Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $3,462

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$2499

$4500+

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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 Dean Fertita uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Dean Fertita

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Queens of the Stone Age

...
Verified via YouTube

If you pause at exactly 57:07, you can see the keyboard he plays during "I Appear Missing". It says Hohner Clavinet Pianet D6. He was also listed in the albums personal parts as playing a clavinet on track 9 (which is "I Appear Missing")

See how Pretty Lights uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Pretty Lights

Bassist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Pretty Lights incorporates the Hohner Clavinet D6 in their live performances, as seen in a user-uploaded photo featuring Brian Coogan and Brandon Butler.

See how Tocadisco uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Tocadisco

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Hohner Clavinet D6 in Tocadisco's studio.

See how Ludwig Göransson uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Ludwig Göransson

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

He used this instrument when producing Redbone

See how Herbie Hancock uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Herbie Hancock

Keyboardist

Various Artists for Children's Promise

...
Verified via Photo

The back cover of Herbie Hancock's 1978 album "Sunlight" prominently features the Hohner Clavinet D6 among his diverse collection of synthesizers, as seen in the user-uploaded photo from WFMU.

See how James Murphy uses Hohner Clavinet D6

James Murphy

Singer, DJ

LCD Soundsystem

...
Verified via Emusician

This Electronic Musician article states that Murphy owns a Hohner Clavinet D6.

See how Keith Emerson uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Keith Emerson

Keyboardist

Emerson, Lake & Palmer

...
Verified via Photo

Sound on Sound lists Keith's gear in this article, which includes a Hohner Clavinet D6 Classic keyboard with real strings.

See how Ray Manzarek uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Ray Manzarek

Singer, Keyboardist

The Doors

...
Verified via Photo

Ray Manzarek is seen playing a Hohner Clavinet D6 in a post-Doors era performance. Picture from Getty Images.

See how Mark Ronson uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Mark Ronson

Guitarist, Music Producer

Silk City

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In this Sound on Sound Article it says Mark Ronson uses a Hohner Clavinet D6

Exerpt: As far as hardware instrumentation at Allido goes, Ronson has a collection of synths and vintage keyboards that are constantly in use, including a Moog Voyager, a Roland Juno 106, a Nord Electro and a Hohner Clavinet D6, alongside his trusty Wurlitzer, Rhodes and upright pianos. "It's cool when you have a keyboard that nobody has or isn't using much any more," he says. "One of them I put all over Robbie Williams' 'Lovelight' is the Roland String Ensemble. It comes in with the second chorus and phases through the whole thing doing the big string line. Then there's the gated sound at the beginning of the track, which is me just scratching a synth sound on a [Pioneer] CDJ1000."

See how Jon Lord uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Jon Lord

Keyboardist

Deep Purple

...
Verified via Getty Images

Jon Lord with a Hohner Clavinet D6 at Nippon Budokan (MANDATORY CREDIT Koh Hasebe/Shinko Music/Getty Images) Deep Purple Jon Lord live at Nippon Budokan, Tokyo, December 1975. (Photo by Koh Hasebe/Shinko Music/Getty Images)

See how Bibio uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Bibio

Music Producer

...
Verified via Flickr

The keyboard second to bottom is a Hohner Clavinet D6. Pic from 2015.

See how Tommy Lee uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Tommy Lee

Drummer

Mötley Crüe

...
Verified via YouTube

This can be seen as one of the instruments in Tommy Lee's studio.

Used With

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

Wurlitzer 200A
Wurlitzer 200A Vintage & Electric Pianos
7
Fender Rhodes (General)
Fender Rhodes (General) Vintage & Electric Pianos
6
Yamaha DX7
Yamaha DX7 Synthesizers
5
Mellotron M400
Mellotron M400 Vintage & Electric Pianos
5
Roland Juno-106
Roland Juno-106 Synthesizers
4

Community setups

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hxs28

hxs28

Gear IQ 359

bios7

bios7

Gear IQ 97

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