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RWC Single manual Harpsichord |
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RWC Harpsichords
In considering the design for a versatile new harpsichord we consulted
the late John Barnes, formerly curator of the Russell Collection of
Harpsichords, University of Edinburgh.
We decided against the Italian brass-scaled instruments and their early 18th
century derivatives in favour of the followers of Ruckers, whose harpsichords
tend to be richer in sound.
As we wanted the full 18th century compass it seemed perverse to set about
enlarging a Ruckers when a number of 18th century makers of high reputation had
already done it to the complete satisfaction of their own customers. Bellot or
one of the presently fashionable German 18th century makers were also possible
but the ideal maker from several points of view was Delin.
Apart from five spinets, his surviving instruments consist of five
harpsichords all single manual with two unisons. They were obviously his well
considered speciality and the case bracing was an improvement on Ruckers. His
soundboard was designed for two unisons unlike Ruckers who always had the
compromise of an octave bridge. Otherwise he had retained all the features which
had given Ruckers their great reputation.
In all our harpsichords, the highest quality materials are used throughout:
'Swiss' pine for the soundboard, beech for the jacks, holly for the tongues, and
poplar for the casework.
Single manual harpsichords. You can choose among three dispositions,
all of them having buff stop, 59 notes, GG - f'''. Size: length 220cm, width
91cm, depth 25cm:
Single manual 2 x 8'
Single manual 8' + 4'
Single manual 2 x 8' + 4'
Double manual harpsichord. Disposition: 2 x 8' + 4', buff stop, 59 notes, GG -
f'''. Size: length 235cm, width 91cm, depth 25cm.
The standard version of the double manual has a straight
stand and plain decoration similar to pictures of the single manual. The curved
leg stand and high level of decoration shown in the picture above was requested
by a customer as a special order
Each customer can choose the degree of decoration for
the finished instrument. Our standard specification is to leave the soundboard
plain and the casework primed and painted in a single colour. If required we
can arrange for a soundboard or lid painting to be executed in the style of
your choice.
Each instrument is hand built to special order by in
house craftsmen in our own workshops in Toledo (Spain) and comes with 12
months warranty.
A padded transportation cover is available as optional
extras for safe transportation if required.
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