A CLAVIOLINE Problem

[krkr]

This may not even be the right forum to inquire in. However, I recently purchased what, after much e-mail documentation ( I even made sure to find a vendor who sells all the correct tubes) and assurances, I was led to believe was a Gibson Standard Clavioline in working order.

Turns out, it isn't. The seller is now claiming a tube may have come loose during shipping (the tubes - the ones I can get to so far are in the amp and they're all seated extremely tightly -- the tubes in the keyboard unit are more difficult to get to and I don't want to risk disassembly without some sort of diagram detailing how to open the compartment). He claims that although he himself doesn't play it and had no idea how to do anything with it, he took it to a local Sam Ash and they supposedly verified that it worked.

Although he claims it "worked fine when I sent it" my questions as to the extent of its functionality have all gone unanswered. His responses are now terse, somewhat evasive and the only recourse open to me is to ask for a refund. No refund was expressly guaranteed, so I may be stuck with this potentially great instrument.

In the event that occurs, I'll either have to put it up on ebay and hope someone who knows about this kind of thing may want it.

Yes, call me a sucker if you will -- I'll join you. I've already had "DUMBASS" tattooed backwards on my forehead so that every time I look in the mirror I'll remember never to do anything like this again.

But, I'd still love to have a working Clavioline. SO -- does anyone know anything about them - anyone who owns one, someone who might be able to service it.

I've been unable to locate a service manual, although I have a schematic of the amplifier.

If anyone can point me toward a possible solution or toward a person who may know about them, I'd greatly appreciate it.

[EdisonRex]

I assume the amp schematic came from here.

Have you also looked at the so-called clavioline.com?

[krkr]

Yup -- even before buying I found the clavioline site. I've been trying to contact the site's official guru, Brian C. Young for over a month without receiving a response. The site is pretty old and maybe he and his repair services are gone.

[autoprod]

If it's still not working, maybe I can be of service. I have a working Gibson Clavioline available for comparison.

[perfectdefect]

Any news on this old thread? I just bought a Clavioline without the amplifier and am trying to gather information to build a break out box that can power it and provide a 1/4" mono instrument out. Mine is a Made in France version but appears to have the same 6 pin connector as the Gibson Clavioline amp schematic shows. Maybe this French made unit IS the Gibson Clavioline keyboard?

Any help greatly appreciated. Looking forward to using this thing on some recordings.

Pictures here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/26218757@N06/sets/72157626884577006/

[TORNADO]

My interest with the Clavioline started when I played Telstar in a group in the 1960's. I now have four Selmer Claviolines, two are just being overalled. Someone has just sold one on e bay to a customer in the USA and sold for £1000.00. This is way more than you should expect to pay. The down side is that they are expensive to have overalled so I am beginning to work on my own. There is a service manual still available from a company in the UK. See my connection with the Clavioline and Joe Meek/Tornado sounds by visiting my web site. Some Clavioline/leaflet photo's on the PHOTO ALBUM page.

[TORNADO]

I have just managed to locate an original Selmer Clavioline Service Manual from the 1950's. Full of info, wiring diagrams and much high tech.Although I have a reproduction one as well, this contains much more. Have now got seven claviolines and four will shortly be for sale. The one used in the Telstar movie is now up for sale at around £1100.. !!!
Hoping to build up a few spare parts as well.