Advice for a non Nord owner....Mistake to get a NS4 73 in 2025?

[maximus]

Hello everyone,

I'm looking to get a digital piano, and came down to NS4 73, Yamaha Montage and Roland Vstage 76. I read a lot about all these 3, and truly like how compact the NS4 73 is, however I have some concerns and would vey much appreciate your experience on all these topics.

-I read there are some concerns long term with the NS keybeds (can't remember which model). Is this accurate for long time users?
-The things keeping me away from getting it, are: not having balanced outputs, outdated USB (no midi/audio) and to connect additional devices. Lastly the low memory for samples, and the fact that it seems Nord didn't really care about all these, even though there were a problem for a long time now.
-Out of the all sections, the synt interest me the most, next the organ.
-Any good place to buy a used one (like reverb in US)?

I hear that the NS4 EX is likely to be released next year, hopefully addressing some of these shortcomings, especially now after Roland released the Vstage? Would it be a mistake to get a new NS4 73 in 2025 (3400 eu tax included).

Many thanks!

[glombi]

Hi,

NS4 73 owner here since nearly 1 year:

1. I really like the keybed. No issues after one year of daily use and weekly transports for rehearsal.
2. It has USB-MIDI! Audio and ballanced outs would be great for a even more compact setup. Though I use am Sub-Mixer with balanced outd (Flow8) anyways(e.g. IEM), so not a real issue for me.
3. I‘m not sure there will be a EX version. V-Stage looks nice, but is in a similar price range. There is always something better, newer or more shinx around the corner…

I would still consider the NS4 73 today, but just play an compare your options and make your own decision.

Good luck,
glombi

[maxpiano]

Hello everyone,

I'm looking to get a digital piano, and came down to NS4 73, Yamaha Montage and Roland Vstage 76. I read a lot about all these 3, and truly like how compact the NS4 73 is, however I have some concerns and would vey much appreciate your experience on all these topics.

-I read there are some concerns long term with the NS keybeds (can't remember which model). Is this accurate for long time users?
-The things keeping me away from getting it, are: not having balanced outputs, outdated USB (no midi/audio) and to connect additional devices. Lastly the low memory for samples, and the fact that it seems Nord didn't really care about all these, even though there were a problem for a long time now.
-Out of the all sections, the synt interest me the most, next the organ.
-Any good place to buy a used one (like reverb in US)?

I hear that the NS4 EX is likely to be released next year, hopefully addressing some of these shortcomings, especially now after Roland released the Vstage? Would it be a mistake to get a new NS4 73 in 2025 (3400 eu tax included).

Many thanks!

Well, tell me where you can find it (new) at 3.400€ tax included and I'll get one!!

Note: no one is sure any NS4 EX will ever come and what it may add, just forum speculations, NS3 didn't get any EX version and it took 7 years before NS4 arrived...

[maximus]

Hello everyone,

I'm looking to get a digital piano, and came down to NS4 73, Yamaha Montage and Roland Vstage 76. I read a lot about all these 3, and truly like how compact the NS4 73 is, however I have some concerns and would vey much appreciate your experience on all these topics.

-I read there are some concerns long term with the NS keybeds (can't remember which model). Is this accurate for long time users?
-The things keeping me away from getting it, are: not having balanced outputs, outdated USB (no midi/audio) and to connect additional devices. Lastly the low memory for samples, and the fact that it seems Nord didn't really care about all these, even though there were a problem for a long time now.
-Out of the all sections, the synt interest me the most, next the organ.
-Any good place to buy a used one (like reverb in US)?

I hear that the NS4 EX is likely to be released next year, hopefully addressing some of these shortcomings, especially now after Roland released the Vstage? Would it be a mistake to get a new NS4 73 in 2025 (3400 eu tax included).

Many thanks!

Well, tell me where you can find it (new) at 3.400€ tax included and I'll get one!!

Note: no one is sure any NS4 EX will ever come and what it may add, just forum speculations, NS3 didn't get any EX version and it took 7 years before NS4 arrived...

Portugal ludimusic stores, but you would have to pick it up there...
I think with the Roland releasing the vstage, maybe Nord will wake up from their long sleep?

[cphollis]

Hello everyone,

I'm looking to get a digital piano, and came down to NS4 73, Yamaha Montage and Roland Vstage 76. I read a lot about all these 3, and truly like how compact the NS4 73 is, however I have some concerns and would vey much appreciate your experience on all these topics.

-I read there are some concerns long term with the NS keybeds (can't remember which model). Is this accurate for long time users?
-The things keeping me away from getting it, are: not having balanced outputs, outdated USB (no midi/audio) and to connect additional devices. Lastly the low memory for samples, and the fact that it seems Nord didn't really care about all these, even though there were a problem for a long time now.
-Out of the all sections, the synt interest me the most, next the organ.
-Any good place to buy a used one (like reverb in US)?

I hear that the NS4 EX is likely to be released next year, hopefully addressing some of these shortcomings, especially now after Roland released the Vstage? Would it be a mistake to get a new NS4 73 in 2025 (3400 eu tax included).

Many thanks!

NAMM 2025 came and went, and the consensus is -- yes -- the Nord Stage 4 is still king of the hill. The Electro now has serious competition from the Viscount Legend One.

Specifically ...

-- Other than personal preferences, there are no "problems" with Nord keybeds, excepting really old ones.
-- Balanced outputs are a minor convenience, not a necessity.
-- It has USB midi, not audio.
-- The provided memory is much more than I need across a half-dozen projects. If you want to load every sample that exists, you're out of luck.
-- Nord does care -- I've been with them since the Electro 3 -- but everyone might not agree with them.
-- Yes, the synth section is awesome, but so are the pianos. To be fair, the most recent organ engine is a minor upgrade from the current one, but no one in the audience will be able to tell the difference.
-- There is ZERO evidence that Nord will release an EX version --- ever. The current model is selling VERY well.
-- The consensus on the Vstage over on Keyboard Corner was "nice try, but ....". After reviewing all the videos, I agree.

Beware stolen merchandise offered at unreasonable prices. If it's much less than others are selling it for, there's a reason.

You are unlikely to find a used one anytime soon. It hasn't been out that long, and most people absolutely adore theirs.

If it helps, I'm getting ready to buy my SECOND NS4 Compact. They are a total joy to play.

[FZiegler]

Hi,

You don't exactly tell what you want to get - there are two NS4 models with 73 keys: one with weighted key action (NS4-73HA) and one with waterfall keys (NS4-Compact, known also as 73SW). The former is sold around 4200 EUR, the latter around 3800 EUR.

And you don't tell what you want to get one of those models for. The Nord Stage series is certainly something that would suit best on stage or in a professional studio. Not that much for home studio use or to be played in a living room. It really depends on your use case and your expectations if a Nord Stage is the top deal in its class or an expensive old bone.

[WannitBBBad]

Regarding keybeds, the SW and HA keybeds hold up well, however the HP76 keybed in the Stage 2 EX and the Stage 3 can be noisy. In a live environment you'd never know, but it can be annoying at home. There are videos where folks have refurbushed/lubricated the action to be like new. If you are interested in the synth capabilities, you'd have fun with the Stage 3 or Stage 4. Good luck!

[maximus]

Hello everyone,

I'm looking to get a digital piano, and came down to NS4 73, Yamaha Montage and Roland Vstage 76. I read a lot about all these 3, and truly like how compact the NS4 73 is, however I have some concerns and would vey much appreciate your experience on all these topics.

-I read there are some concerns long term with the NS keybeds (can't remember which model). Is this accurate for long time users?
-The things keeping me away from getting it, are: not having balanced outputs, outdated USB (no midi/audio) and to connect additional devices. Lastly the low memory for samples, and the fact that it seems Nord didn't really care about all these, even though there were a problem for a long time now.
-Out of the all sections, the synt interest me the most, next the organ.
-Any good place to buy a used one (like reverb in US)?

I hear that the NS4 EX is likely to be released next year, hopefully addressing some of these shortcomings, especially now after Roland released the Vstage? Would it be a mistake to get a new NS4 73 in 2025 (3400 eu tax included).

Many thanks!

NAMM 2025 came and went, and the consensus is -- yes -- the Nord Stage 4 is still king of the hill. The Electro now has serious competition from the Viscount Legend One.

Specifically ...

-- Other than personal preferences, there are no "problems" with Nord keybeds, excepting really old ones.
-- Balanced outputs are a minor convenience, not a necessity.
-- It has USB midi, not audio.
-- The provided memory is much more than I need across a half-dozen projects. If you want to load every sample that exists, you're out of luck.
-- Nord does care -- I've been with them since the Electro 3 -- but everyone might not agree with them.
-- Yes, the synth section is awesome, but so are the pianos. To be fair, the most recent organ engine is a minor upgrade from the current one, but no one in the audience will be able to tell the difference.
-- There is ZERO evidence that Nord will release an EX version --- ever. The current model is selling VERY well.
-- The consensus on the Vstage over on Keyboard Corner was "nice try, but ....". After reviewing all the videos, I agree.

Beware stolen merchandise offered at unreasonable prices. If it's much less than others are selling it for, there's a reason.

You are unlikely to find a used one anytime soon. It hasn't been out that long, and most people absolutely adore theirs.

If it helps, I'm getting ready to buy my SECOND NS4 Compact. They are a total joy to play.

Thank you appreciate your time. What I meant with my synth comment is that the synt section interests me the most and that is not the best compared with a yamaha or a roland device? Please comment.
I actually wanted to go the compact route but from most of my readings I hear that keybed feels a bit cheap compared with the one in 88 or 73?
Moreover the compact is 100e more expensive than the 73 for some reason (3400 eu vs 3500 eu tax included). I purchase from a musical store, no way anything is stolen, it's a reputable store.

[maximus]

Hi,

You don't exactly tell what you want to get - there are two NS4 models with 73 keys: one with weighted key action (NS4-73HA) and one with waterfall keys (NS4-Compact, known also as 73SW). The former is sold around 4200 EUR, the latter around 3800 EUR.

And you don't tell what you want to get one of those models for. The Nord Stage series is certainly something that would suit best on stage or in a professional studio. Not that much for home studio use or to be played in a living room. It really depends on your use case and your expectations if a Nord Stage is the top deal in its class or an expensive old bone.

Thanks, I meant NS4-73HA. That is 3400 e tax incl vs 3500 (compact). This would be for a home studio maybe more at some point.

[cphollis]

What sets the NS4 synth section apart (for me) is the realtime control. Yamaha and Roland are great for familiar sounds via presets, Nord is great for making and morphing your own.

Add in all the sampled sounds, multiply by three engines, and the result is a satisfying amount of sonic firepower. Per-engine FX is a big leap as well.

Nothing against those brands, lots of people like them.

I like the NS4C unweighted keybed for organ and synth work, and use a weighted controller for piano parts.

I gig often with mine, and it’s a blast.