Introduction (Clavinet) - Native Instruments Scarbee Clavinet & Piano User Manual

1 Introduction (Clavinet)

Scarbee Clavinet is a unique and totally authentic reproduction of the most funky keyboard
ever made, recreating not only its signature sound but also the unique dynamic response of
the original instrument. It has a big round twanging bottom and a wiry and tight top end. For
many, this is as close as they will ever get to a sound which could compete with the cut of
an electric guitar. The sharp tone and the percussive playing style made it a first choice for
many funk recordings, where it complemented funk guitar rhythms like no other instrument.
These days, it's a testament to the unique and legendary status of the original instrument
and the music to which it was part of. Virtually every synthesizer you power up has a program
called "clav." Thankfully, the Scarbee Clavinet preserves the true sound of the instrument
for generations of keyboard players to come. Of course, as most electro-mechanical instru-
ments, the original instrument had it's shortcomings: it was quite a heavy beast considering its
svelte dimensions. Now Scarbee Clavinet weighs just a few grams ;). The original instrument
suffered from the usual wear and tear you might expect from an instrument of this design.
Most commonly, strings rusted, went out of tune and broke, keys broke under performance
stress or froze due to wear in the rubber key guides, and rubber hammer tips split, causing
notes to stick or sound dead. The Scarbee Clavinet was in perfect condition when sampled
and will sound that way forever. No tuning problems, no broken strings, no hammer tips to
cut up and install—just load it and play. The original instrument's output lasted only as long
Scarbee Clavinet and Pianet – User Manual – 6