Peter Barnes Harpsichords

Welcome to my Website. Last updated on 14th April 2021.

Hi Peter, 

The harpsichord is already at my house and I am very happy about it. Everything is ok. Thank you for your kind cooperation and your patience.  
Best wishes, Emilia

This feels like a big moment because this may be the first Harpsichord to leave Britain since Brexit took hold. It is now safely in Poland!


Instruments for sale:

Colin Booth harpsichord after Lefebvre, late 17th century.

English Harpsichord rebuilt in Historic case c.1780's. Five octave, 2 x 8' stops. 
Revival Clavichord by Feldberg.
Two Clavichords by Feldberg and Whale. 1973.
Baroque Double Bass by Peter Barnes 2017. (See Double Bass page)
Virginal-spinet by Chris Barlow c.1980.

Single Manual Harpsichord by Andrew Garlick c.1980
John Storrs Flemish Double. GG-e3. 
Zuckermann Flemish single manual FF-f3, 2x8' with buff and 4'.
Zuckermann/Paris Workshop Virginals.
Baldwin Electric Harpsichord c.1969
Square Piano made by Zumpe, London 1795.
Square Piano by Broadwood 1815.

Coming later in 2021: New Italian Harpsichord, copy of Gregori, Peter Barnes.

Colin Booth harpsichord after Lefebvre, late 17th century.


A slight enlargement of a unique small French harpsichord. Strung in brass, the tone is bright but highly melodic. The bass is exceptional, from an instrument only 2 metres long. Two previous instruments to this design are owned by professional harpsichordists.


GG - d3 with double transposer giving a= 392, 415, and 440.
8’ + 8’ + buff stop.
Interior finished in Cherry; table stand in oak, with six turned legs, easily dismantled for transportation.
Included are fancy inlaid sharps, oak music desk, padded cover, tuning lever, spare strings.

Price £11,600.

Harpsichord in Authentic English Case, c.1780's.

The case of this instrument is in beautiful condition and is thought to be by Kirchmann or Culliford, dating from c.1780's. The main section of the baseboard has been removed and reinstated, and the front section under the keyboard is new. The lid and stand match the main case and appear to be from the same original instrument.

The music desk, jack rail and name batten are reproductions, as are the jacks, registers, keyboard, soundboard, wrestplank, bridge, nut and other working parts. The natural keyplates are faced with recycled Ivory. These could be removed and replaced with bone or imitation Ivory.

This harpsichord has a compass GG/AA -f3, the low FF# being missing in order to give the impression of a symmetrical keyboard. Both 8' registers  play well and produce a warm, rich and pleasing sound. The instrument is strung in iron and brass and is currently tuned to a=415, although it has previously be tuned to a=440.

This instrument is in Wiltshire and can be seen at the owner's house. It is offered for sale with offers invited in the region of £15,000. Delivery is possible in the UK.
Virginal-Spinet by Christopher Barlow c.1980.

This overstrung instrument was commissioned to fit in the back seats of a car. It is 122cm long, 42cm deep and 16cm high. The legs take into three, flat sections. They are 63cm high.

Made from exquisite quarter sawn Satin Wood with Pearwood jacks and Boxwood and Rosewood key facings, this instrument has a compass C-f3 and transposes easily up and down, giving a=395/415/440 or a=415/440/465.
Strung with iron strings with brass in the bass, this instrument gives a clear and sweet sound, suitable for small ensembles and is easy to transport.

It is available fully serviced and ready to play for £2,200. 
John Storrs Double Manual Flemish Harpsichord. 

Made in 1984, this harpsichord has 2 x 8', 1 x 4' with buff stop. The GG-e3 compass can be tuned to either a=440 or 415. 

The case, lid, music desk and stand are made of solid Poplar. A compact and reasonably light double measuring 218cm long, 85cm wide and 25cm deep. 

This harpsichord is now strung with new Iron and brass wire. It has fully serviced keyboards and jacks, and has been re-voiced with new Delrin plectra. The case has been redecorated in red, with printed papers in the lid, keywell and round the soundboard.


It is available in full playing condition with a plain red stand shown below for £5,495, or with the turned oak stand shown on the left for £5,995. 

Also available with Gold Bands for an additional £300-£500.


Sound recording. Sorry about my playing!

ZOOM0065.MP3


Delin Double Manual Harpsichord by Peter Barnes. 2020.

BB-d3. Transposing a=415/440. 2x8' with buff stop.

Case and lid made from French Poplar, Beech wrestplank, bridges, jacks and registers, Spruce soundboard, solid oak stand which can be reduced to three sections for transport. Case painted red and black with bronze powder bands. A compact double manual harpsichord which is ideal for concert hiring.


Size 212cm long, 82cm wide and 28cm high, on a stand which is 73cm high. 

£9,995.              Now Sold.    

Recording made by a visitor to my workshop 24.10.2020

Delin Double Goldberg Extracts 2020.mp3

Double Fretted Clavichord after Hubert built from a kit by The Paris Workshop.

51 notes: C-d''', A415, double strung in brass throughout.

This clavichord is built in solid cherry wood with a cabriole-leg stand and is without doubt a most expressive keyboard instrument to play. The mechanism is very simple: The brass tangents are set in the ends of each key, and strike the pairs of strings and determine their speaking length. The Double-fretted Clavichord shares strings throughout much of its compass, which makes it easier to tune and very portable. 

This instrument has been very nicely made and has been fully serviced by Peter Barnes in April 2021. It is being sold in conjunction with the Early Music Shop for a price in the region of £4,500.

Triple-Fretted, Early German Clavichord by Whale and Feldberg 1973.


C-E short octave to c3, Tuned to a=440, Mean Tone.
A beautifully made copy of the clavichord donated to Edinburgh University by the late Lynne Mirrey. Pine case, rosewood and Yew key-facings and carved lime keys. 104cm x 35cm x 11cm, weight 7kgs.

Serviced by Peter Barnes March 2021 and available from the Early Music Shop. £2,500.
German Un-fretted Clavichord made by Whale and Feldberg 1973.

This clavichord has an Oak case with dovetail joints and is closely copied from an original instrument giver to Edinburgh University by the late Lynne Mirrey. 
Brass and iron strung with CC-d3 compass, currently tuned to a=415.
The clavichord has Lime keyboard with Rosewood and Yew cappings and a solid Oak stand. It is 127cm long, 38cm wide and 13.5cm high, weighing 17kg. The stand is 78cm high and weighs 3kg.

The clavichord has been serviced by Peter Barnes in March 2021 and is being sold by The Early Music Shop. £3,000. 
Five Octave, un-fretted Clavichord by Feldberg, c.1965.  
This clavichord has a beautiful Satinwood case with crossbanding and four turned legs.
It is strung in brass and iron, with FF-f3 compass, currently tuned to a=415. It is mostly single strung, with covered strings in the bass from FF-A and double strung from f2-f3, made to Feldberg's own design and, as such, an interesting historical insight into the mid 20th century revival of clavichords. The touch is extremely expressive and the tone is sweet and soft. 

The clavichord has been serviced by Peter Barnes in March 2021 and is being sold by The Early Music Shop, for £2,500.


Andrew Garlic Single Manual Harpsichord c.1980.

Compass FF-f3 with 2 x 8' stops.

This instrument was renovated by Martin Robinson at the Early Keyboard Agency in 2003. I haven't visited this harpsichord yet, but I am happy to work on it when it is safe to do so. If required, a full service, with replacement plectra and strings, would cost £1,200.

This harpsichord can be seen in the Midlands, central England and offers are invited in the region of £7,000.
Zuckermann Flemish Single Manual five octave Harpsichord.

Fine Zuckermann Harpsichord made by Morton Gould with traditional soundboard decoration by Sheila Barnes. Renovated with new strings and new plectra by Peter Barnes in 2017.

2 x 8' with buff and 4' stops. GG-g3 five octave compass at a=415, can be transposed to a=440 with loss of the top key, as can be seen in the photographs.

Can be seen in Glasgow.
The asking price is £4,850



Click images below for more details.(Sorry about the orientation of some of these photos!) 

Single Manual Flemish Harpsichord by Colin Booth made in 1984.

FF-d3, transposing with full compass in each transposition. 2 x 8' stops with buff. Wooden jacks and registers, voiced in black Delrin and in good playing condition. Black decoration with decorative brass hinges and mouldings picked out in gold leaf. The paintwork is in good condition with only a few minor blemishes.

This harpsichord is 219cm long, 86cm wide and 24cm high and it  sits on an apron stand with removable, turned legs. The stand is 64cm high.



Now sold. The first harpsichord to reach Poland since 31st January 2021!
Listen to this recording made by a recent visitor to my workshop!

Colin Booth Single oct2020.mp3

Italian Harpsichord after Gregori - coming soon!

Case, lid and stand made in Cedar of Lebanon.

English Harpsichord after Thomas Barton by Peter Barnes 2019.

Recording made by a recent visitor to my workshop:

English Harpsichord oct2020.mp3

This harpsichord, made by Peter Barnes in 2019, is in the English tradition and is based on the c.1715 bentside spinet by Keene and Brackley and the 1709 harpsichord by Thomas Barton. It has traditional wooden jacks, guides and keyboard, a detachable lid with solid decorative brass-work and a folding music desk. The inside of the case and the nameboard are made from Cedar wood, with cross-banded walnut capping. 

The harpsichord is strung with Malcolm Rose Iron and brass wire, it has 2x8’ stops and a walnut case and stand. The GG - f3 compass transposes A440 / 415 without loss of top or bottom notes. 

The stand detaches from the harpsichord and can be easily taken apart for transport. This harpsichord is 193cm long, 88cm wide and 21cm deep. It has a soundboard painting by Jennifer Douglas which is closely based on the Coston Harpsichord from the Edinburgh University Collection.

This harpsichord is about to come back from an 11 month home hiring and is now available for £8,900.

Sold, but commissions undertaken. (For example, you could order a similar instrument without the soundboard painting for £7,900.)


Played by myself:

English Harpsichord 2019.mp3

Zuckermann/Paris Workshop Italian Virginals.

Late version of this popular instrument with solid Poplar case and removable lid.

This instrument has an extended compass GG-d3 and wooden jacks and registers. A light, responsive instrument with a full sound.

For sale in conjunction with the Early Music Shop. 

Serviced with many new plectra and in good playing order. 

The asking price is £3,450.
Italian Virginals made in 1973.

This small and portable instrument has wooden jacks and a cedarwood soundboard. It has been made by a talented amateur builder using museum plans available at the time.

It is being sold in conjunction with The Early Music Shop and available in playing condition for a price in the region of £2,250.
Square Piano 1795 by Zumpe, London.

Unrestored. Available to view in Tarbet, Scotland. 

Offers in the region of £1,500.
Baldwin Electric Harpsichord c.1969

A rare opportunity to own a sixties classic. The instrument has been preserved in its original state, including the perspex top and music desk, formica red soundboard and original plastic harpsichord jacks. The legs are original but have had blocks cut into where the bolts meet the aluminium case. This was done to make them more stable.

This harpsichord is easy to tune and maintain. This particular instrument has been used by Abbey Road Studio for The Beach Boys album with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. It has also been used by several sampling companies.

The harpsichord is in good working order, and would make a fine addition for any rock keyboard player. Probably not one for the early music connoisseurs!!

Can be seen in Colchester. £4,750 ono.

Reduced to £3995 on 22.1.2021.


Here is a video of this wonderful Harpsichord:

Good quality Keyboard instruments wanted. 

I am happy to buy your instrument from you, or sell it on commission.

Further details on: selling-your-harpsichord.php



You can contact me by phone on 01373 831498 or (+44)7733619002, or by email peterbarnes850@btinternet.com or via this page: contact-us-and-instrument-transport-links.php





Delin Flemish Single by Peter Barnes, April 2020.
Harpsichord with 2 x 8' stops with buff. GG-f3 transposing 415/440 with full compass in both settings. This harpsichord has an exceptionally sweet sound with plenty of volume, due in part to the fabulously light French Poplar case and generous soundboard area. 

Decorated soundboard in the style of Albertus Delin c.1750 painted by Jennifer Douglas and case papers in the earlier Ruckers style. Ebony natural keyplates and imitation ivory sharp cappings. 

Case is 213cm long, 89cm wide and 27cm deep. The stand is 73cm high.

Finished on 4th April 2020. 

The asking price is £8,900. 

Now sold, but you could commission a similar instrument without the soundboard decoration for £8,100.

Played by a visitor to my workshop:

Delin Single Oct2020.mp3

Played less well by myself:

Delin PB 2020 Back 8'.mp3

Delin PB 2020 Both 8's.mp3

Delin PB 2020 Buff stop.mp3

Amazing 1958 Dolmetsch Double. 9-foot long with 16-foot, 8-foot and 4 foot stops!

Available as seen, complete with lid, stand and music desk for only £800.

This harpsichord requires at the minimum, the following work: 
Replacement plectra for 4' and both sets of 8' jacks. £900.
Replacement set of jacks and plectra for the missing 16' jacks £1,300.
This work would bring the total cost to £3,000 and provide an instrument that is in good playing order. Now Sold.
Colin Booth Italian Double Manual Harpsichord after Migliai 2008.

Italian harpsichord with 2 x 8' on lower manual and 4' on upper manual. This disposition is traditional and derives from the practice of placing an octave instrument on a larger, 8' pitch harpsichord. These instruments sometimes had coupling devices, and there is a coupler on this instrument in the form of a dogleg on the 4' jacks and a sliding lower manual. There are stop levers for both 8' stops.

The compass is GG/BB short octave to c3 and transposes a=415, 440 and 465.

The bridges and nut are Walnut,the jacks and registers are wooden with a Spruce soundboard in a  Cedar case which measures 226cm long, 81cm wide and 26cm high. The cheek is 59cm long.

The red, painted stand is 228cm long, 83cm wide and  64cm high and has seven turned legs and feet, which can we separated for packing flat. 

This instrument is in showroom condition and has had very little use. The asking price is £16,400. Now Sold.

Harpsichord after Migliai by Colin Booth 2008.

This is what Colin Booth says about this harpsichord:

Two decades ago, while on a visit to the Germanisches National Museum in Nuremberg, I fell for the 2-manual Italian harpsichord in their collection. At the time the maker was unknown, but Denzil Wraight has since found evidence that it is by the leading 17th century Italian maker Migliai.

This original harpsichord is a light-weight ‘inner’ instrument, housed in an outer case. It has the normal small compass of only C/E short octave to c3, but demonstrates the common interest through Europe in the later 17th century, of either placing a small instrument on top of a large one at normal pitch, or actually building the octave facility into the instrument, using a second keyboard.

This tradition died out after 1700, but even without the presence of a manual coupler, it gives the player a far more interesting variety of timbre than one might expect: it can be found in Italy, France, and in the Netherlands, where the ‘mother and child’ virginal was quite common.

Italian harpsichords had from the start been at the heart of my harpsichord-making, and I quickly decided to build a close copy of the Nuremberg instrument. I incorporated a coupler, and the resulting varieties of tone were even more startling. These are exploited on two CDs:

Frescobaldi- keyboard music SBCD201, and Peter Philips, the English Exile SBCD992.

The sonority was deep and majestic when more than one register was employed, and beautiful and intimate on solo stops. The unique elegance of the instrument was itself highly satisfying.

In 2008, following the sale of the copy, I produced an enlarged version. The compass was extended to the common later 17th century GG/BB short octave to c3, and the keyboards transposed to give A415 / A440 / and A466. (If preferred, the pitch can be lowered by a semitone, to offer A392 instead of the high pitch A466). A lightweight lid system proved adequate as protection, and a full dismantleable table stand seemed justified by the splendid character of this instrument. The nobiliity of tone which was a feature of the copy, was more than equalled in this larger version.

I have recently ended my harpsichord-making, and no longer have a spacious workshop in which to house instruments which are not in immediate use. Hence the need to reluctantly part with what was part of my ‘core collection’. The harpsichord has only rarely been used for concerts, and is in almost entirely perfect and unmarked condition. It is mature, but plectra and strings are almost new.