A rare 1977 Clav D6 “Transition” provides the foundation for Rhodes’ new virtual instrument
Rhodes Music has introduced Rhodes Clav Pro, a new plug-in that recreates the distinctive sound and playing experience of one of the most recognisable keyboards in funk, soul, disco and rock.
Based on a rare 1977 Clav D6 “Transition” model, Clav Pro aims to capture the sharp attack, percussive response and rhythmic character that made the original Clavinet such a powerful tool for keyboard players.
Few electric keyboards have had quite the same impact. The Clav D6 gave players a way to bring the immediacy of rhythm guitar into their keyboard parts, with its distinctive bite and highly responsive action becoming a defining sound across popular music.
Its unmistakable tone can be heard on recordings including Stevie Wonder’s Superstition, Herbie Hancock’s Chameleon, Bob Marley’s Could You Be Loved, Fleetwood Mac’s You Make Loving Fun and numerous Bee Gees productions.
Recreating a Classic
Rhodes’ sound designers meticulously sampled the rare 1977 instrument, recreating not only its sonic character but also many of the details that influence how a Clav D6 responds to a player.
The plug-in reproduces the original pickup selection system, mute controls and EQ circuitry, while preserving the fast dynamic response that makes the instrument so effective for rhythmic playing.
According to Rhodes Chief Product Officer Dan Goldman, the goal was not simply to reproduce a vintage instrument, but to capture what made the original so appealing to musicians.
Clav Pro also expands on the capabilities of the original hardware, adding modern controls that give players considerably more room to shape the sound.
More Than a Vintage Recreation
Dedicated Drive, Compression and Envelope/Wah controls allow Clav Pro to move from tight, muted funk rhythms to more aggressive and expressive lead sounds.
Sustain pedal and pitch bend support add further performance options that were not available on the original hardware, while Rhodes’ modern instrument engine provides additional tonal flexibility.
Key features include:
- Meticulously multi-sampled 1977 Clav D6 “Transition” model
- Faithful recreation of the original pickup selection and EQ circuitry
- Authentic mute slider for classic Clav performance techniques
- Dedicated Drive, Compressor and Envelope/Wah sections
- Timbre Shift for real-time tonal variation
- Sustain pedal and pitch bend support
- Adjustable cabinet resonance and key noise modelling
- L5, JC and Duo amplifier simulations
- Dynamic and condenser microphone options
- Chorus, Phaser, Delay and Reverb effects
- VST3, AU and AAX support for macOS and Windows
From Studio Sparkle to Road-Worn Grit
Clav Pro uses the same underlying engine found in Rhodes Anthology. One of its standout features is Timbre Shift, which allows players to move between different tonal personalities inspired by the condition and character of vintage instruments.
The plug-in also includes modelled amplifier simulations, multiple microphone choices and adjustable cabinet resonance. Authentic key noise modelling adds another layer of realism, while the integrated Rhodes FX suite provides additional processing options.
The result is a virtual instrument that can stay close to the sound of a well-maintained vintage Clav D6, or be pushed into rougher and more characterful territory.
For producers working in funk, soul and disco, the appeal is obvious, but the instrument’s percussive attack also makes it useful anywhere a keyboard part needs to cut through a dense arrangement.
Pricing and availability
Rhodes Clav Pro is available now through the official Rhodes Music store in VST3, AU and AAX formats.
Standard pricing:
- GBP: £89.95
- EUR: €99.95
- USD: $129.95
Introductory pricing:
- GBP: £59.95
- EUR: €69.95
- USD: $89.95
