The Italian Harpsichord

This single-keyboard harpsichord has two eight-foot stops which can be played
separately or together, giving three volume levels and three tone-colours.
The pitch can be changed from A415 to A440 in a few seconds by sliding the keyboard.
A buff stop can be fitted, no extra charge.
An outline design is provided for a normal stand and for a stand similar to that of the drop-leaf spinet. (q.v.)
This would mean that the instrument can be folded away after use into a very narrow space.

Weighing only 16kg, the Italian is easily carried by two people and will fit
into most hatch-back cars.

This instrument is designed to be painted,
but at least one customer has veneered it.

UPGRADING

Kits sold before Feb. 1997 had iron wire (except in the bass). The tone is much better, however, if brass is used. Tuning is made easier and is needed less frequently. With brass strings, the harpsichord is tuned to A415, and if modern pitch is also required, the keyboard is made to slide one semitone to the right. It is quite easy to make these changes on an existing instrument and instructions can be provided along with the the brass wire."

Hear the Italian

KIT PARTS for the ITALIAN HARPSICHORD:
As listed under "Common to all kits" plus:
Tropical Boxwood natural key tops.
Blackwood or ebony sharp key tops.
Strips of beechwood accurately planed to right thickness for gluing up into curved members (bridge, bentside liner).
No steaming required.
Various parts in beech including the "nut'.
Special bendy plywood for curved side.
Registers in solid beech.
Edging strip for the case.

EXTRAS:(no hardwood allowed for)
You will need about £65 worth of wood for the case.
Carriage will cost about £20. (2003 prices)