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Specifications:
 Range:
: 61 notes, 5 octaves , FF - f3 chromatic, non-transposing
(currently tuned to a' = 415 Hz)
Disposition:
Double strung in brass, unfretted, the bottom 20 courses are
overspun (3 are brass over brass, the balance are brass over
steel; as a group they seem to be the original strings).
 Decoration:
This fine clavichord is constructed from cherry and finished
in a French polish. The instrument sits on a trestle stand.
For such a simple instrument there are a number of well-judged
details that add interest and give delight. These include
the brass pad-eyes
for the lid lanyard, and the ivory
button pull on the tool compartment lid. The soundboard
is discreetly decorated with leaves
and small blue blossoms. The instrument is accompanied
by what appears to be the original
hand-made tuning wrench.
Dimensions:
length 60"; width 17 3/16"; depth 6" (includes
lid); bottom to floor 24 1/4".
This instrument represents an important piece of history.
According to the shop books, Frank Hubbard and William Dowd
started this and its companion, #8, in 1949. They were
marked as delivered in 1952. For an instrument over
fifty years old this clavichord is in very fine shape indeed.
Much of the cherry of the case has darkened to a rich light
mahogany red with some slightly bleached areas. The
finish has stood up well and does not muddy the lovely grain
but still deserves a freshening. There are some dents
and dings around the casework and the inevitable glass ring
or two on the outside of the lid. Most of these rings
could be repaired without attacking the patina but one
may resist all but the most aggressive measures.
The bread-boarding of the lid at the treble end has
partially separated and needs to be re-attached.
The instrument has recently been partially restrung (at Harpsichord
Clearing House). We have successfully taken measures
to quiet the action. The case displays the characteristic
twist of age in moderate degree.
This is a musical instrument and, as such, functions quite
well and should continue to do so far into the future.
The instrument constitutes an important and interesting milestone
in the mid-20th century revival of the clavichord (and early
music) and is thus being offered as a semi-antique.
Consequently the extent and mode of dealing with the cosmetic
deficiencies of the instrument will be left to the purchaser
to decide.
Offering
Price:
(H&D-7) Offering price: $8,500 N.B.
This instrument is currently covered by a sales agreement.
Listen
To It...
You will be able to hear a recording that we are preparing
of this instrument. Please check back soon.
- Long
Sample -
- Short
Sample -
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A Note About The Files ~
Not all mp3 files are equal! The sound of a harpsichord
is particularly difficult to compress satisfactorily - clavichords
are no better. The bit rate we have chosen for these
samples is the lowest that reproduces the original recording
with negligible loss. On a 28K Internet connection,
the shorter sound sample will take over 10 minutes to download.
If you have a fast connection (T1, cable modem, DSL) please
try the long sample.
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Problems Playing the File ~
If you cannot play the file through your web browser,
PC users with the Microsoft browser can right click on the
link, then choose the "Save target" option to
download the file, then use an MP3 player (or the Windows
media player) to listen to it.
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