Instrument making
Spinets and virginals
Plucked-string instruments with a single register, smaller than the harpsichord.
In the spinet the strings run obliquely to the keyboard; in the virginal, parallel to it.
The Italian school built polygonal cases, often of cypress; the Flemish, rectangular cases with the keyboard to the left (spinett) or right (muselar). In the 18th century the bentside spinet became widespread.
Technical data
| Action | Jacks with plectrum |
|---|---|
| Register | 8' |
| Compass | About 4 octaves |
| Shapes | Polygonal · rectangular · bentside |
Plan of a polygonal spinet
Instruments from the workshop
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