Historical instruments

Instrument making

Replicas of keyboard instruments from the 15th to the 18th century.

Plan of a Flemish harpsichord

I

Flemish harpsichord

After Ruckers, Antwerp, 1637

Keyboard: 1 manual
Disposition: 8' · 4'
Period: 17th century

Plan of a two-manual harpsichord

II

Hans Moermans harpsichord

Flemish style, after Hans Moermans, 1584

Keyboard: 2 manuals
Compass: AA–f''', chromatic
Case: 35 × 74 × 9¼ in (89 × 188 × 23.5 cm)
Period: 16th century

Plan of an Italian harpsichord

III

Italian harpsichord

Italian school · basic model

Keyboard: 1 manual, transposing
Compass: GG–f'''
Disposition: 2 × 8'
Stringing: Brass
Case: Walnut and cedar, natural wood
Keys: Spruce
Soundboard: German spruce
Price: US$ 7,800 + VAT

IV

Clavichord

After J. J. Donat, Leipzig, 1700

Type: Fretted
Period: 18th century

V

Clavichord

After an anonymous maker, Urbino, c. 1470

Type: Fretted
Period: 15th century

VI

Italian spinet

Venetian school

Keyboard: 1 manual
Disposition: 8'
Period: 16th century

VII

Delin spinet

After Albert Delin, Tournai

Keyboard: 1 manual
Disposition: 8'
Period: 18th century

VIII

Flemish virginal

Antwerp school

Keyboard: 1 manual
Disposition: 8'
Period: 17th century

IX

Positive organ

Germany, 1726

Type: Positive
Period: 1726

X

Toledo fortepiano

Toledo

Type: Fortepiano

XI

Dulken fortepiano

After Dulken, 1793

Type: Fortepiano
Hammers: Leather-covered
Stringing: Bichord
Period: 18th century

Materials

Woods and stringing

Soundboard	Close-grained spruce (Picea abies)
Case	Walnut, pear, cherry, oak, cypress
Seasoning	Natural, seasoned timber
Strings	Iron and brass
Finishes	Natural varnishes and oils

Plan of a clavichordPl. II

Restoration

Historical instruments

Structure	Case, bottom and bracing
Soundboard	Cracks, ribs and bridges
Keyboard	Keys, guides and pins
Action	Jacks, plectra, dampers, tangents
Stringing	Strings and tuning pins
Finishes	Painting and decoration