Is Nord an ethical manufacturer?

[Synth Nerd]

FWIW, I'm 99.9999% sure they don't do testing on animals.

I don’t know about about that,the Nords I’ve owned are right Beasts

[Elias]

I believe that simply the number of products Nord manufactures is insignificant compared to many other instrument manufacturers, let alone other markets. Also (as stated above) Nord has most of their production chain in Sweden, which would make unethical conditions and methods extremely unlikely.

Don't worry. If you want a Nord, buy one.

[mitya]

Is Nord an ethical manufacturer? Yes.

Your source being?

[mitya]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the many replies.

Firstly, I'm obviously talking only about the parts made in countries where, as some have pointed out, workers can sometimes be exploited. I don't for a second expect this to be the case for parts made in Sweden itself, and I have no concerns about Swedish labour laws.

I think it's careful we don't let manufacturers off the hook, though. Companies involved, directly or indirectly, in unethical supply-chain processes and practices do so ONLY because their customers, either knowingly or unwittingly, tolerate it. Hence Amazon thrives; it's about prices/market dominance only. Never mind that delivery drivers are having to pee in water bottles because they're so pressured - yay for next-day delivery!

To be clear, I am category NOT saying Nord has any unethical practices in its business, either at home or abroad, merely that they don't seem to be talking about it. Being Swedish, and given the price point, I am hopeful - perhaps even confident - they Nord ARE a thoroughly decent, ethical company. It would just be nice to hear about it.

As for toxic chemicals, it's becoming increasingly common for electronics manufacturers to have provide policies and reports on their handling and usage of toxic chemicals in manufacture. I'm not saying if they use them they're unethical, merely that this is something companies focus more and more on. Computer manufacturers, for example, have been under a lot of pressure in recent years to sharpen up on this front and optimise their processes in this area.

Yes, I have also looked into competing manufacturers. Yamaha, as I say, seem pretty on it. Roland and Kawai, to a lesser extent, have content too - not as much as I'd like to see but at least something, covering the main areas. Korg is the exception; they have nothing to say all, just like Nord.

Finally, those whose replies were essentially "shrug - what can you do?" - I feel it's important we hold producers to account. Otherwise, in a market economy, we simply have to hope they're ethical and are willing to pay for ethical practices (which often cost more than unethical practices). If we don't demand this of companies, are we not complicit?

[Elias]

As someone stated earlier in this thread, I also don't support using environmental (or political) issues to promote a brand. The fact that Yamaha, Roland and Kawai have content related to the subject, does in no way guarantee anything. They decide what they show and what they don't show to the public.
(The reality is often the opposite, with oil companies and giants like Amazon)

For what I know, all (major) electronic instrument manufacturers' supply chains overlap for the most part. The more they overlap, the less difference it makes to choose one over the other.

[JohnT]

I bought a Nord because it was the best keyboard to fit my needs. Period. Why would you want an inferior product, just because the manufacturer is "ethical"? Boycott the "unethical" manufacturers and none of us will have instruments when they go bust. Thanks.

[neomad]

I believe that Nord's only responsibility is to make great instruments for musicians.
-dj

+1

Tired of all the Wokenomics... that scam will destroy us... worried about this kind of terrorist-style movements and questions.

[DJKeys]

I think it's careful we don't let manufacturers off the hook, though. Companies involved, directly or indirectly, in unethical supply-chain processes and practices do so ONLY because their customers, either knowingly or unwittingly, tolerate it. Hence Amazon thrives; it's about prices/market dominance only. Never mind that delivery drivers are having to pee in water bottles because they're so pressured - yay for next-day delivery!

And it is companies like Amazon, Pepsi, Disney, the NBA, ESPN, the NFL that are constantly virtue signaling while actually changing none of their practices that they purport to disdain. It is a scam, period. So far, Nord has stayed out of this, as they should.

-dj

[CountFosco]

I don't know where they're at now, but Nord have come a long way since the original Stage where they used the bones of expired slaves coated in palm oil to make the white keys.

[JohnT]

I don't know where they're at now, but Nord have come a long way since the original Stage where they used the bones of expired slaves coated in palm oil to make the white keys.

You win today.