Just when you need a stage instrument that balances immediacy and depth, the Nord Stage 4 gives you a new panel design for exceptional overview, a premium triple-sensor 88-key hammer-action keybed with Aftertouch, and a vast preset library (512 programs, extensive piano/organ/synth banks); its Nord Wave 2 synth engine, 2GB piano and 1GB sample memory deliver studio-grade sound, but note the 19.6 kg weight for the 88-key model when you move your rig.
Nord Stage 4 88
You get an 88‑key fully‑weighted stage piano with a redesigned panel for instant control, a premium triple‑sensor keybed, extensive preset library and deep synth/organ engines; its combination of aftertouch, Nord Wave 2 synth power and dedicated effects makes it a commanding performance tool for your rig.
Key Features
You’ll have high‑end performance tools at your fingertips: multi‑layered engines, physical drawbars, comprehensive effects per layer, versatile routing and live program management, all designed so you can focus on expressive playing and onstage flexibility.
- Triple‑Sensor Hammer Action keybed with aftertouch
- Nord Wave 2 synth engine with sample playback and 46‑voice polyphony
- 2 GB piano memory and 120‑voice piano polyphony
- 512 Programs across 8 banks and extensive preset library (Organ/Piano/Synth)
- Physical drawbars with LED graphs and Drawbar Live mode
- Dedicated effects per layer, new reverbs, delays and modulation variations
- Up to 3 split points (4 keyboard zones) with LED visual indicators
- Wooden Pitch Stick, Modulation Wheel and Master Level Control for hands‑on performance
- The weight: 19.6 kg (43.2 lb) – plan for a two‑person lift or road case handling.
Keyboard Action and Range
You play on an 88‑key Triple Sensor Hammer Action keybed (medium) with aftertouch, giving you expressive dynamic control and a full A-C range suited to acoustic, orchestral and modern synth parts.
The triple‑sensor design improves repetition and release tracking for fast passages and reliable velocity response, while selectable touch curves and dedicated piano timbre controls let you tailor the feel and sensitivity to match your technique and setup.
Nord Stage 4 – 73
The Nord Stage 4 73 gives you studio-grade engines and live control in a compact package: a 73-key, Triple Sensor Hammer Action keybed with Aftertouch, extensive organ/piano/synth sections, and a practical Range: E-E, all while remaining transportable at about 16.7 kg.
Key Features
Your Nord Stage 4 – 73 combines award-winning organ simulation, a powerful Nord Wave 2 synth engine, dedicated piano memory and effects, hands-on controls and extensive preset management for live and studio use. This design prioritizes immediate access and sonic depth for performing musicians.
- 73-key format for portability and stage fit
- Triple Sensor Hammer Action keybed for accurate response
- Aftertouch for expressive control
- Range: E-E tailored for contemporary performance
- Nord Wave 2 synth engine with sample playback
- 2 GB Piano memory and replaceable samples via Nord Sound Manager
- 120 Voice Polyphony across engines
- Physical Drawbars and B3 Bass mode in the Organ section
- Dedicated Effects per layer with new variations
- 4 Assignable Outputs and USB MIDI for routing flexibility
Keyboard Action and Range
The Nord Stage 4 73-key model uses a premium Triple Sensor Hammer Action (medium) keybed with Aftertouch, giving you responsive dynamics and fast repetition; the E-E range suits modern leads, comping and synth work while keeping the instrument stage-friendly.
The triple-sensor design captures nuanced velocity and release, so your phrasing and layered splits feel immediate and articulate; if you move the instrument frequently note the 16.7 kg weight when loading into venues and use proper lifting technique to avoid strain. This keybed balances acoustic-like feel with synth responsiveness for versatile performance.
Nord Stage 4 Compact
The Nord Stage 4 Compact packs pro-level piano, organ and synth engines into a portable 73-key stage piano so you can take studio-grade tones on the road. You get a responsive Triple Sensor Semi-Weighted Waterfall action with Aftertouch, the Nord Wave 2 synth, dedicated piano memory and physical drawbars, all in a lightweight 10.4 kg chassis built for live performance.
Key Features
You get instant tactile control from the redesigned panel, Master Level knob, wooden pitch stick and three morph sources, plus massive preset capacity and flexible routing for complex live setups. This gives you fast recall and deep sound-shaping without losing stage ergonomics.
- 73-key layout, range E-E
- Triple Sensor Semi-Weighted Waterfall keyboard with Aftertouch
- Nord Wave 2 synth engine with replaceable samples (1 GB)
- 2 GB piano memory and 120-voice polyphony
- Physical drawbars with LED graphs and Drawbar Live mode
- 512 Programs with 8 Live Programs and extensive split/layer options
- Dedicated effects per layer (Reverb, Delay, Mod, Amp, Compressor)
- Master Clock, MIDI over USB and comprehensive I/O
- Lightweight 10.4 kg chassis for gig-ready portability
- This model is optimized for performers who demand quick tactile control and deep sound design on stage
Keyboard Action and Range
You play a 73-key instrument spanning E-E with a Triple Sensor semi-weighted waterfall action tuned for fast repeats and expressive control, making it ideal for organ and synth techniques while still responding well to piano dynamics.
The action offers three selectable touch curves and precise Aftertouch sensitivity so you can shape filters or vibrato with nuance; note that the reduced range compared with an 88-key model is a limitation if your repertoire needs the lowest bass notes, but the compact feel greatly improves portability for live work.
Comparison of Models
| Model Overview | |
| Keyboard & Range | Stage 4 88: 88-key fully-weighted (A-C); Stage 4 73: 73-key fully-weighted (E-E); Compact: 73-key semi-weighted waterfall (E-E). |
| Feel & Action | 88/73: Premium Triple sensor hammer action with aftertouch; Compact: semi-weighted waterfall-better for organ-style playing. |
| Portability | 88 is heaviest (19.6 kg) – handle with care; 73 lighter, Compact is the most portable at 10.4 kg. |
| Sound & Features | All share Nord Stage 4 engines (piano 2 GB, Wave 2 synth, extensive effects, drawbars); choose model for range/feel, not core sound. |
Summary of Key Differences
You’ll choose the 88 for full-range piano work and authentic hammer feel, the 73 if you want similar action with less bulk, and the Compact when portability and organ-style waterfall keys matter most; note the 88’s 19.6 kg weight can be a safety concern when moving the unit, while all models share the same powerful sound engines and preset library.
Recommendations for Different Users
If you’re a touring pianist who needs full range and realism, pick the 88; if you perform mixed gigs and need a balance of touch and transportability, the 73 fits; if you’re an organist, synth player, or travel frequently, the Compact gives you workflow and lightness-always factor in your rig weight and stage setup to avoid injury when lifting.
For live rigs you’ll appreciate the Nord Stage 4’s Master Level, multiple outputs, and 8 Live Programs for instant changes; studio users benefit from 2 GB piano memory and editable samples via Nord Sound Manager. The organ drawbars, rotary speaker options, and Nord Wave 2 synth engine give you deep sound design, while triple sensor action and aftertouch provide expressive control-plan pedal compatibility and transport solutions if you choose the heavier 88 to protect your back and gear.
FAQ
Q: What performance and live features make the Nord Stage 4 suited for touring and stage work?
A: The Nord Stage 4 is built for live performance with a new panel design for instant overview, Master Level control, and dedicated LED faders for each Layer. It offers 8 Live Programs, 512 program locations (8 Banks × 8 Pages × 8 slots) plus a comprehensive Preset Library. You get up to 3 split points (4 keyboard zones) with visual LED zone separation and three crossfade width options (Lrg, Sml, Off).
Two individual Layer Scene setups and three morph sources (Mod Wheel-also routable to Swell pedal-Control Pedal and Aftertouch) allow dynamic on-the-fly changes. Clocked effects, Master Clock with manual/external/tap tempo, MIDI over USB and full MIDI I/O simplify synchronization and integration. Assignable audio outputs (4), stereo/mono routing, transpose ±6 semitones and multiple pedal inputs make stage connectivity flexible and redundancy-friendly.
Q: How do the Piano, Organ and Synth sections differ and what customization options are available?
A: Piano: 2 GB piano memory, 120-voice polyphony, selectable touch curves (Heavy/Medium/Light), String Resonance, Soft Piano Release, Pedal Noise with compatible Nord pedals, Dynamic Compression, Unison and two-part layering. All piano sounds can be replaced via Nord Sound Manager. Organ: Nord C2D B3 tonewheel engine plus Vox Continental, Farfisa and two Pipe Organ models; physical drawbars with LED graphs, Drawbar Live or Preset mode, percussion, Vibrato/Chorus, B3 Bass mode and enhanced rotary speaker drive with selectable mic positions.
Synth: Nord Wave 2 engine with sample playback (1 GB), 46-voice polyphony, Analog/Digital/FM/Sample oscillators, multiple filter types (including classic transistor ladder and LP/HP/BP options), Filter Drive and Tracking, three Unison modes, comprehensive envelopes, 5-waveform LFO and an advanced arpeggiator (Arp/Poly/Gate). Each Layer has a dedicated effect section (Mod 1/Mod 2, Delay, Amp/Speaker sims, Filter Mode, Tube, EQ, Rotary, Compressor, Reverb) with new variations and tempo-sync to Master Clock. Samples and libraries for piano and synth are replaceable with Nord Sound Manager.
Consider An Extended Warranty For Your Instrument
Q: What connectivity, control hardware and model options should I consider when choosing and setting up a Nord Stage 4?
A: Keyboard options: 88-key triple-sensor hammer action (with Aftertouch), 73-key hammer or Compact 73-key semi-weighted waterfall (all with Aftertouch on respective models). Control hardware includes Wooden Pitch Stick, Modulation Wheel, Aftertouch, Master Level and dedicated pedal inputs: Sustain (continuous compatible), Triple Pedal (5‑pin DIN), Organ Swell (TRS), Control Pedal (TRS), Rotor Pedal and Foot Switch. I/O: 4 assignable 1/4″ outputs, stereo headphone, monitor input (1/8″), MIDI In/Out (5‑pin), USB‑B for MIDI, updates and sound transfer, and IEC power.
Preset counts: 2×64 Organ, 2×64 Piano, 8×64 Synth preset locations plus 8 Live Programs and two Layer Scene setups. Physicals: Stage 4 88 is 1282 × 121 × 349 mm (19.6 kg); 73 is 1069 × 121 × 349 mm (16.7 kg); Compact is 1066 × 104 × 322 mm (10.4 kg). Use the assignable outputs, USB MIDI and Master Clock to route stems, monitor mixes and external gear for efficient live rigs.
Wrapping Things Up
The Nord Stage 4 arrives as the latest evolution of the iconic red keyboard that’s graced stages from intimate jazz clubs to sold-out arena tours, promising enhanced performance features that address years of professional musician feedback. What makes the Nord Stage 4 particularly compelling for working keyboardists is its seamless integration of world-class piano samples, authentic B3 organ emulation, and powerful synthesizer engines in a single instrument that eliminates the need for multiple keyboards cluttering your setup whilst maintaining the legendary sound quality and intuitive workflow that made previous Nord Stage models industry standards.