Nord

Clavia Nord synthesizers, stage pianos and keyboards

Clavia develops electronic musical instruments for stage, studio and professional live performance under the Nord brand name. The Swedish manufacturer’s history began in 1983 with the Digital Percussion Plate 1, a velocity-sensitive drum pad with sampled sounds that later led to the creation of the ddrum brand.

Today, Clavia is best known for its distinctive red Nord synthesizers, stage pianos, organs and percussion synthesizers. Instruments such as the Nord Lead, Nord Electro, Nord Stage and Nord Piano combine distinctive sound concepts with direct controls and strong live-performance capabilities. Read more ...

Clavia Nord – synthesizers, stage pianos and electronic percussion from Sweden

From electronic drum pads to the ddrum brand

The history of Clavia began in 1983, when company founder Hans Nordelius developed the Digital Percussion Plate 1. The DPP1 was among the first velocity-sensitive drum pads with sampled sounds and quickly became a success.

Further developments in electronic percussion led to the creation of the ddrum brand. The instruments were distinguished by pads with real drumheads and pronounced rims, offering drummers a particularly direct and responsive playing feel.

Nord Lead and the development of virtual analogue synthesizers

In 1995, Clavia introduced its first synthesizer, the Nord Lead. The instrument became one of the defining models of virtual analogue synthesis, combining digital sound generation with a clearly arranged control panel inspired by the direct operation of classic analogue synthesizers.

Its distinctive sound and intuitive programming quickly made the Nord Lead a popular instrument for both studio and stage. The series was developed through several generations and expanded with additional synthesis and performance features.

Nord Modular for flexible digital synthesis

With the Nord Modular, introduced in 1997, Clavia transferred the principle of a modular synthesizer into a digital environment. Users could create complex synthesis structures on a computer and then play and edit them using the hardware.

The concept combined flexible software programming with the direct control of a standalone instrument, opening up extensive possibilities for experimental sound design, modulation and individual signal paths.

Nord Electro, Nord Piano and Nord Stage

The first Nord Electro, launched in 2001, marked the beginning of an instrument series that remains successful today. The compact keyboards combine classic electric pianos, organ sounds and other stage-ready tones with low weight and direct operation.

Further instruments such as the C Series organ models and the Nord Piano range expanded the portfolio with specialised solutions for pianists and organists. Many of these sound concepts and control features were later incorporated into the versatile Nord Stage series, which combines piano, organ and synthesizer sections in a single performance keyboard.

Nord Lead, Nord Wave and Nord Drum

The Nord Lead series continued through several generations. Different models combined virtual analogue sound generation with expanded modulation options, FM-oriented features and practical performance functions.

With the Nord Wave, Clavia combined synthesis and sample playback in one instrument. The Nord Drum models, by contrast, are aimed at drummers, percussionists and producers who want to play and shape electronic percussion sounds dynamically.

Distinctive red instruments for stage and studio

From a small workshop, Clavia developed into an internationally recognised manufacturer of professional keyboard and percussion instruments. The striking red housings provide a high level of visual recognition, while direct control panels, transport-friendly designs and distinctive sound concepts make the instruments particularly suitable for live use.