The Hohner Clavinet

 

Virtually every modern synth and electronic Keyboard has a preset called  "Clav" or has a variation on the name,. This bears testamant to the importance of the distinctive, bright staccato sound  of the Hohner Clavinet. Much loved by the world of funk, disco, rock and reggae, perhaps the most recognisable use of it was on Stevie Wonder's "Superstition". 

 

Invented by Ernst Zachariasm and produced by Hohner essentially for the home keyboard market, the clavinet was essentially an electronically amplified Clavichord. The sound is created by rubber hammers attatched to the keys, striking the strings, The sound is then sent to an external amplifier by using electro-magnetic pickups similar to those found on guitars. A simple volume knob, six large rocker tone switches and a mechanical slide damper are the only controls to be found on the instrument. Various versions including the models I, II, L, C, D6, and E7 were made from 1968 - 1982 , with the most famous model being the D6.