what-im-making-blog

Flemish Single renovation

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 15:08:49 +0100

This tired old Zuckermann is having a facelift, new strings, new plectra and a transposing keyboard. I'm fitting this work round other commitments, but here is the repainted case with new printed papers.
Happy days!

Colin Booth Italian Harpsichord renovation.

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 19:25:04 +0100

This magnificent harpsichord came to me in a bit of a state. It was originally made with 3 x 8' stops and unfortunately, due to neglect and storage in very dry conditions, the wrestplank lifted.
The wrestplank and soundboard had then been removed and the keyboard shortened by two semitones at either end.
This was a fun renovation and I now use this instrument, all 2.45m of it, as my main hiring harpsichord. It makes a wonderful sound although I do see people looking somewhat perplexed by the four transposing blocks. 415 in the middle and transposition by two semitones either way.

John Barnes 1962, Peter Barnes 2022.

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 15:25:26 +0100

Early in his Career, my father made this harpsichord. He copied string lengths, plucking points, bridge dimensions and soundboard thicknesses from Kirchmann, with a result that it sounds far more traditional than it looks!
Here I am 60 years later making copies of far simpler instruments which I hope look as good as they sound!

Italian Harpsichord by Peter Stephens

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 18:19:19 +0100

I am currently completing a beautifully made Italian harpsichord which will shortly be for sale. Built from plans for a false inner/outer harpsichord with C-d3 transposing compass, this harpsichord will make a splendid continuo instrument!

1927 Dolmetsch Spinet meets a 1956 sibling!

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 18:41:27 +0100

Two Octave spinets in the workshop at the same time. an interesting comparison!

Some differences in details, such as the mouldings on the case and the case height, but otherwise exactly the same layout. This spinet was in production for about 50 years!
The sound of both instruments is very similar although we have voiced the later one a little louder.
What fun we have here in Somerset..

1928 Dolmetsch Octave Spinet now strung.

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 12:58:38 +0100

Dan Flew, who is working here one day per week, has now completed the restringing of this instrument, refitted all the jacks, and is now voicing the spinet with authentic leather plectra.
This is a job for a very patient person!

Delin Double with the bottom removed.

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 12:24:07 +0100

Flemish Harpsichord makers often made their instruments so the bottom could be removed by drilling out the wooden dowels which held it in place. This enables internal repairs to be undertaken and aids soundboard repairs. My late father designed his Delin harpsichord so this could be done and there was a little movement between the bentside and the bottom of his instrument so I decided to have a look inside. Plenty of internal photos are on my homepage.
When replacing the bottom, I put in more dowels round the bentside area. These dowels are glued in place, but there is no glue between the bottom and the case sides so the bottom can be removed again should anyone wish to do so in future.

Authenticity has many advantages. 18th century makers had amassed more knowledge than most 21st century makers have. It pays to copy them even if one doesn't fully understand why they did what they did.

Delin Harpsichord by John Barnes 1991

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 12:24:43 +0100

I have just started renovating this lovely instrument. It will be restrung in Rose iron and brass, and have new Delrin plectra.
A delight to work on!

English Harpsichord, Finally Finished!

Sun, 09 Jan 2022 13:11:33 +0100

The finishing touched on this harpsichord are now complete. Yours for only £4,995!

Dolmetsch Ottavino Spinet 1928

Sun, 09 Jan 2022 13:09:01 +0100

Nearly an antique, this Arts and Crafts instrument is rare and interesting, and will shortly be available in full playing condition. Check out www.peterbarnesharpsichords.com for details.