Single manual
GG-d''' compass
2 x 8' disposition
Wooden jacks of pear, delrin plectra
Rosewood naturals, curly maple sharps
Quarter-sawn white pine case, painted dark blue, turquoise, and gold
Quarter-sawn western red cedar soundboard
Cherry bridge, nut, hitch-pin rail and wrest plank veneer
Dimensions: 54" x 321/2" x 6 7/8" (without lid and stand)
Stand height: 24 3/4"
Weight: 47 lbs./21.4kg. Trestle stand is 11 lb./5 kg

The design of this instrument, though not based on a particular instrument or builder, rests upon principles of the Italian school of harpsichord making which were in practice from the late 1400's to the early 1800's. These were among the first in Europe, and served as a point of departure for the varying national styles which would follow and supersede the Italian model in complexity, power, brilliance and variability of expression. 

But it is the dry voice and clarity of the speech of this instrument which allows the music to be heard more simply without the sometimes overwhelming brilliance and dazzling tone which some northern European instruments bring to the musical statement. 

The factors responsible for this are several.  The strings are lighter, shorter, and of lower tension than their northern counterparts, creating a tone which is not so complex.  The lower tension requires not so heavy a case structure, an instrument more sympathetic to the vibrations.  In addition, the cedar sound board gives more warmth of tone than the more common spruce. 

The action of this instrument, true to Italian tradition, is light, crisp, and responsive.  With the brass handstops accessible just above the keyboard, shifts in sound dynamics are more easily accomplished. The choirs distinguish themselves by a plaintive more expressive eight foot choir at the front, and a brighter more rounded eight foot choir at the back. Each have a clear robust base. 

Price Range and Options

Price range for this instrument is $13,000 Cdn ($9,000 US), with options available.

Italian 2'x8' painted, strung and voiced.  Includes trestle stand of turned legs, frame and panel lid, music desk. 

Options: 

Case-wood of cherry or oak, cedar, walnut
Non-painted, oiled or varnished
Soundboard of spruce or cedar
Keyboard of rosewood or ebony naturals, curly maple or cherry sharps

Shipping and packing charges will be quoted per order and are not included in the price quoted above.