EarlyMusicNews.Org

“This website is posted by Michael Cole, who has a workshop in Prestbury, under the Cotswold escarpment on the northern fringe of Cheltenham.

 It is intended to give you information about the kinds of instruments that I have been making and restoring since my first reproduction instruments were made in the early 1970s.

Ten years earlier, like many others, I was inspired by Raymond Russell's excellent book The Harpsichord and Clavichord which he modestly subtitled 'a preliminary survey'. For those of us who were accustomed to 1960s harpsichords, made by commercial piano makers using modern designs and materials, the instruments shown in Russell's photographic plates were utterly beguiling. A few years later came Frank Hubbard's Three Centuries of Harpsichord Making, which was very strong on accurate historical source material, supplemented by some excellent technical drawings made by Hubbard's father. ..“

Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: May 14, 2009 | Hits: 381

"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

"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: 379

"1969 graduated from Trinity College of Music, London

1969-72 taught music full-time.

1972-74 worked with John Feldberg, harpsichord makers, GB.

1975 set up a workshop at Mayfield, Sussex, and undertook harpsichord maintenance.

1976 began studies of historical wires, with the metallurgist Derek Slater.

1977 began producing harpsichords based o­n the Henri Hemsch in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. "

Visit website for more information. Also sells harspchord/fortepiano wire. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 24, 2008 | Hits: 378

At Michael Johnson Harpsichords we create instruments that suit all periods. Superb craftsmanship has made our instruments renowned for their reliability and stability. They are hand-crafted from air-dried timbers, using the same traditional methods as makers in the 16th, 17th and 18th Centuries. We build harpsichords that the finest musicians and academies throughout the world choose for solo, continuo and orchestral work. ...

Also supplier of PEEK monofilament for boar’s hair spring substitute.

Added on: Jun 22, 2005 | Hits: 377

"Our company, founded in 1975, has specialized from the very beginning in the production and restoration of historical musical instruments. After many years of rich experiences and considerable investments in structure, R&D and market surveys, BIZZI has developped a new idea that in the last few years has placed the company in a significant position among the most qualified manufacturers of historical keyboard instruments.

Some prestigious initiatives, carried out in the years 70s and 80s, like the restoration of the Collections of the Museo del Teatro alla Scala in Milan and the Museo Correr in Venice, as well as the foundation of the Scuola di Liuteria of Milan, have allowed Bizzi to acquire the indispensable know-how and background for the launch a new project which would have required about ten years before being completed.

The goal was the establishment of a new company based on the same manufacturing principles of the greatest harpsichord makers of the past, and particularly the Ruckers dinasty, which is a unique example of high quality combined with great efficiency and incredible productivity. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 24, 2008 | Hits: 376

"Carl Rennoldson was born in Loughborough in 1946. His early training was in traditional cabinetmaking, learning the trade at the bench under the supervision of an established craftsman. The workshop, with connections going back to the old London firm of George Betjemann & Sons, made luxury items of furniture and special commissions. Later he attended Shoreditch Teacher Training College at Egham, Surrey, obtaining a Cert.Ed., with distinction, in Craft, Design and Technology. It was during this period that he made his first harpsichord, a large double manual instrument in the style of Kirkman.

ince 1983 he has been running his own furniture making and antiques restoration business and for 20 years taught antique furniture restoration for the Kent Adult Education Service. His interest in music comes from an early introduction to the violin, which he still plays. In 1993 he decided to further pursue his interest in early keyboard instruments and enrolled at London Guildhall University graduating with a B.Sc.(Hons) First Class in Musical Instrument Technology.

Specialising in French, Flemish and Italian keyboard instruments from the early 16th century to the early 18th century, designs are based on museum drawings of original instruments with some minor adjustments to compass and disposition in order to accommodate the preferences of individual customers.

Great care is taken to source and select appropriate materials with particular attention given to constructional refinements ensuring an even touch and responsive action. The detailed casework and decoration perhaps reflect his early training and long association with the art of woodworking. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 04, 2008 | Hits: 376

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: 375

Marc Ducornet & Emmanuel Danset have developed an extensive range of instruments suitable for amateur to professional builders. Each instrument is offered in several versions, according to how much work you would like to do yourself. Every model is pictured in our Gallery, from where there are links to the detailed specification pages. o­n our site you can also find information about orders & deliveries, and spare parts & accessories ...

Added on: Jul 04, 2005 | Hits: 375

"Former maker of Franco-Flemish and Italian harpsichords and English virginals. ... MAINTENANCE SERVICE AVAILABLE — Europe & beyond. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 24, 2008 | Hits: 373

The workshop of William Horn is located near Brescia (a city with a long tradition in the art of musical instruments making), in the fifteenth century historical Palazzo Maggi-Trebeschi.

Himself a musician and performer, William Horn has been able to combine his interest in musical performance with the organological study, and the construction of the keyboard instruments for early music.

Added on: Apr 09, 2007 | Hits: 371

"Since 1981, I have been making Italian harpsichords and clavichords in San Francisco, my native city. In recent years, I have been making small organs as well. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 24, 2008 | Hits: 370

"As a well known group of harpsichord builders (from the north, south and west coast), we are dedicated to offering you the finest in early keyboard instruments.

What makes the gallery unique is that we only offer new instruments with the most discriminating keyboard player in mind. Find out why the Harpsichord Gallery has set itself apart from other known galleries.

Let us show you the pure pleasure in owning a fine musical instrument that will delight both you the owner and future generations to come. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 26, 2008 | Hits: 361

"I first established myself as a harpsichord maker in 1980 (in Western Canada) and began making Harpsichords, Virginals, Spinets and Clavichords. In the late 1980’s I added Viennese Forte-Pianos to my repertoire. I also undertake restorations, renovations and repairs of early stringed keyboard instruments. Since moving to North Yorkshire my work has focused almost exclusively on restoration of early pianos, mostly Viennese Forte-Pianos.

I am a former academic (BA, MA - Alta, Can.: PhD -- London) and I have an early background in cabinet making and carpentry (my father was a cabinet maker). I studied early stringed keyboard instrument construction and design at the London College of Furniture (1977-80) and spent a further year (1984-85) as a Canada Council Fellow researching and drawing original instruments in Britain and on the continent.

All the instruments that I build are individually hand crafted, built along traditional lines and made from traditional woods and they are all based on historical models. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 03, 2008 | Hits: 355

"In the heart of London, The Harpsichord Workshop provides a complete service for the harpsichord player, offering a range of instruments to suit specific requirements, and working with the world's leading players.

We Hire and Tune instruments for concerts, recordings and rehearsals, as well as providing long-term hire for such purposes as opera seasons and tours.

We can also loan instruments for use in the home, for practice or while awaiting delivery of a new instrument. Our collection includes fine harpsichords by makes such as Michael Johnson, Bruce Kennedy and Andrew Garlick, including double-manual French, German and Flemish instruments; single manual Italian harpsichords; and Flemish and Italian virginals.

At the Harpsichord Workshop we can provide a Full Repair Service from general regulation to major restoration.

We can Advise on the Purchase of new instruments from a variety of makers, and sometimes have second hand ones available for immediate sale. "

Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Tags: Mark Ransom

Added on: Feb 24, 2008 | Hits: 353

"In our workshop we have the facilities to repair or overhaul both historical and 20th century harpsichords. We hold a good stock of parts and accessories for repairs and upgrading of most harpsichords throughout the world.

We are pleased to give quotations on labour costs for work and services carried out in our workshop with a guarantee that no extra expense is incurred on any repairs or restoration work unless the customer is in full agreement.

Please ask about our facility to fit any of our Harpsichord or Spinet parts or accessories to your instrument, including cutting-in of the plectra if we install our HCH Jack Conversion Kit. "

Added on: Apr 10, 2007 | Hits: 352

"Ici vous trouverez les services offerts par l'Atelier de Lutherie "Le Pin Lyre" pour l'entretien et restauration des clavecins et des épinettes. Vous pourrez aussi voir quelques exemples de travaux effectués par M. Thomas Murach, facteur de clavecins, et consulter les tarifs des interventions pour vos instruments." (transl. "Here you will find services offered by the Atelier de Lutherie "Le Pin Lyre" for the maintenance and restoration of harpsichord. You can also browse through some examples of instruments constructed by M. Thomas Murach, harpsichord maker as well as list price of services offered." (ed.)) See website for more info. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 08, 2008 | Hits: 352

Anthony R. Brazier and Wm Neil Roberts -- "We have been building harpsichords and other early keyboard instruments professionally since 1976 during which time we have built over 117 instruments and repaired or restored countless dozens of other instruments owned by private individuals, colleges, schools and churches.

As Associates of the The Paris Workshop of Early Keyboard Instruments, we offer the same line of instruments that are available there. Their parts are pulled from the shelves and shipped to us for assembly, decoration and final action work. As professional performers ourselves, we have always taken great care to complete an instrument that satisfies the professional musician and the discriminating amateur. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 24, 2008 | Hits: 350

"Andrew Lagerquist has been involved in the world of early keyboards since 1973, when he began working in the shop of Frank Hubbard. He later worked in the shops of William Dowd and John Phillips. Since 1990 he has been on his own pursuing instrument building, instrument repair, and concert tuning in the San Francisco area.

His great passion has become the Swedish style of clavichord making, of which he offers and has built several designs. His large clavichords after Lindholm-Söderström were prominently featured at the 2001 Boston Early Music Festival. His clavichords have been performed on in concert by Richard Troeger, Richard Fuller, Mikko Korhonen, and Pekka Vapaavuori.

His instruments are made to order in a small workshop by himself. All are based on historical examples, most of which have been personally examined. Though emphasizing Swedish clavichords, other instruments will be considered, and in fact he is currently building an early un-fretted example from the Saxon school. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 24, 2008 | Hits: 344

“Mario Del Grosso began his activity as an instrument builder in 1980, subsequently attending courses by Grant O’Brian in 1982 / 83 and  Christopher Clarke in Antwerp.  He brought his attention  especially  towards  the construction of spinets, virginals, and  Italian,  Flemish and French harpsichords. In  1987   he  completed  the integral  construction  of  a  copy  of  a fortepiano by A. Walter conserved at the Nurnberg Museum,  first in Italy. He has combined his work as a  builder with  restoration work  performed  on harpsichords and fortepianos of historical prestige held in private collections and museums. While on tour in Austria, Hungary, Spain, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the United States and Canada, M. Del Grosso has been fortunate enough to carefully  study prestigious  instruments  kept in their respective museums, analysing  various  construction methods and details and exchanging  facts  and viewpoints in numerous  encounters  with  European  and  American instrument makers. Mario Del Grosso has given  summer specialisation courses on the construction and restoration of  harpsichords, and conferences on keyboard instruments, taking  part in numerous  festivals and  expositions, such as Stresa, Cervo, Pieve di Teco, Urbino, Antwerp, Moneglia and Perugia. He also plays harpsichord  and fortepiano as solo,  in  various  ensemble  of  early music ensemble and with singers, in  numerous concerts in Italy and other country making TV recordings and compact disks. He started his study at the Conservatory of Genoa graduating in Piano and Harpsichord, finishing his preparation with David Collyer, Aline Zilberajch and Gustav Leonhardt.“

Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Jul 05, 2009 | Hits: 344

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: 339

"I have been a professional builder and restorer of harpsichords, fortepianos and harps since 1978, and since then my instruments have found homes in the USA, Canada and Australia as well as more locally in this country. Much of my work is producing copies of some of the fine antique instruments that have survived the years of neglect since the end of the Baroque era. I also enjoy the challenge of designing an instrument to a certain specification and historical models will almost certainly influence this.

A finished instrument may use up to twelve types of wood and the same number of animal products. Holly, pear, ebony, boxwood, lime and spruce are all chosen for their particular qualities, while raven and crow-quills, buffalo hide, hog's bristles, play their part too.

I build every part of the instrument myself including the case with it's inlay and marquetry, the keyboards and action which are made up of several hundred parts and the final stringing, tuning and setting up. From start to finish an instrument takes many months to complete. From the first careful selection of the timber every consideration is aimed to produce a reliable and beautifully toned instrument that could become the heirloom of the future. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 24, 2008 | Hits: 339

“Curiosity Started Me Building Harpsichords

Today it is as strong as it was when I began my first instrument in 1973. Every new harpsichord is a voyage of discovery. This is because of the manner in which I work.

It starts with designing the instrument. I base my design on one or more existing instruments of a certain builder or a school of building.

I don't copy: I want to design the instrument the way that builder would have done with the materials available now and following the wishes of my client. I use the experience I gained from previous harpsichords I made. The process continues in the building phase: working on, I continually ask myself why the builder made the choices he made and that leads to all kinds of ideas, which I pursue. I work from the whole, from which the details arise, and when I change a detail, all changes, so adjustments may be necessary again. On the one hand it is seeking, on the other hand it is to be inspired.

Because of this way of working I cannot make more than 3 to 4 instruments per year.

The result always turns out to be good: the last harpsichord always is the best I ever made. But I can only hear that when it is properly played upon for the first time, by someone who really can do that, when player and music merge and the instrument in fact disappears. That is the way I want to make my instruments: that one doesn't hear the instrument, just music.”

Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Jun 22, 2005 | Hits: 338

"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: 338

"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: 335