My first harpsichord came from Devon, in a cardboard box. once made, I could lift the heavy end easily, even though I was only 13 at the time.
I'm now working on a Feldberg which came with it's owner in a hired van. One look and I knew we needed John the Builder to help move it. I have difficulty rolling on the workshop floor. In order to take the keyboards out you have to remove both front legs. It's a good idea chock it up on some sturdy supports rather than sit with it resting on your knees...
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Jenny has got into the festive spirit with this latest addition to the Flemish harpsichord soundboard paintings:Also available from 'Pets at Home'.
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I've spent several days fitting plectra into jacks - the little pluckers that twang the strings. Each one has to be cut to length and then thinned on the underside to make it pluck exactly as loudly as all the others. It drives me nuts! Far better to sit and write about it instead!
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Having tried the locals, my customer has booked his spinet in for a service and is driving two round trips of 450 miles each to deliver and collect it. Is this a record?
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