The French Double
For most enthusiasts, the two-manual instrument is the Rolls Royce harpsichord -
but the kit is not that expensive. It does, however, involve more work and it would be a very ambitious project for a first time builder.
The French Double Kit has two 8' registers, one 4' and a buff stop. The most commonly used registrations are:
Lower manual 8'
Lower manual 8' with buff
Upper manual 8'
Manuals coupled 8' + 8'
Manuals coupled 8' + 8' + 4'.
The ability to change rapidly from upper to lower manual is very useful in accompanying and is necessary for a proper rendering of works like Bach's "Italian Concerto".
By moving the keyboard, the instrument can be made to play at baroque pitch or modern pitch.
Decoration
A painted finish is traditional for a French Double, and real or painted gold bands are usual. If you want a clear wood finish you will have to veneer the case, as the bentside supplied in the kit is made of birch ply laminate and will not look good varnished.
Keyboard: The price quoted is for the traditional "reverse" keyboard (black naturals and white sharps. See kit contents below.
KIT CONTENTS for FRENCH DOUBLE
See list "Common to all kits"
plus:
Blackwood or ebony key tops.
Bone covers for the sharps.
Tail and bentside with pre-cut joints and screw holes.
Bentside and tail liners with pre-cut joints.
Bentside liner strips and solid straight piece.
Wooden registers, ready for use.
Extra keyboard kit.
Coupler mechanism.
4' stop lever.
8' and 4' hitchpin rails.
8' and 4' bridges and nuts.
Soundboard bars.
Buff rail.
Jack rail,
Sundry small items - solid brass fancy hinges etc.
Wood and tools needed
(no hardwood allowed for).
You need about £105 for wood plus a bit more for screws, glue, paint etc. (mainly for paint).
Tools required are:
ordinary carpenter's tool kit eg. chisels, plane, electric drill and stand.
3 large and 3 medium clamps (minimum) and preferably a vice, plus a few low-cost items, eg. wire cutters.
Carriage will be about £30.(2003 prices).
Hear the French Double:
