My Real Thoughts on the Roland V-Stage: What I Learned After Spending Time With It

After spending several days with the Roland V-Stage, I have to say it’s a different kind of beast. This isn’t just a “clone” of the Nord Stage. It’s a keyboard that wants you to dig in and customize it to your style. As I said in the video, “some assembly may be required”. And that’s a good thing.

Where It Shines

The V-Stage absolutely kills it when it comes to sound layering and flexibility. The ability to route each part (piano, synth, organ, etc.) to its own MIDI channel gives you modular control that Nord just doesn’t offer in the same way. For a live gig setup or a studio rig that thrives on MIDI routing, this is a dream.

What Needs Work

The learning curve. This keyboard does not “wow” you immediately like a Nord might. You’ve got to sit with it, learn the interface, and build your own setups. But if you’re willing to do the work, the reward is big. Roland is clearly betting on customization over convenience.

Who It’s For

If you’re a power user who loves tweaking and building your own scenes, this is your board. If you just want to turn it on and play? Maybe not. That’s not a bad thing it’s just targeted to a different kind of user.

Get Signature Scene Pack for the V-stage here:

Buy the Roland V-Stage

Whether you’re considering switching from Nord or just exploring what else is out there, the V-Stage is a bold and powerful contender if you’re willing to put in the time.