CLAVIA NORD LEAD 1

The original and iconic keyboard version of the legendary Nord Lead 1 virtual analogue synth, in very good cosmetic condition and full working order.

This has been fitted with the rare and sought-after 12 voice upgrade and runs the later version 2.6 software – with extra filter and arpeggiator options to the original v1 software. The upgrade also added a PCMCIA card slot which can be used to store extra sounds/performances on the included card.

Featuring the original iconic asymmetric red case design, these expanded early versions are increasingly hard-to-find in such good condition and are destined to be future classics: the original virtual analogue synth.

It’s in good clean working order. We can email a file containing all available NL1 sounds from the Clavia site, a Mac SysEx Librarian for loading/saving extra sounds and the pdf of the owner’s manual to the winning bidder (or send a CDR if requested).

There are a few scuffs and surface scratches as you’d expect from a synth that’s over 15 years old: it looks stunning and is a joy to program and play (please see the detailed photos below). Knobs, pitch bend and mod wheel all work smoothly and flawlessly. Just testing this was a joy – lost several hours in sculpting fat VA sounds.

Many regard this version of the Nord Lead series as the best-sounding and feel it sounds fatter and more analogue than the later models with more presence and real bite.

There are no known operational issues with this synth: it is in perfect working order

It is a UK 240v model and will require a step-up transformer for use in countries with 110v supplies (USA/Canada etc); the UK plug will be removed for all other countries, unless otherwise requested. Step-up transformers are readily available online.