naturally, a keyboard is not just about the sound but also the feel. The Stage 2 HA88 features Nord's top-of-the-line fully weighted Hammer Action keyboard that also has been improved for response when playing rapid repeated notes. Nord does something else that nobody else does: during the assembly of each instrument in their Stockholm factory, every keybed is individually and specifically tuned for a consistent response and balance.

Effect Section

No sound is complete without the proper use of effects. In the Nord Stage 2 HA76 they incorporated all the effects required to cover musicians' needs. All of the three instrument sections - Organ, Piano and Synth - can be routed individually through the Stage 2's built-in effect units. Turning the effects on and off, and controlling the routing is easily done by a touch of dedicated buttons, readily accessible at the bottom of each effects unit.

The Master Clock function makes it easy to sync effects to other elements, like the arpeggiator, LFO or even one of the other effects. You can easily lock the effect rate to a range of note values make the delay do quarter note triplets of what arpeggiator is playing, while the LFO gently sweeps the filter up and down in half notes, all perfectly interlocked. The Master Clock can also be controlled by an external MIDI clock perfect for syncing your parts to a backing track, including tempo changes!

Effect 1

Here you can choose from Tremolo, two Wahs, an Auto-Wah, and an AutoPan. Use the AutoWah with a Clavinet for raw funk licks, create a psychedelic vibe with an Electric Piano on AutoPan, or give a Wurlitzer some body using the Tremolo. There is also a Ring Modulator on board, an effect used by many experimental and electronic musicians.

Effect 2

The two Phasers, two Choruses, the Flanger and Vibe effects are modeled from the classic analog stomp boxes that define the sound of popular music. These swirling Phasers, metallic Flangers, and thick Choruses that are used by uncompromising professionals everywhere are crystal clear and faithfully simulated on the Nord Stage 2.

Delay

A delay unit has been included to create haunting echoes or slap back effects. The delay also supports a ping-pong mode, and the tempo can easily be adjusted with the tap-tempo button, or synced to the master clock. The delay also has an Analog mode for creating those classic warped sounds when changing the delay rate on repeats.

Amp Simulation and Equalizer

This effect section combines a three-band equalizer with a sophisticated amplifier and speaker cabinet modeler. Classic amplifiers and speakers are a crucial part to make vintage Electric piano sounds come alive. Nord offers the famous sounds of speaker simulations of a Twin Reverb, a Jazz Chorus 120 and a Wurlitzer speaker. When no Amp Model is selected, the unit provides a neutral three-band EQ with sweepable mid and a crunchy overdrive.

Rotary Speaker

The improved Rotary Speaker simulation, which not only brings an essential character to a live organ performance, can also be used with any of the electric or acoustic piano sounds and the synthesizer.

Master Effects

A Compressor and a Reverb are placed at the end of the sound chain, to help you blend your sounds more naturally together. The Reverb unit has six different Hall, Stage and Room spaces to create different atmospheres for your sounds, while the Compressor helps you keep the overall mix tight and under control.

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (3 ratings)
Submitted December 31, 2011 by a customer from yahoo.com

"A pianist's dream! World's finest stage piano, road rugged, quality built inside and out."

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I can see having this instrument for at least 10 years - its that good, and that solid. If it were lost or stolen, there's absolutely no question that it would be identically replaced.

Sound
I'm mainly a pianist and this is by far the BEST stage piano (or ANY digital piano for that matter) that I've ever played. The action is fantastic, key travel is deep for awesome expressive playing. I also own a Korg Kronos which I thought had the best piano until I played the Nord... not even close, the Nord Stage 2 is far above the Kronos for its piano.

Features
The ability to be able to fine tune, or shape the sound in realtime, without having to go through menus is just so natural a way of doing it that you don't even have to think. You're not distracted from playing, or from any ideas with complicated menuing systems. Knobs & buttons - can't get much simpler (or more user friendly) than that!

Ease of Use
Like any instrument, there's a learning curve. But without cracking a manual open, you can get what you need out of this instrument until you want to go further... that's when you crack the manual.

Quality
This is the most solid keyboard instrument I've ever come across, and I've owned at least a dozen different keybaords in the past decade, and played on even more (Yamaha, Roland, Alesis, Korg, Kurzweil, Privia, etc). If you want reliable and road rugged, read more this is the instrument. I'm afraid to transport my Korg Kronos, but the Nord Stage 2 is built like a tank.

Value
Its pricey, but once you play it you'll be hooked... once you compare it to other instruments in the same class its a no-brainer. Well worth the extra $$ if you can come up with it.

Manufacturer Support
I had a basic question that I submitted to Nord Support in Sweden. Within 2 hours, a support person in the United States (where I'm located) emailed back with my answer. That's impressive! I have yet to see that kind of support from the larger companies.

The Wow Factor
The realism of the pianos is simply unmatched by any other instrument of its class. Grand pianos, concert grands, uprights, you name it... its all there with amazing realism. The other sound samples (ie: organs) are amazing, and so are the synths. The ability to constantly upgrade the sound samples with QUALITY sound samples (for FREE from the Nord website) is worth the extra $$ alone!

Musical Background:
Classically trained from ages 6 thru 15. Been playing piano all my life (for decades)!

Musical Style:
Classically based, but play just about everything (except jazz)
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63 of 65 people (97%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
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