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Average Price: $3,462

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$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 George Duke uses Hohner Clavinet D6

George Duke

Singer, Keyboardist

Earth, Wind & Fire

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "G. DUKE B. COBHAM - HIP POCKETS," George Duke is seen playing the Hohner Clavinet D6, an instrument he frequently used throughout the 1970s.

See how Bryan Ferry uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Bryan Ferry

Singer, Keyboardist

Roxy Music

...
Verified via Photo

Ferry can be seen playing a Hohner Clavinet D6 in this photo from his home studio.

See how Nick Hexum uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Nick Hexum

Singer, Guitarist

311

...
Verified via 311

Listed on the official 311 website, http://www.311.com/band/equipment

See how Bernie Worrell uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Bernie Worrell

Keyboardist, Composer

Talking Heads

...
Verified via Bonhams

A BERNIE WORRELL CUSTOM CLAVINET c.1969. A Hohner Clavinet D6 electric keyboard, with custom keyboard featuring a "Popeye" comic strip lacquered to keys, with several decals to frame, housed in a hard latched carrying case with three handles. Worrell played this Hohner Clavinet D6 at the Brighton Bar in Long Branch, NJ, with Steve Kimock in Washington DC in August of 2013, and also likely at the 2014 Moogfest.?

See how Woody Goss uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Woody Goss

Keyboardist, Composer

Vulfpeck

...
Verified via Getty Images

Goss (left) performing on the Panhandle Stage during the 2016 Outside Lands Music And Arts Festival at Golden Gate Park on August 5, 2016 in San Francisco, California. The D6 in placed above the Hammond C3 here.

See how Chris Chaney uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Chris Chaney

Bassist

AC/DC

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Chris Chaney and the 5088: Home Studio Tour" by Rupert Neve on YouTube, a Hohner Clavinet D6 can be clearly seen in a rack behind Chris Chaney at the 3:00 mark.

See how Toby Smith uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Toby Smith

Keyboardist, Composer

Jamiroquai

...
Verified via YouTube

In a tribute video by Zender Music titled "In memory of Toby Smith - Jamiroquai" on YouTube, Toby Smith is seen playing a Hohner Clavinet D6.

See how Billy Preston uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Billy Preston

Singer, Keyboardist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Songfacts

Preston pioneered the use of the Clavinet during the recording of "Outa-Space" in 1972, according to this website.

See how Richard Tandy uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Richard Tandy

Guitarist, Bassist

Electric Light Orchestra

...
Verified via YouTube

A Clavinet can be seen in Richard's rig at 2:24 in to this video.

See how Page McConnell uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Page McConnell

Keyboardist

Phish

...
Verified via Pagemcconnell

On McConnell's official site, it is stated that he uses a Hohner Clavinet D6.

See how Peter Hammill uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Peter Hammill

Singer, Guitarist

Van der Graaf Generator

...
Verified via YouTube

Peter Hammill can clearly be heard and seen playing a Hohner Clavinet D6 all throughout the Godbluff recordings, in addition to touring with it as well, as seen in the video clip, especially visible around 3:16.

See how Jesse Carmichael uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Jesse Carmichael

Singer, Guitarist

Maroon 5

...
Verified via Photo

Jesse Carmichael used a Clavinet for years, starting with his band Maroon 5’s 2002 album ‘Songs About Jane’, where it played a key role.

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

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bios7

Gear IQ 97

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