EarlyMusicNews.Org

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Added on: Mar 10, 2008 | Hits: 383

Welcome to Zuckermann Harpsichords International, the world’s leading maker of historically-based keyboard instruments. A harpsichord is more than simply an instrument upon which one makes music; it is also a decorative object, a visual as well as an aural feast. Our superior-quality harpsichords, clavichords, spinets and virginals are closely based on the best extant antiques from the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. We seek not to copy them as much as to recreate their baroque and early-classical motifs. The results are instruments of ageless beauty and sound.

Added on: Jun 22, 2005 | Hits: 442

"Yves Albert Feder Harpsichords is pleased to announce our association with THE PARIS WORKSHOP and the ATELIER MARC DUCORNET of Montreuil (Paris) France. TPW supplies harpsichord kits of extraordinary finish and quality backed by years of experience working with kit builders, and I personally have supplied a great many kits to amateur - and professional - builders, since 1976.

Having also built a variety of custom historical keyboard instruments, I'm very pleased indeed to be working with Marc Ducornet in helping to establish more of his extraordinary custom harpsichords in the USA.

The prices are amazingly reasonable for instruments coming into the US from overseas - and the quality is truly second to none. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 24, 2008 | Hits: 379

Suppliers of harpsichord or fortepiano parts.

Added on: Jun 22, 2005 | Hits: 465

The Harpsichord Clearing House contains the most comprehensive inventory of early keyboard instruments for sale in North America. HCH has been building and brokering since 1969, and, today, represents instruments from virtually every builder. Our Gallery, located between Boston, MA and Providence, RI houses over 45 new and used harpsichords, clavichords, fortepianos, and organs for you to play and compare.

Added on: Jun 22, 2005 | Hits: 420

Steven Sørli -- "Sorli Harpsichords are designed to provide a genuine experience of early keyboard music. Inspired by antiques, all models are constructed using a combination of intuition and ingenuity to ensure the utmost in musical expression. Outstanding qualities of the Sorli sound include incisive clarity, richness, unified balance, pronounced attack, dynamic projection and musical versatility. The action is crisp and solid providing a secure sense of control.

Steven Sorli creates each instrument individually as a work of art. His aesthetic abilities contribute to a tasteful blend of color and form which add a complementary balance to the tonal shades. The diverse textures adorning his harpsichords are reminiscent of those executed by the masters of old. Mr. Sorli has been the recipient of a craftsman's fellowship grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Jun 22, 2005 | Hits: 435

Harpsichord maker. Follow his latest construction on a well documented blog. Photos of construction added for detail. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 06, 2008 | Hits: 598

“A dedicated resource guide for the restoration enthusiast who is looking for information on restoring the early square piano!

I confess, doing biographies on yourself was never in my comfort zone, and I attached the material below from the standard issue I use for board seat web pages and speaking engagements, with the bit about pianos thrown in for the benefit of this particular site. But in general, I became interested in early keyboards while still in college, having encountered a kit clavichord that a physics professor had made, and subsequently bumping into the extraordinary pianist Raymond Dudley who was gracious enough to help properly introduce me to the world of the early fortepiano. A kit-built Zukermann Flemish harpsichord in 1980 and conversations with David Way sealed the deal, but with the advent of the internet, the exposure to early pianos and English square pianos really took me to a new level. I have been actively building copies, and researching and restoring the early antique pianos since 1998, making me a novice yet. Paul Polletti has stated that he did not begin to really understand the builders art until about his 15th fortepiano, and in that I concur. Once I have my 10,000 hours in, I might know something about the subject. Until then, this site works best when I hear from those of you out there who have paid your dues. For you I make available these pages, to record what we know about the technology of early pianos, and particularly those early squares!

Thomas Strange “

Visit website for more information. (ED)

Added on: May 02, 2011 | Hits: 405

"Richard Kingston has produced over 300 instruments, all grounded in the best of the styles and techniques of the historic makers. Kingston and his instruments have been featured in articles published in Southern Living and Southern Accents magazines. The Best Report surveyed harpsichord makers and ranked the work of Richard Kingston with the top few of all extant makers. He has lectured on harpsichord construction techniques and styles, has served on numerous workshop faculties and has been the subject of an interview by the award-winning radio news magazine All Things Considered broadcast by National Public Radio. In 1991, Richard Kingston received the Spivey Award for Excellence in Instrument Building. The jurors were unanimous in their decision to award him top honors. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 24, 2008 | Hits: 383

"Early keyboard instruments are the focus of the R.J. Regier workshop where we: - design and build new fortepianos and harpsichords based on period samples - repair, restore and maintain old instruments - lease instruments for concerts and professional use - tune and maintain instruments for performance and recording "

Visit site for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 24, 2008 | Hits: 388

"PianoGrands is an antique piano dealer that carries an unrivaled collection of antique grand pianos and antique upright pianos renowned for their superb sound, skillful construction and refined aesthetics. The combination of the finest materials, responsive actions and old-world craftsmanship of famous makers results in a rich, rewarding sound and exhilarating playing experience.

To complement our antique grand and upright pianos, we also carry a fine line of contemporary harpsichords, clavichords, fortepianos and kits. These superb instruments are replicas of historic keyboards. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 25, 2008 | Hits: 386

More About The Maker My first encounter with the harpsichord occurred when I was 16. Landowska playing a Handel suite was like hitting me over the head with a brick! The result was my going to London at my first opportunity to the Victoria and Albert museum to look at a harpsichord. I received permission to measure both the harpsichord and a clavichord. I concluded that although a harpsichord was beyond me, a clavichord was not. So I went home and made one! From that point on, until I sold my first harpsichord in Guernsey in 1965, I spent all my spare time haunting the established English makers; Goble, Feldberg, Dolmetsch, Thomas Goff, Hugh Gough, and above all, Michael Thomas, from whom I learned the secrets of a good soundboard. Luckily for me I was a natural when came to woodworking, and in no time at all I could cut dovetails by hand that fit perfectly! I moved to Claremont, Virginia in 1973 with Katie my wife, and since that time, we have made more than 50 instruments together, whilst raising a couple of kids, my total now being more than 70 instruments since I began. For some years I was the Musical Instrument Conservator to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, leaving in 1988 to pursue making my own instruments full time. During that time I had the privilege of working with many antique instruments, including a magnificent 1762 Jacob Kirckman double manual harpsichord. ...

Added on: Jun 22, 2005 | Hits: 341

"After years of playing in school and community bands and orchestras, Paul Irvin was introduced to Bach, Baroque and the harpsichord while studying in college. Soon after receiving his B.A. in chemistry in 1969, he built his first harpsichord from a kit. Dissatisfaction with a second kit caused him to abandon it to begin researching the historical harpsichord. This study resulted in instruments of his own design, based on historical principles. Word-of-mouth demand turned his hobby into a career of custom designing harpsichords and clavichords, a career now in its twenty-third year. ...

We are committed to providing the finest quality Early Keyboard Instruments and professional Service. As you explore this site we hope you find it an informative and enjoyable way to learn more about us and the world of early keyboard instruments. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 24, 2008 | Hits: 439

"I build and repair historic keyboard instruments as well as tune and service modern pianos in San Diegos North County. My current offerings include Harpsichords, Clavichords and Fortepianos."

"My philosophy is simple. I endeavor to make the best instruments both tonally and constructionally as I know how for the most reasonable price to the customer. I am well aware that there are many people who would love to own a handcrafted instrument but the price is just out of their reach. It is my belief that a well-made clavichord, harpsichord, or fortepiano should be affordable to almost anyone who truly wants one."

Added on: Apr 09, 2007 | Hits: 337

“The building of keyboard instruments began over 300 years ago. The development started with the organ and the Harpsichord, continued through the pianoforte, and reached its high point with what today is known as the modern grand piano - which remains until now virtually unchanged. (The Golden Years of grand piano construction were between 1825 and 1925).

Grand pianos belong as much to the appreciation of art as the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Rubens, or an authentically restored historical building, all of which have both high artistic and material value. Recognizing this has given me the exciting idea to create a renaissance of antique instruments for the pleasure of both art and music lovers.
An antique grand piano, more or less 100 years old, presents a unique form of aesthetics, both in music and appearance as well as an instrument and as the focal point of a home. When one considers how many famous pianists or passionate piano players have already played on one or another of these grands (and how many are yet to play upon them), it is imperative to save these magnificent instruments from decay and to give pianists and their entire surroundings the joyous gift these pianos can offer.

With this conviction in mind, Palace Pianos has for the sale exclusively of grands that have been found mostly in their original magical conditions, maintaining their original tone quality. Every year more than 50 pianos are sold world wide and we feel it is our duty to follow the 19th-Century motto: Build good instruments and you will never have to worry about selling them. ..“

Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Dec 06, 2009 | Hits: 301

I have been building clavichords and harpsichords since 1977. Using traditional materials and methods, I am known for instruments of rich character and 'color,' and for attention to details of touch and reliability. I work alone, which allows me to focus all my energy and passion o­n each instrument.

It is very important, I believe, that I am a player myself. All of my instruments receive a proper playing-in, and I expect them to satisfy my own demands as a player before I send them out into the world.

I have built instruments for the Indiana University Early Music Institute, Reed College, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Brigham Young University, Southwest Oregon Community College, the University of Oregon, Willamette University, Central Washington University and Boston University. My private clients value their privacy, and I respect it. But I will be happy to refer serious inquiries to them for an independent view of my work, as well as of my timeliness and general business practices ...

Added on: Jul 04, 2005 | Hits: 408

“The Organ Clearing House was founded in 1959 for the preservation of pipe organs which need new homes. Our extensive list of distinguished vintage instruments provides our clients with an attractive choice less expensive than the purchase of a new pipe organ. We are typically able to provide complete instruments at approximately half the cost of a comparable new pipe organ.

In addition, we are equipped to provide a full range of services including assessment and consultation, dismantling, packing, and shipping, erecting and installing organs.

The contemporary world of church music offers many artificial substitutes for pipe organs to be used for the musical leadership of public worship. We at the Organ Clearing House suggest that there is no real substitute for a pipe organ, and we maintain that pipe organs are frequently available through our resources for half the cost of an equivalent new instrument. Often, a church can purchase, renovate, and relocate a pipe organ for the cost of an upscale electronic substitute. And always, a professionally installed pipe organ will outlast those substitutes.

Even modern pipe organs are built using ancient principles. Centuries old instruments are in regular use throughout the Christian world, proving that obsolescence is evas ive. Well maintained, thoughtfully used pipe organs do not become doorstops! ..“

Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 14, 2010 | Hits: 258

Margaret Hood Fortepianos recreate the colorful ringing tone and responsive lightness of touch of their famous prototypes, the fortepianos of 1803 and 1816 by the Viennese pianomaker Nannette Streicher. Instruments from our workshop are fully guaranteed against defects of workmanship and materials. They have given rewarding and reliable service in concerts and on tours with amateurs and professional musicians here and abroad. They have also been a source of hours of delight in the homes of their owners. Your satisfaction is our greatest pleasure. We have been making and servicing reproduction Viennese fortepianos since 1976. Our instruments are owned by colleges, universities and professional musicians in Canada and the Eastern United States, and have been rented for performance by symphony orchestras, city opera companies, university and community orchestras and music festivals. We have one or two finished instruments to see and play at the Boston Early Music Festival and other regional early music festivals every year. Please contact us to arrange to see and try one at one of these places or at our shop in Wisconsin.

Added on: Jun 22, 2005 | Hits: 377

"I first became interested in harpsichords in the late 70s. In 1980, I built my first instrument, a Flemish Single from Zuckermann Harpsichords Inc. I then studied with San Francisco teacher and performer Kathy Roberts Perl, who continues to be my teacher and valued adviser to this day.

I went into business in 1984 and shortly thereafter, began a professional relationship with David Way of Zuckerman Harpsichords, becoming his agent for the San Francisco Bay Area. This relationship lasted until 1992 when I left ZHI to pursue my own building from historical designs.

I have also been active with several West Coast arts organization. From 1985 to 1995, I worked with Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra serving variously as stage manager, harpsichord technician, and tour manager. I also worked with Carmel Bach Festival from 1988 to 1997. And I served on the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Early Music Society including Board President from 1989 to 1992. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 24, 2008 | Hits: 401

"Harpsichords, Clavichords, Violins, and Fortepianos by Keith Hill

Since I began building instruments, I have made more than 385 instruments for professional musicians and serious amateurs alike. Most of these harpsichords, clavichords, violins, guitars, and fortepianos continue to serve music as I intended them so to do when I made them. My chiefest aim has always been to build sounds which inspire a way of playing that deeply moves and excites listeners. This aim can be realized only by acoustical work of the highest quality. I define quality as anything which makes my instruments more like the antique instruments. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 24, 2008 | Hits: 390

"John Phillips Harpsichords is a small shop which produces four to six high quality instruments per year. We offer models based on French, Flemish, German, and Italian instruments. We also service and mend harpsichords and provide concert and recording rentals and tunings. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 24, 2008 | Hits: 341

"For more than a quarter century I have been making harpsichords and clavichords for individuals and institutions across North America. My instruments are entirely custom made to suit my customer's needs and desires. The designs I use are drawn from antique instruments of proven musical value; the materials I use and the methods I use to make my harpsichords are the very best I have been able to find. My harpsichords are remarkably close to the originals, especially with respect to the sound they produce and the feel of the action. I am also very concerned about the musical and functional utility of the harpsichords I make. So while they are historically accurate, they are also easy to live with. My harpsichords are entirely made by hand, right down to the tuning pins; I use no kits or kit parts. -- David Jensen " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Jun 22, 2005 | Hits: 449

"Webside greetings! As you can see I've been building keyboard instruments based on original historical instruments for almost thirty years. I try to determine the type of music my client will play, and present to them optional solutions. A few of my recent clients have specialized in music of the renaissance which requires smaller, more colorful instruments. Although I've built the following double manual harpsichords: Dulcken #1 lives in Toronto. Dulcken #2 lives in Austria. My two manual Zell lives here in Seattle and has been recorded and my two manual Bellot also lives here.

If I build more doubles they will be like my copy of the 1667 anon. French in the Boston museum. I also very much like the Tibaut and the Denis doubles. There are far too many makers who turn out the 18th century Blanchet, Hemsh, and Dulckens for me to complete with and I personally like building small practical instruments that most people can afford.

I am passionate over small extrovert Italian instruments which are easy to maintain and move about. I feel strongly that the true musician should seriously explore the Clavichord since it is so challenging to play well. I love turning wonderful woods into lasting objects of beauty. My home workshop is a fascinating must see for anyone visiting the Seattle area. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 06, 2008 | Hits: 427

Hubbard Harpsichords specializes in crafting harpsichords. We offer a full line of custom instruments based on originals produced in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. We also offer a number of these instruments in kit form for those who enjoy the indescribable adventure of recreating an instrument of the past.

Added on: Jun 22, 2005 | Hits: 437

Harpsichord Photo: "This is a site for sharing photographs and specifications of instruments that belong to members of HPSCHD-L. " See site for more info. and photo submission details. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 03, 2008 | Hits: 292