French
Double
Flemish
Single, 18th c. range
Flemish
Single, received range
English
Bentside Spinet
Flemish
Virginals
Hubbard
Harpsichords, Inc. has always been first and foremost a maker of fine
keyboard instruments – kits represent only a part of our activity.
In the fledgling years of the Hubbard workshop, however, Frank
Hubbard's friends would sometimes drop by to observe the instruments
under construction. Several expressed interest in assembling
a harpsichord themselves and began to do so under his tutelage.
Enthusiasm was high; the number of amateur builders increased.
Gradually, as the workshop took on the aura of hobby heaven, the concept
of the KIT HARPSICHORD was born.
All
Hubbard instruments are based on close examination of historic prototypes.
For our kits we have chosen from several representative designs
we regularly make. We have designed these kit packages with the
amateur woodworker in mind. The instruction manuals explain in
detail the procedures for assembly, decoration, and voicing of the instruments,
and they manage in the process to impart a great deal of information
on the art of antique and modern instrument making. As much as
possible, details of the original instruments have been retained whether
concerned with the production of the sound, the feel of the action,
or merely an ingredient of the style and practice of the period.
We have not designed shortcuts to make assembly quick or easy; but with
patience and diligence any amateur woodworker can follow the instructions
and produce a thoroughly professional instrument.
Hubbard
kits are offered in several versions, each carried to a further stage
of completion, so that the builder may select a starting point depending
on the resources available. This is a woodworking
project you will never forget, a musical instrument you will enjoy for
a lifetime.
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