Nord Stage 4 Overview: Complete Comparison Guide

One of the most trusted and beloved keyboard series in the world, the Nord Stage has found a home within the rigs of stars such as Terry Riley, Flying Lotus, and Billie Eilish.

Known to be the cream of the crop when it comes to live keys, Nord has now announced the Stage 4 Series of keyboards, which add all sorts of new features and upgraded specs that the PMT Experts have been busy figuring out.

In this guide we’ll look at what’s new on the Nord Stage 4 keyboards, as well as sizing up the Stage 4 vs Stage 3 with a Nord Stage comparison chart that will make it easier to pick out the perfect model for your needs.

Check out the video from the PMTVUK team below and keep reading for our full Nord Stage 4 review!

Launching originally all the way back in 2005, the first Nord Stage was released with the intention of combining the successful Nord Lead Synthesizer, which offered analogue synthesis, with the Nord Electro that featured the emulations of the Hammond, Rhodes and Wurlitzer electric pianos. 

First unveiled as an 88-weighted key version, a 76 key incarnation was then released the following year along with a 73 semi-weighted key version under the name, Stage Compact. In 2008, a new version of the Stage was announced, called the Nord Stage EX, which consisted of an increased onboard memory size.

Wanting to expand and improve on their already praised design, the Nord Stage 2 was then released in 2011, coming with both 88, and 76 Hammer Action Portable key variations, this time it featured an improved synthesizer model and sampler functionality, that was included in the Nord Wave. 

In 2017, the Nord Stage 3 once again built upon its predecessor’s success, offering a memory size that was double what was featured on the Stage 2, an increased sample memory, an improved synthesizer model and sampler functionality. Last but not least, the Nord Stage 4 was unleashed in early 2023, coming in an 88 and 76 key version, giving a fresh new take on the popular stage keyboard.  

The latest series of the Nord Stage collection is known as the Stage 4, and it comprises 3 all-new keyboards. These are:

• Stage 4 88
• Stage 4 73
• Stage 4 Compact

The full-sized offering gives you a fully-weighted Triple Sensor keybed (A-C) with aftertouch and Physical Drawbars with LED indicators.

The mid-sized keyboard model is now 73 keys, with a fully-weighted Triple Sensor keybed (E-E) with aftertouch and Physical Drawbars with LED indicators.

The Compact model also offers 73 keys, but has a Semi-Weighted Waterfall Triple Sensor keybed (E-E) with aftertouch and Physical Drawbars with LED indicators.

The Nord Stage Series has gained popularity with musicians around the world thanks to its unsurpassed build-quality and supreme sound.

Professionals know that they can rely on Nord Stage keyboards to deliver piano, organ, and synth sounds that are some of the best in the business, all housed in a premium enclosure that is suitable for life on the road or in the studio.

The Nord Stage 4 has raised the bar once again, with a plethora of tweaks and all-new additions that make it the go-to keyboard for the biggest names in the industry.

Those who have used previous Stage models will immediately notice the updated new panel design, which is completely intuitive and flattens the learning curve whilst offering even more features at your fingertips.

With dedicated LED faders for each layer, you now have a much improved overview when playing live, in addition to increased flexibility when creating sounds.

There’s also a new Preset Library that further expands the ready-to-use selection of Piano, Synth, and Organ sounds, which can be easily switched between with the Layer Scene.

There’s a powerful new Effect section for each layer, with versatile pedal options that make the Stage 4 the most adaptable piece of Stage kit yet.

The playing experience is significantly upgraded too. Despite the luxurious feel of previous Stage models, the Stage 4 manages to take things to another level with Triple Sensor keybeds that have to be played to be appreciated.

Check out all of the differences between the Nord Stage 4 vs Nord Stage 3 below – we've put everything in one place so it’s super simple to check at a glance how each model performs and what it can offer to your setup.

The Nord Stage is the choice of the professional for good reason.

Constantly innovating and catering to the needs of the modern performer, we’ve been blown away once again by the Stage 4.

If you’re on the hunt for something that truly can do it all, you need look no further than this range. With full-size and compact models, you’re covered no matter how you plan to use your gear.

Got some questions about the latest keyboards at PMT? Need to find the Best Portable Synthesizer? Call us on 0151 448 2089 or check out your local store to speak to one of our Experts about your needs.