This handsome little harpsichord is a smallish instrument in the revival style. It is a German factory-made instrument, approximately 40 years old, very solidly built and in excellent playing condition. It is just under six feet long (56" to be exact) and 32 1/2 " wide. The two registers, 8' and 4', are controlled by knee levers and the buff stop is split so that the upper and lower registers can be buffed separately.
This instrument was used as a gigging instrument -- it traveled in a Pony hatchback -- and the finish shows some signs of wear on the outside cheek corner. It was originally quilled in leather but was converted to Celcon (plastic) plectra during the 80's for more volume and ease of maintenance. It is strung in standard music wire, all the strings are in good shape and nothing looks like it will need replacing any time soon.
| 8' register ("vanilla") | |
| 8' + 4' (as above plus 4' which sounds an octave higher) | |
| 8' with buff -- for a quieter, lute-like sound | (not available) |
The volume is sufficient for home use or a small-to-medium-sized studio, either solo or with other instruments. It would balance nicely with one or more recorders, a baroque flute or two, a gamba or cello, and even a couple of singers.
The case and lid are veneered in walnut. The soundboard is spruce and the bridges appear to be beech. The integral music desk and propstick store inside the instrument when not in use.
Reverse keyboard, black wood naturals with plastic-slipped maple or boxwood sharps. The C to f''' compass (54 notes) is big enough for most of Bach and tons of other early music.
The stand is three screw-in legs, easily removable for transport. The lid can be folded back part-way for quiet playing or removed entirely if required for performance.
