Showing Tag: "double" (Show all posts)

Colin Booth Italian Harpsichord renovation.

Posted by Peter Barnes on Monday, December 11, 2023, In : Hirings 

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 It was originally made with 3 x 8' stops and unfortunately, due to neglect and storage in very dry conditions, the wrestplank lifted.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 ...

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Delin Double with the bottom removed.

Posted by Peter Barnes on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, In : Second-hand 
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...
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Delin Harpsichord by John Barnes 1991

Posted by Peter Barnes on Sunday, January 9, 2022, In : Second-hand 
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!



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c.1800 English double bass in for repair

Posted by Peter Barnes on Saturday, January 23, 2021, In : working on... 
I feel sorry for this instrument and sincerely hope that I can do it justice. Some jobs feel like a labour of love even before you start them.


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Finally, (almost) finished! Delin Double.

Posted by Peter Barnes on Saturday, October 10, 2020, In : New build 
No 4' on this one. Make of that what you will, but many people hardly use a 4', it goes out of tune quickly in concert conditions and robs the soundboard of space for the 8' stops. My Lockdown Luxury has been to make a double without the usual 4'. I like it.


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Delin Double underway!

Posted by Peter Barnes on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, In : New Harpsichords 
Here is my new baby! 

Of course, making the case is the quick bit.
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Double Bass under construction.

Posted by Peter Barnes on Tuesday, October 17, 2017, In : working on... 
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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Reconditioning 1995 Goble Double after Zell. Dec 2016

Posted by Peter Barnes on Monday, December 19, 2016, In : working on... 
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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About Me


Harpsichord Maker, restorer, repairer and vendor.