Guitar Pedal X's Stefan Karlsson describes a consistent element across Tachibana's work: "For certain circuit engineers, you have a consistent element / sound signature, that you can hear in all their pedals", in Nordland's case a harmonic breakup and texture that carries across genres4.
What Nordland Electronics is known for
Nordland's catalog centers on overdrives that re-engineer Tachibana's Nobels circuits with better components and added controls. Aion FX, which traced the ODR-C circuit in 2021, calls it "a brilliantly-designed handmade pedal that occupies the opposite end of the spectrum" from the original ODR-1 in build quality and price6. The company's range as listed on RockBoard PedalPedia includes the ODR-C, an ODR-C Black Edition, the ODR-CC+ Compact, the ODR-C 30th Anniversary, and the MT-11 Mosland overdrive37.
The MT-11 Mosland, reviewed by Guitar Pedal X in July 2024, is Tachibana's take on the Ibanez Mostortion, priced at €224.90 including taxes, €189 without (about $205)4.
"Another one of my all-time favourite overdrives - I really love both the flagship Nordland pedals - and this one has super harmonic breakup to match its extensive range."
The ODR-C H/L overdrive
The ODR-C H/L is the general-release reissue of the limited 30th Anniversary ODR-C, which featured Hi/Low Gain switching alongside Drive, Level, ODC, Spectrum EQ, Mid and Lo-Cut controls2. The circuit is based on the Nobels ODR-1, Tachibana's original design2. Nordland says the H/L is made with superior wiring and to a slightly higher quality standard than the Nobels ODR-1, with more premium components2.
Its controls are:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Drive | Sets the gain of the overdrive |
| Level | Sets the output volume |
| ODC (Overdrive De-Compress) | Gradually adds higher-threshold clipping diodes in the soft-clipping stage1 |
| Spectrum EQ | Tones the overdrive |
| Hi/Low Gain switch | Selects between two gain modes |
| Mid | Midrange control |
| Lo-Cut | Cuts low end |
The ODC control is the feature Aion FX highlights in its circuit trace of the ODR-C Custom Overdrive: an "overdrive de-compress" control that gradually adds higher-threshold clipping diodes in the soft-clipping stage, letting a player dial back the compression the original circuit's diodes impose6. The ODR-C also uses a double-decker "sandwich" PCB form factor, similar to Xotic pedals, to fit its circuit in a compact enclosure6.
The 30th Anniversary edition carried the same control set plus an internal Presence switch, and was listed at €249/$269 in December 20239. The regular ODR-C Custom Overdrive, with six controls, was listed at €238/$258 at the same time9.
Reviewers on the ODR-C family
Stefan Karlsson's December 2023 roundup of ODR-1-style overdrives placed the 30th Anniversary edition first among them92:
"This for me this is one of the all-time ultimate overdrives - and the very best version of the ODR-1 you could buy."
With the 30th Anniversary long sold out, he called the regular ODR-C the second best choice, preferable overall to the Vemuram ODS-1, and noted its six controls give it one more than the Vemuram9. Aion FX's technical analysis concluded the pedal "lives up to and exceeds its hype", calling it a stunning piece of engineering worth every penny in build quality and design6.
The ODR-CS Custom Special
In 2023 Tachibana also released the ODR-CS Custom Special under Nordland Electronics, in honor of the original pedal's 30th anniversary5. Aion FX describes it as a re-engineered version of the ODR-S that uses better quality components than the original Nobels unit and adds true bypass switching5.
The range (4)
| Type | Pedals |
|---|---|
| Overdrive | Nordland Electronics MT-11 Mosland, Nordland Electronics ODR-C Custom Overdrive, Nordland Electronics ODR-C H/L, Nordland ODR-C |
Questions
How much does the Nordland ODR-C H/L cost?
The ODR-C H/L retails for €249, approximately $259, as reported by Guitar Pedal X in January 2025. It is sold through the Nordland Electronics Webstore. The earlier ODR-C Custom Overdrive was listed at €238, about $258, in December 2023.
When did the ODR-C H/L go on general release?
The ODR-C H/L went on general release in January 2025. It is a reissue of the limited 2022 30th Anniversary ODR-C, which reached around 200 players. Two years of demand for that sold-out pedal led Nordland to put the H/L version into wider production.
What kind of overdrive is the ODR-C?
The ODR-C is a boutique handmade overdrive based on the Nobels ODR-1 Natural Overdrive, a circuit Kai Tachibana originally developed in 1992. It is a soft-clipping overdrive with an added Overdrive De-Compress control that gradually brings in higher-threshold clipping diodes.
Where can I buy Nordland Electronics pedals?
Nordland Electronics pedals are available from the Nordland Electronics Webstore. The ODR-C H/L was released there in January 2025 at €249, approximately $259. Limited editions such as the 2022 30th Anniversary ODR-C sold out and are no longer available new.
Sources (9)
- Andromeda Deluxe Natural Overdrive / Nordland ODR-C, Aion FX, 2021-10-22
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2025-01-23
- ODR-C by Nordland Electronics, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2024-07-04
- Arcturus Natural Overdrive / Nobels ODR-S, Aion FX, 2023-09-08
- Tracing Journal: Nordland ODR-C Custom Overdrive, Aion FX, 2021-10-22
- ODR-C 30th Anniversary by Nordland Electronics, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2023-12-16
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2023-12-06