About Us
In 1983, the founder Hans Nordelius invented the first drum pad that allowed dynamic playing using sampled sounds, called the Digital Percussion Plate 1. The DPP1 was an instant success, and soon after, the brand name ddrum was introduced. The innovative ddrum pads featured real heads and hoops and gained huge popularity. Even today, many people consider them to be the best digital drum-triggering system around.
In 1995 Clavia released its first synthesizer, the Nord Lead. Its unique take on emulation of analog synthesis, combining a distinctive sound with an intuitive user interface made it an instant classic. Magnus Kjellander joined Clavia in 1996, bringing with him a new approach to the company's software design.
The Nord Modular, released in 1997 was the first digital modular synthesizer, possibly one of the most innovative and flexible synthesizers that has ever been on the market.
In 2001 the first Nord Electro was released, introducing stunning emulations of classic vintage electro-mechanical instruments with a level of portability generally not associated with the original instruments.
The Nord Stage was introduced in 2005, combining many of Clavia’s new areas of expertise in one – acoustic and electric piano sounds, organ emulations, effects, and a synthesizer.
Later the same year, The Nord C1 Combo Organ was launched, featuring the 2nd generation tone wheel modeling, rotating speaker simulation, dual manuals, and a surprisingly low weight at just 15kg.
Nord Wave took the Nord Lead concept to a new level in 2007 with its capability to use any audio file as an oscillator source in a virtual analog environment, combined with the compact, user-friendly interface of a Nord product.
In 2010 the streamlined Nord Piano was introduced, a lightweight stage piano that featured advanced String Resonance and the unique Nord Triple Pedal with pedal noise.
We started in a small basement workshop in 1983, driven by curiosity, dedication and love for music. Today, we still maintain the same values and continue our pursuit with the same passion for music that inspired us from the very beginning.
Numerous other products than those mentioned above have been developed and launched since then. For more details regarding all of Nord's legacy products, see the Legacy Product section.
Have a look at our latest product offerings on the Product Page.