In hidden scientific bunkers deep below the Clavia research buildings, in what is known as Department K, a top-secret program takes willing and unwilling keyboards and transforms them into unstoppable super keyboards. In the latest experiment, Clavia operatives took an innocent Nord Stage keyboard, put it through a (we're assuming) brutal augmentation process, wherein the very internal structure was modified to feature an expanded memory section.

While the process is morally questionable at best, the project has resulted in a new keyboard -- the Clavia Nord Stage EX -- that's nothing less than a live instrument of total sonic superiority. The expanded memory hardware brings even greater variety to an already impressive sonic palette: the original 128MB memory is now 256MB.

A quick glance at the augmented Stage EX may not hint at any of the internal modifications, but close observation will yield a few tell-tale signs of these "EX" subjects: a slightly different color scheme adorns the control panel, and top-mounted labels identify the rear-connections. Even with the improved hardware, the Nord Stage EX's are still some of the lightest stage pianos around, the 88- and 76- key versions are only 41 lbs. and 36lbs., respectively.

The design team behind Project "EX" was unavailable at press time, due to their being gruesomely killed when the Stage EX became conscious and clawed its way to freedom.