Peter Barnes Harpsichords

Last updated on 22nd October 2024.

Welcome to my website.

As well as accepting work myself, you may like to see if there are other harpsichord makers and technicians that I recommend closer to where you live: uk-harpsichord-makers-and-technicians 


If you would like a musical holiday why not go to London https://lifem.org/

or Malta? https://www.festivals.mt/whatson


Instruments for sale:
  • Leigh Flanders Flemish Harpsichord 1986.
  • Italian Harpsichord by Colin Booth 2012.
  • Kirchmann copy in revival case by John Barnes 1962.
  • Italian Harpsichord after Gregori now being made. ETA December 2024.
  • Flemish Harpsichord C-c3 compass.
  • Dolmetsch Spinet.
  • Small Virginal made by Christopher Barlow.
Italian Harpsichord by Colin Booth 2012.

This is what Colin writes about this delightful little harpsichord:
I am reluctantly selling my tiny Italian harpsichord, which is in near-perfect condition. It can be played at my home in Somerset, England. Built in 2012, it is based on early Italian originals like the anonymous 1540 instrument in the Beurmann collection. I wanted to construct an even earlier and even smaller instrument which would be ideal for early 16th century Italian music, but which would also work for much of the later repertoire, like most music by William Byrd. The compass and overall size were therefore reduced: the compass, single-strung in brass, is C/E short octave to a2, and the dimensions including the outer case are only 170cm x 70cm. The inner instrument is only 162cm x 62cm. Ideal pitch has been found to be a = 440, but a=466 and a=415 are also available by retuning. This is a genuine inner-outer harpsichord: the inner instrument of Cedar of Lebanon can be removed, either partially or wholly from the outer poplar case, and a padded bag is supplied to fit the inner harpsichord. If required, this can be transported and used on a table, making it perhaps the most compact and convenient harpsichord to be found, although even in its case this is an unusually small harpsichord. The outer case has a hinged lid, removable front board, and separate two-piece stand. A walnut music desk is included. Particularly attractive features are: Boxwood naturals; sharps inlaid with marquetry; fine mouldings top and bottom; turned bone studs on the upper case-edge and jack-rail; parchment rose. This instrument has been used on a number of my recordings, the most recent being of Italian ricercars, both from the manuscript collection at Castell’ Arquato, and by Frescobaldi and Froberger. The CD (available from my site, www.colinbooth.co.uk) is titled Fogliano to Froberger – A century of Ricercars, SBCD221. Several Youtube videos use this harpsichord, in varied pieces. The tone is brighter than on the Youtube videos. Here are some examples:

Offers in the region of £7,500.
Flemish Harpsichord by Leigh Flanders in 1986.

FF-f3 compass with 2 x 8' stops and buff stop. Can be tuned to a=415 or 440. 

Turned oak stand and veneered case with printed papers in the keywell and round the soundboard. There is a gold lettered text in the lid which reads: And Music Shall Untune The Sky. 

The case measures 212cm long, 92cm wide and 28cm high and it sits on a stand which is 64cm high. 

This harpsichord is in good playing condition and is complete with tuning key and spare plectra.

Available now for £1,750. Sold.

ZOOM0155.MP3

ZOOM0156.MP3

Small, light Flemish Harpsichord Anon c.1980.

2 x 8' stops C-c3, four octave compass. Wooden jacks and registers, spruce soundboard and beech wrestplank. This harpsichord is currently in poor playing and decorative condition, but could be bought 'as seen' for renovation. Alternatively, it will be available once I have replaced strings and plectra, serviced, cleaned it and repainted the stand and lid stick.

Once playing, this will be an ideal small, light, continuo instrument.

'As seen' £1,300

Renovated, in full playing condition £3,450.

Spinet made by Arnold Dolmetsch c.1970 no 588.

Walnut spinet measuring only 130cm long, by 78cm at the widest point from the spine to the treble end of the keyboard, by 20cm high. This spinet is on a stand which is 61cm high and can be dismantled into four parts for ease of packing and transport. This instrument will be excellent for accompanying small ensembles and has a 5 octave compass from FF-f3

This spinet is in partial playing condition with replacement bird quill plectra and can be bought as seen, with spare quills for £850. It will be available once renovated and in full playing condition for £1650.

Italian Harpsichord after Gregori made by Peter Barnes in 2023.

2 x 8' stops with buff stop. C/E short octave to e3 (without eb3). Transposing keyboard giving 415/440 or 440/465 tunings. This compact and light harpsichord is strung in brass wire and has a cedarwood case, spruce soundboard, boxwood and ebony keyboard and pearwood jacks, registers, bridges and wrestplank. 

The tone is large and full and the touch responsive and even. This instrument weighs 25kg and is 191cm long, 81cm wide and 24cm high. 

This harpsichord is now sold and the new owner, Debra Wong, has sent me this recording of her playing:


ZOOM0134.MP3

ZOOM0135.MP3

ZOOM0136.MP3

ZOOM0137.MP3

ZOOM0138.MP3

ZOOM0139.MP3

I have now started making two more copies of this harpsichord with a compass C-d3, transposing a=415/440. The first one should be ready in December 2024.
Harpsichord after Kirchmann 
by John Barnes 1962.

Built using a scaling based on Kirchmann, this harpsichord is an interesting mixture of traditional soundboard, scaling and bridge dimensions coupled with a sloping case front and pedals for changing the registers. 

Despite non-traditional looks, this harpsichord really does sound like a Kirchmann!

2x 8' with buff and 4' stops. FF-f3 and a keyboard which came from an 1800's Kirchmann piano. Restrung in Malcolm Rose iron and brass wire.

Available for long term hire for £180 per month or to purchase for £3,995.

Small Virginal for sale made by Christopher Barlow: 

This  unusual instrument by the distinguished builder Christopher Barlow was designed with portability in mind - in fact to be accommodated on the back seat of an ordinary car - and it has certainly achieved this.  The bass strings are parallel to the keyboard  but those for the upper half of the compass are obliquely arranged, thereby reducing the depth of the instrument; this layout has worked well.

Please note that there is a small open joint in the lid, which of course has no effect on the tone.

The compass is 4½ octaves, C - f3; this versatile and practical instrument has a transposing keyboard to play at A 392, 415, or 440 with no loss of notes; it also has a buff stop.  It is in Cheltenham; the price is £1,400 o.n.o.

Please contact Simon Pickard  simon.pickard.sp@gmail.com

If you haven't found the instrument that you are looking for, please try David Hackett's excellent website: https://www.friendsofsquarepianos.co.uk/

Also The British Harpsichord Society: https://www.harpsichord.org.uk/for-sale/

And The Early Music Shop: https://earlymusicshop.com/collections/previously-owned-keyboards


Below are some of the instruments which I have sold recently:

Harpsichord made by Colin Booth in 1994, renovated by Peter Barnes in 2023. 


This Double Manual Italian Harpsichord was made in 1994 with three 8' registers and brass scaling and was based on a historic instrument. The compass is AA-d3 and it now has 2 x 8' registers, one on each manual. The upper manual 8' also has a buff. 

This harpsichord now has a new wrestplank and soundboard. It has been restrung with brass wire and has replacement plectra and is very stable and in full playing condition. The specification is 2 x 8' with buff, AA-d3, transposing with a full compass in a=392, 415, 440 and 468. The sound is full and satisfying!

The harpsichord measures 245cm long, 90cm wide, 28cm deep and has a protective travel cover.

Now sold.


ZOOM0133.MP3

BoothDouble1994.mp3

Delin Flemish Single by Peter Barnes, April 2020.
Harpsichord with 2 x 8' stops with buff. GG-f3 transposing 415/440 with full compass in both settings. This harpsichord has an exceptionally sweet sound with plenty of volume, due in part to the fabulously light French Poplar case and generous soundboard area. 

Decorated soundboard in the style of Albertus Delin c.1750 painted by Jennifer Douglas and case papers in the earlier Ruckers style. Ebony natural keyplates and imitation ivory sharp cappings. 

Case is 213cm long, 89cm wide and 27cm deep. The stand is 73cm high.

Finished on 4th April 2020. 

Available to view in my workshop. The asking price is £7,995.00 Reduced to £7,500 and now sold.

Played by a visitor to my workshop:

Delin Single Oct2020.mp3

Played by myself:

Delin PB 2020 Back 8'.mp3

Delin PB 2020 Both 8's.mp3

Delin PB 2020 Buff stop.mp3

Italian Harpsichord by William Dow, c.1975. 

2 x 8' stops with C-d3, four octave plus one note compass. Traditional boxwood naturals and bog oak accidentals with box guides and wooden jacks. Has been restrung in brass and phosphor bronze wire and is currently tuned to a=440, but can be tuned to a=415. The plectra have been replaced with white Delrin. The soundboard is made from Cypress wood and there is a fine rose. 

The paintwork shows marks caused by badly sealed knots in the case and lid timber and could benefit from repainting. The harpsichord is 208cm long x 85cm wide x 22cm high. The stand is 66cm high.

Sold.

William Dow Italian.mp3

Clavichord by John Morley number 612 c.1965. 

This early Morley clavichord is unusual in that it has a walnut case and trestle stand also made in walnut. It has all the features of the later clavichords but is in some ways a more desirable instrument. 

The compass is four octaves and a note, C-d3 and it measures 112cm x 40cm x 15cm and is on a stand which is 62cm high. It is currently tuned to a=440 and is available to play in my workshop.

Sold

Morley Clavichordc1965.mp3

Italian Harpsichord by Peter Barnes 2022.


This Single Manual Italian Harpsichord was started at the London College of Furniture by Peter Stephens c.2000. It was at an early stage with the case made and sides prepared for fitting. 

Peter Barnes has now finished the instrument and is is provided with 2 x 8' stops with buff stop and a transposing compass from C-d3 in both a=415 and 440 pitch.

The harpsichord has been strung in brass and bronze and produces a full and rich tone throughout the compass, ideal for solo repertoire and continuo playing. 

The jacks are Pearwood and registers are Beech.


Now Sold. Orders taken. Price in the region of £9,000.


Italian Peter Stephens PB 2022.mp3

This is the same instrument on hire at Exeter Cathedral before it was painted:
Italian Harpsichords after Gregori - now available to order!

These photographs are of the instrument that I have just copied. My copy, with the same compass and disposition is now available for £7,000.
German Double Manual Harpsichord made by Colin Booth in 2020.

This harpsichord has a compass GG-e3 and transposes to a=415/440 pitch.The registration is 2 x 8' with buff and 4' stops. The case is decorated with painted marble, it has a parchment rose and decorative arabesque borders on the soundboard. The harpsichord is complete with turned stand, music desk and traveling cover and is in fine playing condition. 

Here is a description written by the maker, Colin Booth:

This harpsichord was completed in early 2020. It is based on the design of an anonymous 2-manual instrument in the Musical Instrument Museum, Leipzig, no. 74 in Herbert Henkel’s catalogue.

The original is considered to be German, and to have been made around 1700. It is unsigned, and has been internally altered at least once, but the basic design is very convincing, and attracted me to make a harpsichord particularly suited to the classic German repertoire of Bach, Handel, etc.. 

The compass of the original is GG – c3: a typical late 17th century compass. It was only necessary to extend the instrument a little in the treble to increase the keyboard to GG – e3, adding a transposer for use at a = 415 and a = 440. Stringing is in Rose iron and brass. Plectra are black Delrin, which has been shown to have exceptional longevity over my years as a harpsichord maker. The octave register is quilled in white Delrin, for ease of voicing.

The original’s Italianate filigree soundboard rose has been imitated, and additional decoration around the bridges and on the jack rail is in red and gold. The original’s rather odd Italian-style stand (probably from a different instrument) has been replaced by one in a German style. With removable legs and feet, it can be completely dismantled. 

The touch is firm and reassuring, and the tone of this harpsichord is unusually bright and clear. I have found it well-suited to counterpoint, having unusual balance and clarity in all parts of the compass.


The asking price is £17,500. Sold.

The recording to follow below is played not very well by me but I hope it gives an impression of the potential of this instrument: 

CBooth2020.mp3

Italian Harpsichord after Gregori 1726.

Enlarged compass GG-e3 transposing. 2 x 8' stops with buff. This harpsichord was made on commission for a customer in Edinburgh.
Further copies of this instrument, with a choice of compass and decoration are available, made to order, from £9,000. 

Italian PB 2022 GG-e3.mp3


Delin Double Manual Harpsichord by Peter Barnes. 2020.

BB-d3. Transposing a=415/440. 2x8' with buff stop.

Case and lid made from French Poplar, Beech wrestplank, bridges, jacks and registers, Spruce soundboard, solid oak stand which can be reduced to three sections for transport. Case painted red and black with bronze powder bands. A compact double manual harpsichord which is ideal for concert hiring.


Size 212cm long, 82cm wide and 28cm high, on a stand which is 73cm high. 

Now Sold.    Orders taken.

Recording made by a visitor to my workshop 24.10.2020

Delin Double Goldberg Extracts 2020.mp3

English Harpsichord by Peter Barnes 2021.

English Harpsichord jan2022.mp3

This harpsichord was made by Peter Barnes in 2022. It is in the English tradition, based on the c.1713 bentside spinet by Keene and Brackley and the 1709 harpsichord by Thomas Barton. It has traditional wooden jacks, guides and keyboard, a detachable lid and a folding music desk. The case is solid timber and the inside of the case and the nameboard are cedar, with cross-banded capping. 

The harpsichord is strung with Malcolm Rose Iron and brass wire, it has 2x8’ stops with Buff, and a walnut case and stand. The GG - f3 compass transposes A440 / 415 without loss of top or bottom notes. 

The stand detaches from the harpsichord and can be easily packed flat. This harpsichord is 193cm long, 88cm wide and 21cm deep. An ideal instrument to use for hiring.


This harpsichord has been on long term hire and is now sold. A similar instrument may be available for about £8,000.


Good quality Keyboard instruments wanted. 

I am happy to value your instrument for you and suggest how you could sell it if you would like helpful advice.

Further details on: selling-your-harpsichord.php



You can contact me by phone on 01373 831498 or (+44)7733619002, or by email peterbarnes850@btinternet.com or via this page: contact-us-and-instrument-transport-links.php





Peter Barnes          00447733619002                mailto:peterbarnes850@btinternet.com