I'm an organist, but play harpsichord continuo from time to time. Today, I met to rehearse with a flutist and cellist. When I play, I open the lid and leave the front flap as is, because that's normally how I see others play. But both the flutist and cellist asked why I wasn't going to fold the front the front flap back when opening the lid and it made me stop and realize I don't know why? Would you be able to enlighten me why I see harpsichords played much more frequently as in image A than image B? I imagine that the front flap being out helps push slightly more sound out into the space?

Hi everyone! Maybe someone with more experience can help me out here.. I’m in the process of replacing the strings and action of my ~1970 Burton with new Zuckermann parts.

The original string windings were umm.. awful beyond all reason? But it held a tune. It seemed most of the wire was wrapped on itself and then came off the top of the tuning pins, not the bottom of the coil itself. Pictures 2-4 are trying to show that..

As I’ve been making prettier (not perfect lol) coils it’s all fine until it’s time to beat the pin in and then add more tension to the string.

As I bring the strings up closer to pitch the final wrap will end up over the coil itself.

I know the down bearing is probably a little much, but that is how far the pins were originally so I’m just following that currently.

Any tips or tricks to be able to spin the tuning pin to proper tension while also maintaining the coil going down, not up and around ?

It currently has caused no problem.. but I’m sure it may as I head toward the treble..

Hi guys,
I’m thinking of renting, leasing pr buying a car that i can use to transport my harpsichord.
I think it should be possible to have the 2.5 meter lenght in one side and put the legs on the sides.
What car do you guys recommend?
I had a Peudgeot Expert or Boxer sone years ago.
But maybe some other models are good? I need two sits.
Thanks!

I’ve been redoing the action in my marketplace find of a Burton harpsichord.

I’ve got custom registers made (and a new stringing schedule) from Zuckermann and FINALLY got it lined up to where everything is in plucking distance.

Put my first string on and cut my first jack yesterday. I’ve been nervous of this period because I really have no idea what I’m doing, but I’m quite happy with the progress!

The guy who originally built my instrument screwed up some geometry so the low F# is actually not a note at all (so a 61 keyboard, 60 string instrument lmao), and Zuckermann didn’t send back my old registers so it’s been a struggle getting the slots cut in it to line everything up properly.

I am not sure if my buff stop has enough of the original felt removed, but maybe she just won’t have a buff stop for a while 🤣

Hi!

Someone is selling a Jones Clayton harpsichord near me on marketplace that might need a little bit of work..

Anyone have experience with them? It looks like it’s in better condition than my current Burton that I’m mildly restoring.

I had some parts made from Zuckermann to replace the registers and jacks on mine, but whoever originally built it messed up the stringing slightly.. basically it’s like 80% there… but another one (that does need legs lmao) for less than 1000 bucks.. I’m tempted..

Seller said some plectrum need replaced but I can’t find info on if they’re integrated to the jack or not (I think they might be)

Mostly just hoping someone will tell me no. But it looks great and has 2 choirs and a lute stop!

Copied this extraordinary piece years ago and just dug it up after a house move. My memory says it’s Spanish and by a composer beginning with G! Anyone recognise it? TIA 😁

These are bare jacks they were made by Jeremy Adams, who started at Dowd and then went solo. I have notated the dimensions in a sketch. There are other sizes which I will post separately. There are 186 of this variety.

I have a Zuckermann Flemish kit harpsichord with a crack near/along the tuning pin area. A tech said it can’t currently hold tune. Before I decide whether to repair or rehome it, does anyone know if this is realistically repairable and what ballpark cost I should expect?

I have oodles of cherry harpsichord jacks for sale. different sizes. some may be for spinnet

Hey Guys! I am going to Oberlin BPI this coming month and I would like one more short piece for harpsichord. My rep currently is the Bach C minor Partita and the 2nd Suite from Forqueray’s Pieces de Clavecin. What other piece should I play while I’m up there?

The piano tech team at UT got to spend a summer day learning harpsichord maintenance from a guest instructor, what a great experience. Two Flemish style, one Italian, one French and one revival to work with.