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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 Peter Wolf uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Peter Wolf

Singer, Keyboardist

The Mothers of Invention

...
Verified

According to the article "1980-06 Little Band We Used To Play In," one of Peter Wolf's secondary keyboards during his years with Frank Zappa was the Hohner Clavinet D6.

See how Erik Norlander uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Erik Norlander

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Last in Line

...
Verified via Photo

Erik Norlander is confirmed to use a Hohner Clavinet D6, as evidenced by a photo available at https://eriknorlander.com/equipment.

See how Daryl Dragon uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Daryl Dragon

Keyboardist

The Beach Boys

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen on top of his Hammond B3 in this video from 1980.

See how Enrico Gabrielli uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Enrico Gabrielli

Keyboardist

Calibro 35

...
Verified via Photo

In a photo from Accordo, Enrico Gabrielli's Hohner Clavinet D6 can be seen positioned beneath the Eko Tiger keyboard.

See how Lachy Doley uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Lachy Doley

Keyboardist

...
Verified via Lachydoley

From the artists website: https://www.lachydoley.com

MY GEAR My beautiful 57 Hammond C3 (Clover Leaf) –> BK Butler TUBE DRIVER –> Leslie 145 Hohner d6 Clavinet fitted with the Castle Bar Whammy System –> Cry Baby Wah –> Harris Tremolo –> 4×10 Fender Devil

See how Max Middleton uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Max Middleton

Keyboardist

The Jeff Beck Group

...
Verified via Photo

In the liner notes of Jeff Beck's album "Wired," Max Middleton is credited with playing the Hohner Clavinet.

See how Danny Louis uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Danny Louis

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Gov't Mule

...
Verified via YouTube

Part of Louis’s rig, which he keeps on top of his Hammond B-3.

See how Damon Fox uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Damon Fox

Singer, Keyboardist

The Cult

...
Verified via Photo

Shown on the cover of Closer to Doom

See how Ronnie Rancifer uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Ronnie Rancifer

Keyboardist

The Jackson 5

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Rancifer can be seen playing a Hohner Clavinet D6 with the Jackson 5. You can hear and see Rancifer best around the 2:42 mark.

See how Danny Peyronel uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Danny Peyronel

Singer, Keyboardist

UFO

...
Verified via Facebook

According to Peyronel, his first keyboard rig with UFO included a Clavinet D6 which he placed on top of his Hammond B-3 organ, though it unable to be seen in this photo.

See how Gary Wright uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Gary Wright

Singer, Keyboardist

Spooky Tooth

...
Verified via Discogs

Gary Wright is credited with playing the Hohner Clavinet D6 in the liner notes of Spooky Tooth's album "The Mirror," as documented on Discogs.

See how Józef Skrzek uses Hohner Clavinet D6

Józef Skrzek

Singer, Bassist

SBB

...
Verified via YouTube

Skrzek used a MiniMoog Model D, PolyMoog 203A, MicroMoog, Moog Sonic Six, Hohner Clavinet D6, Fender Rhodes Mk. I Stage Piano, Davolisint, & SLM Concert Spectrum for SBB's late seventies studio, & live, recordings.

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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