Hohner Clavinet I Electric-Mechanical Piano

The Clavinet I is a mechanical-electronic musical instrument with 60 keys for 5 octaves. It came onto the market in 1964. The Clavinet was built in two different versions. The Clavinet I has a transistor amplifier with loudspeaker. However, the sound could also be reproduced by a radio (output socket). For orchestras, the instrument was connected to an orgaphone amplifier. The connection of a headphone is possible. The Clavinet II requires an external amplifier. The technology was taken over from the somewhat earlier Planet. The developer was Ernst Zacharias.

The sound is produced mechanically via strings whose vibrations are electrified by a magnetic pickup and directed to the amplifier. The instrument can be regulated for 4 timbres via 2 rocker switches. It is tuned with tuning pegs.