The Clavinet is a 60-key electromechanical keyboard made by Hohner from 1964 to 1982. It uses rubber pads to strike tensioned steel strings, with electromagnetic pickups capturing the vibration. Its weighted action enables dynamic volume and aftertouch via string stretch. It excels at percussive, expressive, midrange-heavy articulation—but offers no sustain, limited range, or tonal flexibility beyond its fixed pickup response.
The Hohner Pianet is a compact, self-contained electro-mechanical piano built in West Germany. It generates sound by lifting pads from tuned reeds, producing a sharp attack and clean sustain. Two mechanical generations differ in reed material, pad composition, and pick-up type. The Pianet T uses NASA-patented suction pads and requires no external power. It was part of Hohner’s 1960s and 1990s line of electromechanical keyboards, including the Cembalet, Basset, Guitaret, and Clavinet.