Harpsichords Blog

John Storrs spinet to revoice.

November 2, 2018

A bit of a rush for this one. Just three days for revoicing and all other adjustments.

Posted by Peter Barnes.

 

Back on Harpsichord repairs after a long break!

August 13, 2018
Two double basses, and quite a bit of sailing later, I’m now taking on Harpsichord repairs again. My father’s 1971 Italian Harpsichord has been restrung and revoiced with new plectra, and is now back in Cambridge, and the latest project is a 1960 American double by Herz which requires new tongue springs.
The original springs moulded as part of the jack body were failing after 58years, so, inspired by Morley jack springs, here are the new ones on the left. Only 189 to do!
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Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : working on... 

 

Double Bass under construction.

October 17, 2017
I am now making my second double bass. the table is now carved and is made from solid Spruce. The case sides, back, neck and scroll are Sycamore and the fingerboard is ebony.
It should be ready to play some time in 2018, by which time I hope our government will have abandoned Brexit! 
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Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : working on... 

 

Restoration of 1962 John Barnes harpsichord after Kirchmann.

August 14, 2017
Having sold all my harpsichords except one, it is high time that i replaced the steel strings with Malcolm Rose's lovely iron wire, and while I am about it, I'll replace action felt with traditional woven cloth. Most enjoyable!
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Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : working on... 

 

John Storrs Harpsichord and Clavichord.

July 17, 2017
Bought from a storage unit in Bognor Regis; two unmade sets of parts for a harpsichord and a clavichord have been made, sold and delivered. Here is a photo of the harpsichord before the lid papers went on:


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Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : working on... 

 

Reconditioning 1995 Goble Double after Zell. Dec 2016

December 19, 2016
Lift in storage for two years, this harpsichord had suffered from damp. All the iron strings were rusted through!
The Harpsichord is now re-strung with Malcolm Rose's lovely wire, and ready to return to work.

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Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : working on... 

 

Delin Spinet Commission

November 15, 2016
Back in the workshop after three weeks at sea on the Bay of Biscay, and time to finish a Paris Workshop spinet kit for a loyal customer. A great short cut to making good instruments, these kits are well made and sensibly designed.


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Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : working on... 

 

English Harpsichord after Barton, Made, Sold, Delivered.

March 29, 2016
The project this year was to reduce the repair work I am doing and make new instruments. Here is the result, including a lovely soundboard painting by Jennifer Douglas.


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Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : New build 

 

Paris Workshop Double finished.

March 27, 2016
Here is a picture of the French Double which I have completed for a customer in France. It will be leaving here soon, which is a pity, since it sounds lovely!

Gold leaf, Little Greene paint, and a lot of work!
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Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : working on... 

 

Hiring in Warwick

March 17, 2016
The lift was too small for the big red harpsichord, so I have worked round the clock for the last two days to make the English harpsichord play. And here we are! Chris Monks is even improvising a buff stop by laying some damper felt over the strings. 
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Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : Hirings 

 
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About Me


Harpsichord Maker, restorer, repairer and vendor.