This unfretted 5-octave clavichord was built by the Neupert Company in Bamburg, Germany. It is not dated but we guess it was made sometime in the 70's, judging by the high serial number. The original J. C. Neupert learned piano-making in Nanette Streicher's workshop in Vienna. Nanette was the daughter of piano pioneer Andreas Stein, whose showroom demonstrator was a child prodigy named Wolfgang Mozart. The Neupert firm made pianos for three generations before starting to produce harpsichords and clavichords in the early 1900's.
Like its companion Neupert "Kleine" harpsichord it is what we call a revival instrument, not an historic copy. Revival instruments use modern materials, designs and production techniques. They are notoriously heavily built, and this is no exception. The heavy structure tends to make for very quiet harpsichords, but the reverse is true with clavichords. Although still very quiet compared to a piano, this instrument is louder than most similar-sized clavichords of historic design.
The quiet sound of a clavichord makes it an ideal companion instrument. If you are a person who works late hours, this is a wonderful way to unwind without disturbing your family or the neighbors.
