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 Specifications:
Range: 63 notes, 5 octaves, FF-g3 chromatic, transposing one semitone (a'=415 - 440 Hz), no g3 at 440
Disposition: Herz Model D; Lower: 1 x 8', 1 x 4'; shove coupler; Upper: 1 x 8' shared by two sets of jacks; 1) front of main gap and, 2) lute (cut through wrestplank); register control via handstops; 2-way buff on handstop. Upper manual moves back to engage dogs on lower manual keys.
 Decoration: The instrument is veneered in the typical 18th c.English panel, inlay (maple-ebony-satinwood sandwich) and crossbanding scheme using mahogany (the spine is veneered to match, as well). Keywell veneered with mahogany panels, inlay (holly-ebony sandwich) and rosewood crossbanding.
Dimensions: 96 1/2" length o.a.; 37" width; 11 2" case depth
Keyboard: Bone naturals finished at front with typical English-style mouldings and ebony sharps. Octave span 6 1/4" (159 mm). Head length 1 9/16"; sharp length 3".
 Eric spared no pains with the décor of this instrument - fine touches abound. As with only the most luxurious 18th c. English instruments, the spine is veneered to match the normally visible sides. All the case panels are dramatic mahogany crotch. The lockboard panel shares its flame-figure with the other lid parts and all the crossbanding outside of the keywell. The lid has perimeter inlays, inside and out. The lid and flap are assembled to each other and the case with handsome, cast-brass reproduction Kirckman-style strap and butterfly hinges.
 The keywell received special attention. The panels flanking the keyboard and facing the player are from the same mahogany crotch as the exterior but the inlay is a simple holly-ebony-holly sandwich and the crossbanding is of rosewood. The keywell battens and endblocks are made from solid rosewood, as well. The turned brass handstop knobs and keyboard pulls are well proportioned and comfortable to the touch. On the keyboard, the natural touch plates are made from nearly flawless bone and to the unpracticed eye will appear to be ivory.
The instrument sits on a mahogany stand whose legs are discreetly ornamented with garters and boots. The instrument is finished in a clear lacquer rubbed to a reduced gloss. Cosmetically, the instrument is in fine shape - it cannot fail to impress!
 Acoustically, the instrument dates from Eric's most mature and thoughtful period and has a one-panel soundboard of solid spruce as well as a stepped 8' hitchpin rail and sawn 8' bridge. The registers are arranged in the typical English style with the lower (back) 8' looking up, the upper (front) 8's looking down and the 4' at the rear of the gap. It possesses a fine voice, lively and large, and we would expect it to perform well in any venue.
 By the time this instrument was made, it had become Eric's practice to lighten the keys to minimize finger effort. This will give the astute performer the opportunity to play for long periods without strain. The octave-span of the keyboards is the generally adopted 'baroque' standard of 6 1/4" (modern piano span is 6 1/2"). Otherwise, the proportions of the touch surfaces of the keys are a compromise between 'original' practice (short natural keyheads and wide, low sharps) and the pianos most of us learned on (longer heads and narrower, higher sharps), thus making the keyboard quite comfortable for those who might find it hard to shed modern finger technique. One can still use old fingerings quite easily, though. Despite these compromises, the keyboards remain very comfortable to play.
(SH-1) Currently Under Agreement
Offering price: $26,000, all necessary repairs included. The instrument has a padded moving cover and will be accompanied by a full set of tools and supplies.
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