Clavinet D6 Owners Manual
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The Clavinet D 6 keyboard range of 5 octaves (F1-e3) is suitable for a big proportion of piano music,
beginning with lute and organ music of the 14th century, covering all Baroque piano music up to the
Classical period. It is also suitable for a section of piano music of the Romantic period because
intonation depends on keyboard pressure. Although this instrument can player very melodiously, it is
also possible to produced very incisive single notes, with very special appeal to the jazz pianist. Rock
music has tremendous impact with the Clavinet D 6, provided ample amplification is available.
Intonation
Key intonation must be definite as with the historical Clavichord, while pressure on the key must be
maintained. Careless playing sounds ineffective. One has to play more or less "Portato" to produce
"Staccato". There is direct finger contact with the string through they key and the plunger; the note
continues to sound as long as the connection is maintained.
How the Clavinet D 6 Works
This belongs to the group of electronic instruments incorporating mechanical vibrators (strings) which
are intonated by piano keys and a suitable mechanism (Pat. Pending). These mechanical vibrations
are not conveyed to the air but are converted into electrical frequencies through magnetic pick-ups
which are amplified and reproduced through the loudspeaker. The keys form a single arm lever. When
a key is depressed, a plunger underneath touches the string and presses it on to an anvil. The string
impinges on the anvil with greater or less strength according to the heaviness of key pressure, thus
affecting the dynamics of the sounding string. Immediately the key is released, contact between
plunger and anvil is broken, leaving the wool-wound part of the string (left of the anvil) free, so that the
string vibration is immediately muted.
Magnetic pick-ups are situated at the other end of the string. The strings effect the change in the
magnetic flow in the pick-up which in turn induces tone frequencies. The four tone colours are
regulated by register switches and depend on which pick-up is switched on.
This voltage is directed via the register network to an amplifier and reproduced in the loudspeaker.
Servicing Guide
The simple construction of this instrument makes it very easy to attend to adjustments because the
most important parts of this carefully constructed instrument are easily accessible. By turning two
milled screws (6, Fig.1)
and on removing the side pieces, the strings can be replaced.
Tuning the Clavinet D6
Occasionally the instrument needs tuning because it is fitted with strings, but this should be easy for a
piano tuner, as the Clavinet D6 uses only one string per note, covering only 5 octaves. A tuning key is
supplied with every instrument (2, Fig. 1)
.
Special Note:
The tuning pin is approximately one octave further left of the piano key (refer to label alongside the
tuning pins). The strings are relatively slack, so avoid unnecessary turning. Only turn the tuning pin
while simultaneously intonating and listening.
Changing the Strings:
If a faulty or damaged string has to be replaced, unscrew the keyboard side pieces and if necessary
remove the keyboard from the string holder for easy access. Thread in the new string into the piece
left in the wool winding, making sure it is in good order.
The following accessories are supplied with the instrument:
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