HOHNER
Clavinet D6
Click on images to enlarge
Debuting in the mid/late 1960's. The Hohner Clavinet became one of the most popular electro-mechanical keyboard in funky pop music. It was conceived in Germany as an electric version of the clavichord, a Baroque period instrument, and was initially intended for use as a classical instrument. Introduced to the world as the Clavinet I followed by the Clavinet II, it rocketed into pop music as the Clavinet C. It's most notable use was Stevie Wonder's recording of "Superstition" in 1968. The Clavinet D6 of the early/mid 70's ultimately became the most popular version of the Clavinet. Billy Preston's "Outta Space" is an excellent example of the D6, played with a wah pedal. The late 1970's saw the introduction of the Clavinet E7 at which time began to lose popularity.
My Hohner D6 Clavinet is in beautiful condition for it's 30 year age, and has just undergone a complete hammer replacement. It sounds and plays amazingly. With a modification to the preamp (enclosing it inside of a sheet-brass box), it's output is now much more quiet, as the Clavinet is known for it's single-coil buzz on it's output.