This article was originally published on The Chamberlain Music Teacher Hub.
As we already know, keyboard instruments come in all shapes, sizes and colours. There are acoustic pianos, with actuals strings that vibrate when hit with hammers that are moved my pressing the keys on the keyboard.
There are also classroom keyboards, synthesisers, organs, harpsichords... the list seems endless. Yet one of the most useful types of keyboard instrument is the Stage Piano.
What is a Stage Piano? Well, it might seem too obvious to say that it's a piano intended for use on a stage. How, then, does it differ from a Steinway concert grand, I hear you ask? That's also used on a stage...
Really, the reason for calling it a 'stage' piano is that it is designed to be portable, unlike other digital pianos (sometimes all of which are erroneously but understandably described as 'Clavinovas'. 'Clavinova' is a trade mark used exclusively by Yamaha).
Stage pianos normally have a full 88-note keyboard, and usually include a sampled piano sound. Of course there are exceptions to this, with 76-note versions also being available, and many having additional sounds as well as piano.
When buying a stage piano, the following should be considered:
- If you need to move it around a lot, what weight can you manage to carry? (Most stage pianos have a good hammer action, which can make them pretty weighty)
- Will you need it to have its own speakers built in, or do you plan to connect it to a sound system or portable amplifier? (Those with built-in speakers and amplifiers will be a bit heavier again)
- If you will need to depend upon any built-in speakers, will they be loud enough to fill the space in which you intend using it?
- Do I need lots of different sounds, or will a simpler set suffice, comprising, for example, piano, organ, strings, harpsichord?
- What sort of stand will it need, given the extra heavy nature of stage pianos? (Some models are available with their own, dedicated stands that can be disconnected easily from the piano when moving it)
- Do you have a preference for the piano sound from any of the main manufacturers? (They all have their own unique approach to what they think a good piano should sound like)
The Nord stage piano range
Perhaps the best known stage piano manufacturer is Nord. Originating in Sweden, the Nord range includes a variety of pianos with different levels of functionality.
Nord 'Stage' 4
Unsurprisingly, 'Stage' is Nord's flagship piano range. The current 4th generation model features precisely honed, intuitive panel design, a premium triple sensor keybed, and complete effect sections for each layer: a Piano Section, Organ Section, a fully-featured Synth Section. The 'Stage' is available in three different models: two different 73-key models (one Compact, one larger) and a full size 88-key model. The Compact has a waterfall keyboard, making it ideal for electric piano and organ sounds.
Nord 'Piano' 6
The 'Piano' focuses on the essentials: the premium triple sensor keybed is combined with excellent piano sounds for any genre and style, a sample-based synth section and a superb effects section. With 73 and 88-key versions both available, this model is perfect for players who want the Nord experience but don't need quite the level of extra functionality provided by the 'Stage'.
Nord 'Grand' 2
The ultimate player's piano, the 'Grand' combines the responsive feel of an acoustic grand piano with Nord's world-renowned Sound Libraries and a tactile user interface. With a tall and beautifully analog feel, the sleek and elegant Nord Grand offers a genuinely unique playing experience. Available only as a full 88-key model and featuring a solid wood keyboard with an action mechanism provided by Kawai, this is one for the purists!
Nord 'Electro'
'Electro' offers the same great pianos and organ as the Stage, but in a smaller gig-friendly package with an easy-to-navigate sample synth featuring the most commonly used sounds for live situations. The HP model features a 73-key hammer action keybed, whilst the standard 6D model comes with 73 or 61 keys and offers a semi-weighted waterfall keybed.
What other stage piano models are there?
Yamaha, Roland, Casio and Kawai all offer high quality stage pianos. Three of our particular favourites are the Yamaha P525, the Kawai ES920, and the highly popular Roland FP90X. However, cheaper - and dearer - models are also available.
It's always sensible to try out the different models if you can (we have them on display in our showroom), but failing that if you are happy with the sound of one of those manufacturer's digital piano, say in a classroom, it might be wise to stick with the same brand. We're also more than happy to give you advice on what will be best for your situation and your budget.
They are incredibly useful and versatile instruments, and every school music department will benefit from having one - whether for accompanying the school choir down at the local shopping centre, providing a harpsichord continuo part during a school concert, or as part of an impromptu jazz combo in the school foyer on open day!