Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $3,462
Standard/Professional
$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
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What type of sound can I expect from the Hohner Clavinet D6?
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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.
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How does the Hohner Clavinet D6 differ from a traditional piano?
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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.
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Does the Hohner Clavinet D6 have built-in speakers?
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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.
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Is the Hohner Clavinet D6 suitable for live performances?
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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.
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What is the keyboard action like on the Hohner Clavinet D6?
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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.
Videos
Genuine Soundware
Clavinet D6
Reviews
PROS
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Comes with original accessories and components, enhancing authenticity and value
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Exceptional sound quality, highly praised by users
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Mint condition aesthetics, including tolex and music stand
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Versatile use, suitable for various musical situations
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Realistic playing experience with tangible string interaction
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Can effectively replace a rhythm guitar with ease
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Shines with a touch of overdrive, expanding tonal possibilities
CONS
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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
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A Clavinet D6 in 1973 cost $850, equivalent to nearly $5,000 today, highlighting the challenge of producing affordable modern versions.
Source
Comparisons
Features and functionality
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Vintage Vibe Vibanet, the only current manufacture, is noted for its excellent sound despite being expensive compared to digital alternatives.
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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.
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The Clavinet D6 includes a mechanical slider that dampens/mutes the strings, altering playstyle similarly to short attack times on vintage synths.
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Use cases and applications
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 10 Ratings
85
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.
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
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.
Ferry can be seen playing a Hohner Clavinet D6 in this photo from his home studio.
Listed on the official 311 website, http://www.311.com/band/equipment
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.?
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.
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.
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.
Preston pioneered the use of the Clavinet during the recording of "Outa-Space" in 1972, according to this website.
On McConnell's official site, it is stated that he uses a Hohner Clavinet D6.
Album Usage
The Hohner Clavinet D6 has been featured on the following albums:
Even As We Speak: The Music of David Van Tieghem
David Van Tieghem (2025)
The Wall (Live 2019-20)
Kansas (2021)
The Joy of Music, The Job of Real Estate
Vulfpeck & Vulfpeck (2020)
Live at Madison Square Garden
Vulfpeck & Vulfpeck (2019)
The Roxy Performances (Live)
Frank Zappa (2018)
The End (Live)
Black Sabbath (2017)
The Mirror
Spooky Tooth (2015)
My First Car
Vulfpeck & Vulfpeck (2013)
Hands All Over (Deluxe)
Maroon 5 (2011)
The English Riviera
Metronomy (2011)
Call And Response: The Remix Album
Maroon 5 (2008)
It Won't Be Soon Before Long. (MTV Bonus Version)
Maroon 5 (2008)
It Won't Be Soon Before Long.
Maroon 5 (2007)
Live Friday The 13th
Maroon 5 (2007)
Songs About Jane: 10th Anniversary Edition
Maroon 5 (2002)
Songs About Jane
Maroon 5 (2002)
Outa-Space
Billy Preston (1991)
Stop Making Sense (Live)
Talking Heads (1984)
Prince
Prince & Prince (1979)
For You
Prince & Prince (1978)
Instant Replay (Expanded Edition)
Dan Hartman (1978)
Sunlight
Herbie Hancock (1978)
Amigos
Santana (1976)
Physical Graffiti (Remaster)
Led Zeppelin (1975)
Song For America (Expanded Edition)
Kansas (1975)
Godbluff
Van der Graaf Generator (1975)
The Power and the Glory
Gentle Giant (1974)
Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock (1973)
Talking Book
Stevie Wonder (1972)
Magical Mystery Tour (Remastered)
The Beatles (1967)
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Hohner Clavinet D6, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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