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 Charly García uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Charly García

Singer, Guitarist

Serú Girán

...
Verified via Photo

Charly usaba el clavinet en Sui Generis,La maquina y Seru.

See how Vulfpeck uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Vulfpeck

Bassist, Drummer

...
Verified via YouTube

Vulfpeck uses the Hohner Clavinet D6 in their live performances, as seen in their "Vulfpeck Live at Madison Square Garden" concert. The instrument was first featured in their track "It Gets Funkier 3."

See how Derek Sherinian uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Derek Sherinian

Keyboardist

Alice Cooper

...
Verified via Twitter

On his twitter account, he posted this photo of the keyboard along side two other keyboards.

See how Chick Corea uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Chick Corea

Keyboardist

GRP All-Star Big Band

...
Verified via YouTube

Chick Corea use it with his band: Return to forever in 1974

See how D'Angelo uses Hohner Clavinet D6

D'Angelo

Singer, Guitarist

Soulquarians

...
Verified via Photo

D'Angelo can be seen in this photo playing a Hohner Clavinet D6.

See how Guy‐Manuel de Homem‐Christo uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Guy‐Manuel de Homem‐Christo

Keyboardist, Composer

Daft Punk

...
Verified via Photo

According to Guy-Manuel, “ we didn’t use a Clavinet on Discovery but I usually use one in my studio” in this picture you can see Guy Manuel’s studio in 2003. You can see a Moog synthesiser. And you can also see some other equipment. You can see a clavinet too. It is Clavinet D6. It could be another clavinet model because they are other models of clavinets.

See how Greg Phillinganes uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Greg Phillinganes

Keyboardist

The Jackson 5

...
Verified via Instagram

Greg Phillinganes is shown playing a Hohner Clavinet D6 in this Instagram post by callenobrien, captioned: “The great @greg_phillinganes_live at the Blue Note La with his @retrorentalsnet clav 🙌”.

See how Don Airey uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Don Airey

Keyboardist

Judas Priest

...
Verified via Photo

In 1981, Don Airey, the renowned keyboardist, used a Hohner Clavinet D6 as part of his gear setup. This is evidenced by a photograph sourced from ProgArchives.com, which shows the Clavinet D6 positioned atop a Vako Orchestron alongside other instruments such as the Minimoog, ARP Odyssey, and Yamaha CS-80.

See how Geoff Downes uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Geoff Downes

Keyboardist

Yes

...
Verified via Muzines

"The next thing must have been the Solina. I got that around 1978, and it was the string machine to beat all string machines. At that time, on sessions, I was using that, the Clavinet D6 (bear in mind that when I got that in the late '70s, funky disco music was in demand), the Hammond, the Rhodes and the Minimoog."

See how Roger O'Donnell uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Roger O'Donnell

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Cure

...
Verified via Rogerodonnell

listed 4th down in rogers keyboard section

See how Gregg Allman uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Gregg Allman

Singer, Guitarist

The Allman Brothers Band

...
Verified via Photo

Allman playing a Clavinet D6 in 1979.

See how Joseph Mount uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Joseph Mount

Singer, Guitarist

Metronomy

...
Verified via Discogs

This instruments is credited amongst the equipment Joe used in the recording of The English Riviera.

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

Show yours
hxs28

hxs28

Gear IQ 359

bios7

bios7

Gear IQ 97

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