Clavia Nord Electro 2

It doesn't come easier, really. The presets are fine and there's plenty of room for adjustments which is easy as also. Manual is excellent, and not necessary. Its the real deal this keyboard. I listened to players on gigs before I bought my own. I am a an acoustic pianist primarily. I use a Roland RD 700 for its action and CONCERT GRAND SRX expansion board. I NEVER REALLY LIKED THE ADDITIONAL SOUNDS ON ANY RIG. The EPs and organs etc always sound just so/so.

The NORD ELECTRO turns people in the club on and band mates "get it " also. This is the good work of instrument making. These people in Scandanavia know what the the hell they are doing and hit the target dead on. Sure, people can be picky and have "their opinions". But real players will regard the NORD as a "signpost" of quality. Holy shit man its all in one easy to carry around board. Critics ought to tweak their musicianship.

Can't wait for the "stage piano"

Something that sounds this great won't fail on durability.

You'll know why you own this board when you have it.

It was easy enough to use. Buttons were small but the little lights help to navigate. The presets sounded flat to me. (See sound review below)

The action was good.
The built-in effects were NOT impressive (ie., Leslie, overdrive, chorus, etc.....and NO reverb.... and the key click...give me a break!).
It is my understanding that the sounds can be upgraded.

The keyboard action is just fine, no problem in that area. The Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer and Clavinet are believable but not great. The overdrive is more of a fizzle and doesn't help matters.
The acoustic piano sounds were awful.
To be fair, this thing could be adjusted and tweaked and could be very versatile with enough effort.
It would be great for a simple one-keyboard-does-it-all...if you weren't too critical of the character of the sound.
It would best serve 60's and 70's music.

I have no idea...I didn't buy it. It looks rugged and I would expect it to hold up well.

No idea.

I really "wanted" this thing to impress me. Unfortunatley, it was sitting on top of a Hammond XK-3 and there was a Roland piano to its right.
This thing was mediocre at best. The key "click" was more of a "hiss". The percussion was without character. The leslie effect wasn't too bad on slow (it actually masked the "hiss")....but, it sounded like a whirling dirvish on fast.
The overdrive sounded like a cheap fuzz-tone.
Chorus was OK but nothing like the Hammond.
Just the pure Hammond tones with all the onboard effects off wasn't bad at all....except for the hidious "key-click" that had no control to turn it up, down or OFF.

What really interested me in this keyboard was the fact that it had piano sounds too. This is a huge advantage over a purely organ keyboard, especially at the price for the Korgs and Hammonds.
So, with that in mind I moved on to the piano and Clavinet sounds.
They were OK. The Wurlitzer, Rhodes and Clavinet sounds were pretty realistic. However, compared to the Roland sample of a Wurlitzer, the Nord was second rate....again, lacking character.

These were all plugged into the same amp and same channel by the way.
I suppose some EQ adjustments might make a difference to some degree.
I would imagine that this keyboard, played in a live band in a gymn would sound just fine. It just didn't happen to warm me up at all compared to other comparable keyboards played side-by-side.
I have an old Hammond M-3 and just sold my old Fender Rhodes so I do know what the real-deal sounds like.
I hope this report is taken for what it is....my OPINION. Hopefully, it will prevent someone from buying before trying.

I use version 2.2. I don't use preset sounds, I make my own! Editing patches is quite easy. Some weird things happen if you try to save patches on the piano section, some effects get saved but others don't. It is just a little bug that doesn't concern me at all. I will upgrade to the newer OS when I have the time. Remember, this keyboard is upgradable and you can download new sounds all the time.

I read the manual and it's been helpful, everything explained in great detail.

I don't notice any polyphony problems. Built in effects are great. I don't mind lack of reverb. I run my board into a guitar amp and in my opinion it sounds much better that way--more old school and authentic. If I listen to it in headphones it sounds more artificial. My guitar amp has reverb. MIDI IN, OUT AND THROUGH are available, but I don't use it.

I was able to tweak with the sounds, for example get that "Riders on the Storm" sound, or overdriven Rock organ sound ("Change your evil ways"), or Jimy Smith sound. Very versatile. All effects are great, except lack of reverb (see above).

This keyboard feels like the real thing. I mean it doesn't feel like a cheap MIDI keyboard (yes, I've played a Hammond organ), although the keys are more springy. On a Hammond, the keys feel weaker and lighter. The feel of the keyboard is good for everything. So it is not specifically like a Hammond, or a Wurlitzer.

I just used it at home. But it looks and feels solid. I would use it at a gig.

I haven't called cs yet.

Great product. Don't buy it on MusiciansFriend, nor at a music store. Try it out, and buy it... here..... http://www.kraftmusic.com/

It's a best kept secret. I bought this keyboard with the stand, with the case, with all the pedals for the price that I would otherwise pay for just the keyboard. Even less because of the taxes, blablabla that would be like another 100 dollars.

I had to wait for the case for 3 months though--they didn't have it in stock. BUT, you pay NO tax, and NO shipping. IT IS GREAT.

Other than that, I am teaching myself. I play other instruments and finally after I got my bonus I decided to buy this new toy. It is HIGHLY inspirational, i.e. makes you want to play and practice. buy it and don't regret it.

P.S. I don't work for Clavia nor kraft music

Doesn't get much easier than this. Just plug it in and start playing. The manual is one of the best I've ever seen for a keyboard, but I've rarely had to look at it.

For for this keyboard is supposed to be, it has just about everything I could want. My only minor complaint is that I wished the transpose feature worked better. For instance, on piano sounds, you can only transpose down and octave, not up.

I mostly play jazz and have been using the Rhodes sounds a lot. Frankly, I think they sound awesome. One of the reasons I like them so much is that they sound so old-school and raw (in your face). It's a total contrast to a lot of other keyboards where the electric piano sounds sound all processed and smoothed out. Bleah! I really like the way this keyboard responds to my playing---it probably my only keyboard that's actually a lot of fun to play.

The acoustic piano is passable in my opinion. I've used a wide variety of keyboards over the years including a Yamaha S90, Yamaha P120, Roland Fantom, Kurzweil SP88, and Korg Triton. Over that time, I've come to the conclusion that emulating an acoustic piano with a keyboard is mostly just a big waste of time (I own a real grand piano and there's just no comparison to the real thing). If I need the sound of an acoustic piano, the Nord works just as well as anything else in my opinion. However, if I'm on a gig where no piano is available, I'll just use the Rhodes sounds instead.

I've only had it for a few months, but it seems reliable so far.

This keyboard is bad-ass. I've gigged with other keyboards in the past, but the Electro is the first keyboard I've owned that is actually fun to play on a gig. It's super-portable, it sounds great, it's fun to play, and last but not least, it looks cool. I'm even thinking about bring it to gigs where I also have an acoustic piano available (it's so small I could just set it on top of the piano and play both).

Bottom line: I wish I'd known about this keyboard two years ago. If lost, I'd definitely get another one.

Second time I have reviewed this keyboard - just wanted to post regarding the latest updates to the soundset and operating system.

The latest version of the operating system software is 2.3 (downloadable from the Clavia website www.clavia.se) Over the default 2.0 software you get:-

* selectable velocity curves for pianos
* an enhanced leslie simulator - much sweeter and more "open" sound, slightly faster ramp speed.
* movable split point for the organ if you are playing two manuals on one keyboard
* a more useable distortion sound
* a few minor bug fixes

Two new acoustic piano sounds were released early in 2006. These are:

Acoustic Piano 5 - Yamaha grand, close miked, stereo.
Acoustic Piano 6 - Steinway, close miked, stereo.

Both are very impressive, detailed and usable sounds from the Nord Stage sample library. You don't quite get all the detail from the stage but bear in mind that this is a keyboard avaliable for a third of the price! For the vast majority of applications, you will not be able to tell the difference between these sounds and the stage.

All of the Electro sounds are available from the clavia website, as above.

As you will have seen from the other reviews here, the rest of the sounds are stunning.

3 years on, this still hasn't broken. I've done all kinds of gigs with this... big festivals, small clubs and pubs. Certainly the most reliable keyboard I have ever owned - this has never let me down.

Updates still keep coming, the Clavia support staff are very helpful and deal with queries well.

Incredibly for a 4 year old keyboard, this is still a product that is being actively developed and the results of this development are available for free to owners.

The Nord Electro Yahoo Group is a very good place to ask further questions about this keyboard, there is a link on the Clavia site..

I'm using V2.1. Presets are very good, editing is very easy. The manual is clear as well. The only reason why I don't give a ten is the ludicrous two digit display, which makes set-up of midi cumbersome.

The polyphony is sufficient for every use, I guess. The organ has full 73 polyphoney; the rest is limited, but I never reached the top of the line. The keyboard action is outstanding, the waterfall action is nearly like the venerable B3. The effects (most notably the Leslie) are also cool. Midi functions are basic, and, as mentioned above, a little bit cumbersome to use.
The only thing laking is a split function that would allow you to play two patches a time.

The instruments are, in my opinion, some of the best assembled electro- and organ sounds in one package. Be sure - a hammond xb has better hammond sounds, and there are a better Rhodes emus as well. But: Alltogether in a package of 9.4 kilos, this will be the one and only.
In addition to that, it saves you pretty much every effect except a good echo delay, so if you are accustomed to work with to guys for an hour to setup your gear, forget it, and be as fast as a guitar player.

Had only one problem, but this was based on a 110V instrument plugged into a European power plug (...). However, my mech told me that they frequently pass out, but this is second hand knowledge only. I'd definitevley gig it without backup.

The above mentioned "mistake" was easened out without warranty, and I even got a 220V power supply now. So 1a.
Upgrades and different sounds are available over the clavia website, so, these guys care for you.

I cannot live without it anymore.... The only thing that could probably replace it is the announced 88 stage (yummy).
I've been playing it for nearly a year now, and I'am still amazed how it beautiful it sounds. Plug it into a tube amp and select a rhodes patch, and back in the 70s you are.
In addition, this is the first instrument I've seen that combined super sounds with easy handling. My previous instrument was a Yamaha P250 (rules), but with 30kg, jam sessions become a nuisance (until you get there....). Allthough only 9.8kg, it still retains a sound keyboard action and astonishing sturdyness, so it is really a giggers instrument. I did not really compare this to anything else, as there are few alternatives. I played the intermediate Roland synth once (I think RD-800), but never felt warm with it, and the small Yamah (P-80), which as a more realistic action, but less effects and definitly harder sounds.
The only thing I would love on it would be a decent reverb, because sometimes the sound gets "too clean" even when using effects.
It is definitively the one of the rare occasions of an instrument making things happen, and I get the feeling to get further with this one than with anything else (the only comparable feeling was gigging iin front of 1000 people with an original B3, but these are a little bit more expensive and cumbersome...).

Version 2.1., 61 key

Presets sound great! Just like the real instruments they're meant to emulate! As normal, you'll want to adjust\change them according to your taste, style, gig, etc.

Editing is a snap! No menus, upon menus, upon menus! Editing is via knobs and buttons and simple button combinations.

Manual is good.

I play it live (i.e. not sequenced) so I don't have enough fingers or toes to max it out and have notes drop off. With V2.1, polyphony us expanded, not sure how much, but it's perfectly fine for live performance.

No reverb, which is a bummer. Has all the standard effects associated with these vintage instruments (Phase, Flange, Wah, AutoWah, Chorus, Tremelo, Pan, Overdrive, Leslie, Presence (Para EQ) and EQ). They are all very good and can get you to whatever vintage sound from whatever musical era you're playing! Simple to adjust live via knobs\buttons.

Expansion is only new sounds via Clavia website. It's 'okay', but if you bought it for what it's meant for (authentic vintage instruments), then you don't need any more than it already has.

Full MIDI

Sounds are VERY realistic. Only one that doesn't sound so good is the acoustic piano. CP80 is 'okay'. Again, I bought it for the B3, Wurly, Rhodes and Clav and they are all near PERFECT!!

Onboard effects are excellent!

Pretty expressive keyboard considering it's a cross between B3 and 'regular' keyboard instruments. I prefer to play the keyboards (CP80, D6, Wurly, Rhodes) via MIDI from my Kurzweil SP76 and play the B3 on the Electro with the waterfall keys (YEAH!).

Only had it a few days, but it's constructed very well compared to all the current modern keyboards. Metal case w\wood panels. Sturdy knobs.

My backup is a Roland VK7 which will share organ duties with the Electro for now.

Have not dealt with and don't intend to. Seems like a low maintenance piece of gear that will work everytime!

If it were lost or stolen, I'd have to get another one! It's IDEAL for my style of playing (R&B, Funk, Blues, Rock, Soul, Reggae). Kind of expensive, but if you had to buy the ORIGINAL instruments AND effects, you'd be paying A LOT MORE. Heck, a fully functional B3 and Leslie 122 are anywhere from 2-3 grand!

Been playing 18 years. My live rig is a Kurweil SP76 and Roland VK7. Also own a Rhodes 73 suitcase (1982), Rhodes Stage (1971), studio upright piano and a couple of sound modules.

Only thing I compared it to were the other 2 versions of it (rack and 73 key).

IMHO, this is THE ULTIMATE OLD SCHOOL keyboard. If you can't afford the real thing or don't feel like carrying 800lbs of gear to every gig, the Electro 2 sits in PERFECTLY! It could use some minor tweaks (reverb). But overall, a great instrument.

Very simple and easy to use. No "menu-messing-around". Turn the knobs, press som buttons - thats all!

I miss a reverb effect. I miss that key transpose and octave shift could be stored in the user programs - and that there was more than 48 of them! The key transpose and octave shift does NOT affect the MIDI out signal. This is a problem when using the Nord Electro togeter with a sound module (layer sounds). The Nord Electro can't layer sounds itself. If you play one sound and not more at a time, the Electro is perfect. Else, it's very limited.

All the sounds are perfect to me. - Very autentic.

Built very solid - metal and wood. Good keys, buttons and knobs.
A few times, strange things happen when you change user presets too fast. The Electro is a bit slow to change programs.

Long delivery-delay (30 days). (rest-ordre). And no messages about when it will be available... Upgrade is easy on the Clavia Website.

If I lost my Elcetro, I would by it again, but if there are coming new models available in the future (with more midi functions, user-programs and effects) - I will buy the new one! I have a five year old Korg Triton Pro. Together with the Electro, it's a good combination. But in the future, maybe a "All in one" machine can do the same...

I'm using the latest 2.1x software on the Electro, and it rules! This keyboard is extremely easy to use. The presets are decent, but you will want to make your own, as with all keyboards anyway so that is not an issue. Editing patches is a cinch as well. Press a couple buttons, turn a few knobs and you're golden! No menus to scroll through an get lost in. The manual is very easy reading, and simple. It's a simple manual for a simple, yet powerful keyboard.

The keyboard action is good for electric pianos, and amazing for organ. Overall the action is a perfect medium by my standards. Plenty of built in effects for you to play with, and they are very easy to use. The option to download sounds and overwrite the ones you don't like or use is cool too. Personally, I never ever want to play an acoustic piano patch on a keyboard, so I replaced the electric grand patch and the acoustic grand patch with more rhodes sounds. It has basic midi capabilities as well as support for the two manual organ feature which is awesome. The features may not reach as far as a TRITON or a MOTIF 8, but for what you would get this keyboard for, it's great.

The sounds are awesome! Not only are they easy to customize and dial up, but they sound great. Everyone who hears me play this thing loves it. The organ is to die for, and the rhodes and the wurly sound superb as well. It has good feel and sensitivity (which is seperately editable for the organ and the pianos). All in all, this the sounds on this thing are killer.

I haven't had very long, but so far its absolutely fine. I believe clavia has a history of quality products though, so I expect the best from this bad boy.

Very easy to upgrade, and the people at Clavia are very quick to respond to your queries. No complaints in this department whatsoever.

Overall, this thing feels, sounds, and even looks sweet. This is one of the greatest investments I have ever made. It's so LIGHT and compact that I can carry all my gear to the gig without someone helping me schlep my rhodes cab up a flight of stairs. I have no complaints about it at all, and I recommend it to anyone who is tired of carrying their rhodes/wurly or god forbid, a Hammond to a gig. This thing has it all in one tiny, lightweight package. EXCELLENT!

Let me confess that I am not a pro keyboard player; I simply play for my church and am not very good. The Hammond organ gave up the ghost years ago and I have had a few synth boards since then. I finally made up my mind to buy some instructional video's and to help fire my passion for music, and because I miss the old Hammond, I went for the Nord Electro 2. This thing is very easy to operate just like everyone else is saying. There doesn't seem to be many posts lately on this product. I guess it's now and then a traveler these days.

Polyphony, if I know what that means, seems to work fine. Keyboard action seems fine, but what do I know.

The Leslie effect is good and the Nord sounds a lot like the old church organ, although it never came with a Leslie cabinet. I think the Leslie effect works better when ising two amplifiers, since the stereo effect seems to enhance it. I think some of the reviewers here may not have tried this and have judged the unit without using it at it's full potential. I am just getting into the other sounds, since this is my first evening with the Nord. Not a very good time for a review I guess, but I can always write another huh? Piano with version 2 seems good but could be better. Will look forward to the next version, perhaps it will have a bit more sparkle. I have not even checked the site for any other piano sounds though.

When I received my NORD ELECTRO 2 from Musiciansfriend.com the package arrived damaged. It had been opened by someone, obviously to inspect the damage and then it was taped up and sent to me anyway. My new Nord Electro keyboard had damage to the wooden panel on the right side of the unit but the keyboard does operate fine. Looks like it may have been dropped judging from the creased inpact area of the box. This says a lot for Clavia quality but very little from Musician's Friend. Although the wood damage is not extensive from the possible drop it makes me very dissatisfied. I like my new products to look new. Looks like somone hit the side with a sledge hammer, but not really hard; enough to dent it up though.
The way the unit was sent was not right to begin with. Every product I have received from other companies in the past had the manufacturer's box packaged inside a shipping cardboard box. This unit was sent only in the manufacturer's box, with the picture and labeling of the keyboard visible for all to see. This not only leaves the unit more vulnerable but it let's everyone know what is inside. I am lucky no one walked off with it once it arrived at my job. Because it was shipped that way I am easily compelled to believe it was damaged even before musiciansfriend.com shipped it.

I may or may not decide to return the product. I have already bought an American flag sticker and it covers the dent impressions quite nicely. I would not buy another product from Musician's Friend. Since someone banged the BEJESUS out of my keyboard, leaving a permanent impression of impact on the side, I feel like even though I have only had it a day that it is pretty much bullet proof. 'Nuff said.

I may just live with the damage. The American flag decal covers the indentations quite nicely and makes the Swedish Nord look very USA, nice. So I will say little about customer support. Why haggle with people who don't care enough to pack the thing correctly. Besides, the way I am reading their return policy looks like I will have to pay for the postage to get it back to them.

If it were lost or stolen I would run to every pawn shop looking for it, and then be torn to get a Motif, since they are now about even in price, but let's not be to premature, I haven't even gotten used to the keyboard yet. My last keyboard had more than 61 keys, so this baby may take getting used to. I was pleasantly surprised about it's weight and size. I can carry it under my arm since it is only about a foot wide and three feet in length. It fits in my car trunk quite nicely. And no wall wart to plug in; a big plus. Appearance wise it was not all that impressive to me when I opened the damaged box, but as far as I am concerned it's the sound that counts. It certainly sounds like a Hammond to me. I know it will widen the eyes of those in the other churches I may visit. I hardly EVER hear a Hammond Leslie any more; The steel guitar is the usual lead instrument in our churches. I really feel like I will enjoy this keyboard and I am already enthused about learning more likes due to it's wonderful sounds. I do think it needs a reverb control though.