We compare Nord Grand 2 and Roland RD-2000EX

Functions

Nord Grand 2

• On the Nord Grand 2 you can layer or split the piano into different sounds. It has two independent Piano layers and two independent Sample/Synth layers.
  The interface now features LED-faders for each layer, new panel layout, and seamless transitions between programs.
  Split functions offer up to 10 split points, with optional crossfades (Small / Large / Off) indicated by different LED colours.
  The Piano section provides 120-voice polyphony. In the Sample/Synth section you get expanded memory, Tru-Vibrato, Unison mode, Mono/Legato/Glide modes, Round-Robin for natural repetition, and the usual Attack/Decay/Release and Dynamics controls.You can still change all sounds via basic effects like delay, EQ, amp/comp and reverb, but the effect engine is significantly more powerful than the previous model. Theres three modes of key sensitivity (Heavy, Medium, Light) for the keybed.
  

Roland RD-2000 EX

• On the Roland RD-2000 EX you also have layering and splitting capabilities. You can build your own sounds by combining up to 8 assignable zones, and layering up to 8 sounds or zones in a single setup.
  
  It has two independent sound engines:
  
  

  • Sound Engine 1: the V-Piano modeling engine (unlimited/full polyphony) for the acoustic piano sounds.

  • Sound Engine 2: the SuperNATURAL engine with 128-voice polyphony for electric pianos, clavinet, strings, brasses, synths etc. 
    Within that second engine you’ll find electric pianos including the legendary RD-1000 and MKS-20 modules from the ’80s, virtual tone-wheel organs, modern and vintage synthesizers, and over 1,100 non-piano sounds. Full Compass Systems+1
    Performance features: 100 Scene-memories for saving entire keyboard setups.
    It includes a rhythm section and metronome capabilitiesthe 

Nord Grand 2

• the Nord Grand 2 is equipped with a new generation full-weighted hammer action keybed, developed in collaboration with Kawai. It uses a Triple-Sensor mechanism (three sensors per key) for improved repetition and responsivenes. There are three selectable velocity/response curves (Heavy, Medium, Light) to customise the touch repetitions and retriggering without lifting the key completely. 
  The keys are made so that the hammers in the low end of the piano are heavier than in the light end, like in an acoustic piano. The Let-Off mechanism ensures that the key’s release moves like on Grand Piano.
  The weight of the keys is light, authentic and responsive and the ivory surface helps your fingers to stay put on the keys.
  88-keys, full-size, weighted.

Keys

Nord Grand 2

• The Nord Grand 2 is equipped with a new generation full-weighted hammer action keybed, developed in collaboration with Kawai. It uses a Triple-Sensor mechanism (three sensors per key) for improved repetition and responsivenes. There are three selectable velocity/response curves (Heavy, Medium, Light) to customise the touch repetitions and retriggering without lifting the key completely. The keys are made so that the hammers in the low end of the piano are heavier than in the light end, like in an acoustic piano. The Let-Off mechanism ensures that the key’s release moves like on Grand Piano.The weight of the keys is light, authentic and responsive and the ivory surface helps your fingers to stay put on the keys.

Roland RD-2000

• This piano uses Roland’s PHA-50 (Progressive Hammer Action) keyboard: a hybrid of wood and moulded materials, with escapement mechanism and ebony/ivory feel. Together with advanced sensor technology, the PHA-50 action delivers high authenticity in feel and response. It’s designed to satisfy players who want a realistic grand-piano touch in a stage instrument.

Sound

Nord Grand 2

• Nord’s unique Advanced String Resonance reproduces the intricate interplay of piano strings resonating at their fundamental or harmonic frequencies when other notes are played on the Grand and Upright piano sounds. It also adds the rich resonant ambience of a real piano when playing with pedal down. 
  The Nord Grand factory bank includes 13 Grands, 14 Uprights, 9 Enhanced Electric Pianos, Clavinet, Digital Pianos and more from the exclusive Nord Piano Library. Nord’s Sample Library 4.0 is packed with a large selection of string sounds, brasses, Synths, choirs and much more. Both the Piano library sounds, and the Sample sounds can be downloaded for free on Nord’s webpage.

Roland RD-2000EX

• The acoustic piano sounds of RD-2000EX uses Rolands V-Piano mechanics with total polyphony, which means that the acoustic pianosounds are very natural, responsive and overtone-rich. Roland’s SuperNATURAL soundboard does not use “sample looping”, but their own 88-key, stereo multi-sampling technology. This means that every single note on the piano is modeled in full length from an acoustic piano. It also has a completely natural tone-decay effect and fluent, organic transition between dynamic levels, which contributes to the sensitivity of your playing. The RD-2000 EX is not just a piano, it also includes over 1100 SuperNATURAL-driven sounds for any genre.

Design

Nord Grand 2

• The Nord design is simple and elegant, and the Grand looks a lot like the classic Fender Rhodes from the 70’s. It is small and compact with a flat surface and a sloping user interface. It is very recognizable with its dark red Nord color and the Grand stands out by being made completely out of wood. It is both a piano and a beautiful piece of furniture.

Roland RD-2000EX

• The Roland has a classic stage piano design; it is longer and broader than the Nord (to make room for the tonebender). The user interface has a sloping angle, so it’s easy to use while playing. The buttons are lit up with LED indicators, so you can adjust your settings if you’re on a dark stage. This instrument focuses more on functionality than on design. It is colored black.

Conclusion

Both stage pianos are quality products with many exciting features. Roland has many more all-around functions and effects, especially for rhythmic music, recordings, and performances. The V-piano technology and the SuperNATURAL sounds are incredibly authentic and of the highest standards, and their 88-key sampling really makes Roland stand out. It is a piano that you won’t get bored with, with unlimited customization and sounds from countless different instruments.
Nord has considerably fewer sounds and effects, but has significant strengths in its pianosounds, its unique design and its innovative key-mechanism. Therefore, it is much more suitable for a classical pianist or anyone who cares more about the weight and mechanisms of the piano, than about funky soundboards and tonebenders. Acknowledged by pianists all around the world, this piano is seen as one of the most realistic stage pianos on the market. You can really get in touch with the music with the sensitive and responsive keys which are developed in corporation between Kawai and Nord.