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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 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.

See how Patrick Moraz uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Patrick Moraz

Keyboardist

Yes

...
Verified via Photo

The tour program on the lower half of this page states that Moraz used a Hohner Clavinet D6.

See how Graham Massey uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Graham Massey

Guitarist, Keyboardist

808 State

...
Verified via 808state

Hohner D6 Clavinet is included in the equipment list.

See how Peter Tork uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Peter Tork

Singer, Bassist

The Monkees

...
Verified via Photo

In the 1969 special "33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee," Peter Tork is seen playing a Hohner Clavinet D6, particularly during the performance of "Listen to the Band." He likely used this instrument exclusively for the session, as he departed from the band soon after. There is also a possibility that Peter played the Hohner Clavinet D6 during live performances in 1968.

See how John Medeski uses Hohner Clavinet D6

John Medeski

Keyboardist

Medeski Martin & Wood

...
Verified via YouTube

This video shows Medeski playing his clavinet, which appears atop his hammond organ in every show. A good shot of it can be seen at :20s.

See how Kerry Minnear uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Kerry Minnear

Keyboardist

Gentle Giant

...
Verified via KeyboardMag

Well, I have this system where if I've heard of a new instrument, I hire it for a session in the studio. Then we make a decision on whether it's worth getting one or not. I hired a Clavinet for something in The Power and The Glory. I liked it because it was so clear. I didn’t know how the pins were then. I mean, the Clavinet works on the principle of hammering the strings down on a pad, and the things between the keys and the strings are made of thin metal. They can bend very easily. This can cause you to get some very dull notes because the string isn’t being struck right. So before each gig I have to do a complete overhaul on the instrument. It's a bit of a nuisance, but it's the clearest of all the keyboards. It can cut through the worst row on stage, which is something I've always wanted as a keyboard player. Early keyboards have suffered from mediocre tone, especially at high volume. You get swallowed up by everybody's overtones. The Clavinet will cut through that, though. I tend to use it as a harpsichord, rather than in the funky fashion. What I'm taking to lately is duplicating what I play on the piano, which is situated just under the Clavinet, to get a combination of the two. There's a tuning discrepancy that thickens things out a bit too, which I like.

See how Benny Andersson uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Benny Andersson

Keyboardist, Composer

ABBA

...
Verified via YouTube

In the 1981 TV special "ABBA Meets Dick Cavett," Benny Andersson's second pianist, Anders Eljas, can be seen using the Hohner Clavinet D6. This instrument was part of their setup during the 1979 European and American tour.

See how Kerry Livgren uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Kerry Livgren

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Kansas

...
Verified via Photo

In the image attached you can see Kerry with his Clavinet (Bottom Right) live with Kansas in 1977. It is used prominently on the track ‘Song For America’ and on the intro to the track ‘The Wall’.

See how Edgar Winter uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Edgar Winter

Singer, Keyboardist

The Edgar Winter Group

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Winter can be seen playing a Hohner Clavinet D6 in his home studio in Connecticut.

See how Jon Batiste uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Jon Batiste

Singer, Keyboardist

The Late Show Band

...
Verified via The Undefeated

Jon Batiste is featured with a Clavinet D6 in the article "Backstage at ‘The Late Show’ with Jon Batiste" The musical director and former point guard on why it’s important to keep score BY SORAYA NADIA MCDONALD

See how David Rosenthal uses Hohner Clavinet D6

David Rosenthal

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Rainbow

...
Verified

David Rosenthal uses the Hohner Clavinet D6, as evidenced by his 1982 Rainbow rig description, which lists the Clavinet D6 among his equipment. This information is sourced directly from David Rosenthal's official website.

See how Jason Lindner uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Jason Lindner

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Rolling Stone

"I brought my Hohner Clavinet, which I used on a couple of songs."

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)
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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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