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Average Price: $3,852

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Description

The Hohner Clavinet is an electrically amplified clavichord invented by Ernst Zacharias and manufactured by Hohner. The instrument uses a hammer action which strikes a string against a metal surface to produce a tone.

The Clavinet D6, introduced in 1971, was the most popular Clavinet model. Following the popularity of the Clavinet C, the D6 featured a similar case design but with a black vinyl leathercloth exterior and a teak veneer top. The D6 allowed a more versatile sound election, which could be selected by six rocker switches to the left of the keyboard. The left four switches are concerned with tone; "Brilliant" and "Treble" activate a high-pass filter, while "Medium" and "Soft" activate a low-pass filter. The two right switches are marked "AB" and "CD" and control which pickups are selected. On the right was a mechanical mute slider.

Product specs

Brand Hohner
Model Clavinet D6
Finish Black, Natural
Year 1971
Made In Germany
Categories Electric Pianos
Analog / Digital Analog
Built-In Speakers No
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Weighted
Number of Keys 61 Keys

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Hohner Clavinet D6?

The Hohner Clavinet D6 produces a bright, percussive sound similar to an electric guitar, making it ideal for funk, rock, and soul music. Its unique tonal character comes from its 60 tensioned steel strings and rubber hammer pads.

How does the Hohner Clavinet D6 differ from a traditional piano?

Unlike a traditional piano, which uses felt hammers, the Clavinet D6 uses rubber pads to strike its strings, producing a sharper, more guitar-like sound. It also features an electric pickup system for amplification, unlike the acoustic nature of a piano.

Does the Hohner Clavinet D6 have built-in speakers?

No, the Hohner Clavinet D6 does not have built-in speakers. It requires an external amplifier or speaker system for sound output, which allows for greater flexibility in live and studio settings.

Is the Hohner Clavinet D6 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Hohner Clavinet D6 is well-suited for live performances, particularly in genres like funk and rock. Its robust, weighted keys and distinctive sound make it a favorite among live musicians looking for a dynamic stage presence.

What is the keyboard action like on the Hohner Clavinet D6?

The Hohner Clavinet D6 features a weighted keyboard action, providing a responsive and tactile playing experience. This action is appreciated by players who want a more expressive and dynamic performance.

Genuine Soundware

Genuine Soundware

Clavinet D6

Video thumbnail for Clavinet D6 by Genuine Soundware

Clavinet D6

Genuine Soundware

Genuine Soundware

Video thumbnail for Hohner Clavinet D6 | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Hohner Clavinet D6 | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Hohner Clavinet D6: Unboxing & Fun by Doctor Mix

Hohner Clavinet D6: Unboxing & Fun

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Video thumbnail for Hohner Clavinet D6: In Action by Doctor Mix

Hohner Clavinet D6: In Action

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Video thumbnail for How to fully restore the HOHNER Clavinet D6 in 10 minutes by Dmitry Krasivov

How to fully restore the HOHNER Clavinet D6 in 10 minutes

Dmitry Krasivov

Dmitry Krasivov

Video thumbnail for Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous sounds & riffs by Andy Whitmore

Hohner Clavinet D6 – Famous sounds & riffs

Andy Whitmore

Andy Whitmore

Reviews

PROS

  • Comes with original accessories and components, enhancing authenticity and value

  • Exceptional sound quality, highly praised by users

  • Mint condition aesthetics, including tolex and music stand

  • Versatile use, suitable for various musical situations

  • Realistic playing experience with tangible string interaction

  • Can effectively replace a rhythm guitar with ease

  • Shines with a touch of overdrive, expanding tonal possibilities

CONS

  • May require replacement of hammers and strings, potentially increasing maintenance time

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hohner Clavinet D6.

Value and pricing

  • A Clavinet D6 in 1973 cost $850, equivalent to nearly $5,000 today, highlighting the challenge of producing affordable modern versions.

    Source

Comparisons

  • An older Nord keyboard is considered the most affordable reproduction of a Clavinet due to its accuracy in other sound models.

    Source
  • The Nord Electro 3 is noted to have a similar action to the Clavinet T, providing a comparable playing experience.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Vintage Vibe Vibanet, the only current manufacture, is noted for its excellent sound despite being expensive compared to digital alternatives.

    Source
  • The Clavinet D6 has a super light action with a very short throw, allowing for fast funky riffs, comparable to a Hammond B3's early contact touch.

    Source
  • The Clavinet D6 includes a mechanical slider that dampens/mutes the strings, altering playstyle similarly to short attack times on vintage synths.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The digital route is preferred by many due to demand for multiple sounds like Rhodes, Wurlitzer, and organ, reducing the need for individual electromechanical instruments.

    Source
  • Owners often pair the Clavinet D6 with a wah-wah pedal and phase shifter to emulate classic funk sounds.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
S

Only does one thing but does it so well.

Only does one thing but does it so well.

I bought mine needing all the hammers and strings to be replaced. It's simple work though and was a good intro into keyboard teching.

tehu
tehu

163

It's a Clavinet, Nothing more to say

This is a incredible instrument, very versatile, can be used in many ways and situations. The feeling of playing the real thing is omnipresent when playing it, you really feel the strings! This can replace a rythm guitar anytime and with a little overdrive, it really shine!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Alex Turner uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Alex Turner

Guitarist

Arctic Monkeys

...
Verified via Photo

his clavinet can be seen at the top of his keyboards

See how Jonny Greenwood uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Jonny Greenwood

Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo

A photograph clearly shows Jonny Greenwood with the Hohner Clavinet D6, confirming his use of this specific musical instrument.

See how Paul McCartney uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via YouTube

It's on top of Paul's Mellotron MkII in his home studio. You can see it in a video of Paul playing his mellotron, and also part of it in this video, starting at 5:15.

See how Prince uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Prince

Guitarist, Bassist

Prince

...
Verified via Guitarcloud

Prince played a Hohner Clavinet on the For You and Prince albums. It is mentioned in the credits to For You.

See how John Paul Jones uses Hohner Clavinet D6

John Paul Jones

Bassist, Keyboardist

Led Zeppelin

...
Verified via Photo

John Paul Jones started using a Hohner Clavinet on Led Zeppelin’s 1975 album Physical Graffiti, specifically on the tracks “Custard Pie,” “Trampled Underfoot,” and “In the Light.”

“Trampled Under Foot" is Jones's classic Clavinet track, and it was one of the band’s best songs when played live. The song begins with the Clavinet part, and its heavy, driving "stomp" rhythm pushes the song throughout. The clavinet solo is an energetic and busy chordal improvisation. As the solo plays, a second clavinet track is added -- a dark, muted sound that was created by running the clavinet through a wah-wah pedal set back to a very low range.

Video: Trampled Underfoot Live 1975

See how Frank Zappa uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Frank Zappa

Singer, Guitarist

The Plastic Ono Band

...
Verified via Photo

Frank Zappa's Hohner Clavinet D6 was listed for sale on Reverb in January 2024. The instrument was previously auctioned by Julien's.

The following comes from the Reverb listing:

This Hohner Clavinet D6 keyboard comes from the Julien's Frank Zappa Auction. This Clav can be seen in many Zappa concerts in the 1970's with George and other Zappa alumni playing after George's tenure. The Clavinet D6 was a part of Frank Zappa's sound. George Duke who played keyboards and synthesizers can be seen using a Clavinet D6 live in the film Roxy: The Movie (Eagle Rock Entertainment, 2015), a concert film of Zappa's performances at The Roxy in 1973. The Clavinet D6 has 60 keys, the control panel to the left of the keys has six rocker switches. The switches labeled "AB" and "CD" control the pickup selection. The switches labeled "Medium" and "Soft" activate a low-pass filter and the switches labeled "Brilliant" and "Treble" activate a high-pass filter. There is a volume knob on the control panel. The top panel is finished in a teak veneer. There is a clear plastic music stand which is secured to the inner side of the removable lid. There is a metal fader to the right of the keys. The Clavinet D6 is housed in a wooden carrying case that is finished in black vinyl. The vinyl has scuff marks and wear from the years of use. The casing is original and features a back panel that has a 1/4" output, a 6-9 Volt Adapter socket, the Hohner logo, Clavinet D6 printed. The carrying case has protective metal corner covers. The removable lid is finished in a light gray vinyl, has protective corner covers and has K9 stenciled on the top.

See how Charlie Puth uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Charlie Puth

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "INSIDE: Charlie Puth Home Studio" by Caleb Simpson on YouTube, a Hohner Clavinet D6 is visible at 0:08, positioned at the bottom of a synth rack in Charlie Puth's studio.

See how Richard Wright uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Richard Wright

Singer, Keyboardist

Pink Floyd

...
Verified via Photo

According to this article, Wright used a Hohner Clavinet D6 occasionally.

Full article here.

See how Vangelis uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Vangelis

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Aphrodite's Child

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video you can see Vangelis playing on a Hohner Clavinet D6

See how Ryuichi Sakamoto uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Ryuichi Sakamoto

Keyboardist, Composer

Yellow Magic Orchestra

...
Verified via Instagram

Ryuichi Sakamoto can be seen playing Hohner Clavinet D6 in this post.

See how Rick Wakeman uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Rick Wakeman

Keyboardist

Black Sabbath

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Wakeman can be seen with a Hohner Clavinet D6.

See how Stevie Wonder uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Stevie Wonder

Singer, Drummer

U.S.A. for Africa

...
Verified via Photo

In the photo, Stevie Wonder is pictured playing the Hohner Clavinet D6, highlighting his long-standing association with this iconic electric keyboard.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Hohner Clavinet D6, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Fender Rhodes (General) Vintage & Electric Pianos
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Yamaha DX7
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5
Mellotron M400
Mellotron M400 Vintage & Electric Pianos
5

Community setups

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hxs28

hxs28

Gear IQ 359

bios7

bios7

Gear IQ 97

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