CLAVICHORDS
The "17th Century" and the
"18th Century" Clavichords
The clavichord is the simplest of all keyboard instruments to make and also the cheapest. Being very small and quiet it can be the ideal personal instrument for someone living in a flat or studio.
Bolton harpsichord kits require more time and skill from the builder than other more expensive kits, but with each of the two clavichords there are two choices: a Full Kit needing very little time, or a Craftsman's Kit containing only the "innards" – you provide the case. Furthermore you have to cut out the keys yourself from the board of limewood in the kit. (To find out exactly what you get with each kit, see below).
The Full Kit is really a part-finished instrument and can be assembled by anyone who has not put him or herself down as "no good at do-it-yourself'. The case is supplied virtually complete apart from varnishing. The keyboard is ready-made (needing only some gluing on of sharps etc.) After that you have only to pin and string (all holes for string pins are ready drilled) and fit the tangents. You will need only normal household tools, including a drill – everything special is provided.
A week's solid work should see the project through, though there may be delays while waiting for things to dry.
The Craftsman's Kit would take, say, four weeks – not counting shopping and general messing about!
The Instruments
17th Century Clavichord
The instrument is fretted
(max, 3 notes per string)
and has a "short octave"
(as explained for the
Flemish Virginal).
Its compass is suitable for
music up to about the middle
of the 17th century, and a
considerable amount of later music.
This is also fretted but with no more than two notes per string, The compass is c-f3 chromatic, so that much later baroque music e.g. J.S.Bach and C.P.E.Bach can be played.
Decoration
The case of the full and the standard kits is made of veneered plywood or of solid hardwood. A clear finish such as modern easy-to-use varnish or a traditional wax or French polish can be used. A decorative moulding surrounds the base, and all plywood edges are covered with solid wood edgings. Decorative inlays, Latin inscriptions etc. can obviously be added as the owner's fancy dictates and his skill allows. All kits have tropical boxwood naturals with moulded fronts and ebony sharps as standard. If other woods are required, please ask for a quote.
What must I provide?
Basic carpentry tools will be required to complete the craftsman's kits.
Household tools including a drill are required for the Full Kits.
KIT CONTENTS
Craftsman's Kit
All music hardware including brass and copper wire.
All felt requirements.
Tuning key.
Instruction manual fully detailed and illustrated,
Full size drawing on polyester film (won't change size).
Special tools.
Soundboard in two or three pieces, plus soundbar.
Bridge.
Wrestplank
Hitchpin rails.
Keyboard panel covered with boxwood for sawing into separate keys.
Balance rail.
Key rack, for slotting, with key guides
OR key support with guide pins.
Sharps (Ebony),
Full Kit: ADD
Case and internals complete.
Keyboard finished except for smoothing, gluing on felt and sharps, weighting keys, and fitting tangents.
Screws, glue, hinges etc. are included.
The instrument requires varnishing.
Lid is extra.
EXTRAS:(no hardwood allowed for)
For extra wood for the Craftsman's Kit you will need about £20.
For the Full Kit - nil.
Carriage:
17th century Full £15.
Craftsman's £8.
18th century Full £15.
Craftsman's £9.
(UK mainland - 2004 prices.)
Hear the 18th Century Clavichord