The Clavinet is an electric keyboard instrument that works like a clavichord. It has short strings that are struck by a piece of metal when a key is pressed. Because of the clavinet's strong percussion sound, it is sometimes used as an alternative to the rhythm guitar in funk and rock music.
Family |
Keyboards |
Pitch range |
5 octaves. |
Material |
Wooden case, metal frame, and plastic keys. |
Size |
About 5 ft (1.50 m) long. |
Origins |
The clavinet was developed and manufactured in 1960 by Hohner in Trossingen, Germany. |
Classification |
Chordophone: an instrument that produces its sound by the vibration of strings. |
And also... |
The clavinet has such a popular sound that most synthesizers have a preset called "clav" or "clavinet," which emulates the sound of the instrument. |