New instrument commissions
I presently make Italian harpsichords, due to my admiration for their tonal qualities and design principles. These instruments are not always appreciated by others as much as I think they should be. Their bright sound projects well, they stay in tune more readily than other harpsichord designs, they are reasonably easy to move and set up, and they possess an understated yet elegant appearance.
My instruments are inspired by historical designs without being literal copies of every single detail. I sometimes use locally available wood (just as the old makers did), instead of the original materials.
Animal glues are used for the majority of the building process, and especially for the joining of soundboard staves, the fastening of bridges and nuts, and the gluing of the soundboard into the case. The use of animal glues allows glue joints to dry hard, while retaining the ability to be dismantled in future should the need arise.
Standard features on all new instruments:
- Transposing keyboard that allows playing at a pitch of either A=415 or 440 Hz
- Folding music desk
- Stand that fastens to the bottom of the harpsichord, which can be dismantled for easy transportation
Tools/supplies included with all new instruments:
- Tuning hammer
- Spare plectra
- Stringing schedule and a supply of replacement strings
- Small strip of damper felt
1531 Alessandro Trasuntino
False inner-outer harpsichord inspired by an instrument presently in the Royal College of Music, London. Single manual, 2x8', brass stringing, expanded keyboard range GG,AA-d3. A=415-440 transposition (no loss of notes in either position). Bridge, nut and wrestplank of walnut. Spruce soundboard (instead of the original cypress).
Trasuntino audio examples
Suite in C Major, BuxWV 227 by Dietrich Buxtehude (c.1637-1707)
Performance © by Borys Medicky
Allemande (0:00) played on back 8
Courante (2:45) on front 8
Sarabande (4:27) on 2x8
Gigue (5:49) on 2x8
Temperament: 1/4-comma meantone
Suite BuxWV 227 (mp3)
Download1677 F.A.
Harpsichord inspired by F.A., 1677. Single manual, 2x8', brass stringing, range C/E-c3. A=415-440 (no loss of notes in either position). Soundboard of spruce. Bridge, nut and wrestplank of walnut. Turned maple legs.
Options for new instruments
Casework options
There are two ways to construct an Italian harpsichord, both of which are found in the historical tradition:
- True inner-outer: an instrument with a thin (about 3/16"/4.7 mm or less) case of attractive softwood such as Alaska cedar, given an oil finish and adorned inside and out with elegant moldings. Such an instrument is light and easy to move. Care must be taken to protect the instrument, as the casework could dent or split if it suffers a sharp blow. Historically, such instruments were often inserted into a protective outer case that had the same shape as the instrument itself. This outer case was usually painted, sometimes elaborately so, and could feature other highly decorative details such as gilding and carving. The combination of the inner and outer cases is somewhat heavy.
- False inner-outer: an instrument with a thicker case made from a hardwood such as poplar, which is painted or decorated in such a fashion as to conceal the wood. Strips of softwood and pieces of molding are glued to the interior rim of this painted case to simulate the appearance of an true inner-outer residing within its outer case, except that here the instrument and the outer case are one and the same. Such an instrument is a little heavier than the true inner-outer without its outer case, due to the thicker casework, but also tougher and more likely to shrug off accidental blows. It is not as heavy as a true inner-case instrument together with its outer case.
Keyboard options
Keyboard ranges can be enlarged beyond the original, at additional cost.
Natural keytops can be made of boxwood, simulated ivory or bone. Prices vary depending on the material.
Natural key decorations include arcades, moldings and elaborate parchment fronts. Prices vary.
Decorative options
False inner-outer instruments are painted in a single colour. Other decorative options are priced accordingly; please contact me for more details.
A parchment soundboard rose can be installed for an additional cost.
Practical options
Padded covers are made by a third party to fit my instruments, and are priced at the maker's cost (presently about $600; subject to change). They are strongly recommended for anyone that plans to move their instrument regularly.
A mover's dolly optimized for harpsichords, which attaches securely to the instrument with straps, can be provided for $200.
Price list and terms
New instruments
Harpsichord after Alessandro Trasuntino, 1531
False inner-outer: $12,000
True inner-outer without case or lid: $13,000
Harpsichord after F.A., 1677
False inner-outer: $10,000
True inner-outer without case or lid: $11,000
Outer case with lid for true inner-outer harpsichords: add $1,500.
Single-strung (1x8') harpsichords: subtract $1,000 from the prices above.
Ontario residents add 13% HST. Residents of other Canadian provinces add 5% GST.
Terms of sale
Full details of the instrument to be built, the final price and payment terms are recorded in a contract that you (the buyer) and I must both sign.
As a sign of good faith, a non-refundable deposit of $500, fully credited against the total purchase price, must be made upon signature of the contract. This ensures that you are serious about making the purchase and prevents me from investing my time and materials into a project that you might not be fully committed to.
Payments consist of the deposit and three approximately equal installments of the remaining purchase price after the deposit is subtracted.
When work on the harpsichord commences, the first of three payment installments is due. The second installment is due at my discretion during the building process. When the harpsichord is finished and playable, you are invited to evaluate it. If you are satisfied, the final installment is paid and you take possession of the instrument. If you are not satisfied, all your previous payments with the exception of the initial deposit will be refunded, and the contract is voided. The instrument remains my property, should this occur.
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