Harpsichords Blog

Flemish Single renovation

December 26, 2023

This tired old Zuckermann is having a facelift, new strings, new plectra and a transposing keyboard. I'm fitting this work round other commitments, but here is the repainted case with new printed papers.
Happy days!

Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : Second-hand 

 

Colin Booth Italian Harpsichord renovation.

December 11, 2023

This magnificent harpsichord came to me in a bit of a state. It was originally made with 3 x 8' stops and unfortunately, due to neglect and storage in very dry conditions, the wrestplank lifted. 
The wrestplank and soundboard had then been removed and the keyboard shortened by two semitones at either end. 
This was a fun renovation and I now use this instrument, all 2.45m of it, as my main hiring harpsichord. It makes a wonderful sound although I do see people looking somewhat perplexed by the ...
Continue reading...

Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : Hirings 

 

John Barnes 1962, Peter Barnes 2022.

January 6, 2023
Early in his Career, my father made this harpsichord. He copied string lengths, plucking points, bridge dimensions and soundboard thicknesses from Kirchmann, with a result that it sounds far more traditional than it looks!
Here I am 60 years later making copies of far simpler instruments which I hope look as good as they sound!
Continue reading...

Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : New Harpsichords 

 

Italian Harpsichord by Peter Stephens

March 8, 2022
I am currently completing a beautifully made Italian harpsichord which will shortly be for sale. Built from plans for a false inner/outer harpsichord with C-d3 transposing compass, this harpsichord will make a splendid continuo instrument!


Continue reading...

Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : New Harpsichords 

 

1927 Dolmetsch Spinet meets a 1956 sibling!

January 28, 2022
Two Octave spinets in the workshop at the same time. an interesting comparison!


Some differences in details, such as the mouldings on the case and the case height, but otherwise exactly the same layout. This spinet was in production for about 50 years!
The sound of both instruments is very similar although we have voiced the later one a little louder.
What fun we have here in Somerset..
Continue reading...

Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : Second-hand 

 

1928 Dolmetsch Octave Spinet now strung.

January 25, 2022
Dan Flew, who is working here one day per week, has now completed the restringing of this instrument, refitted all the jacks, and is now voicing the spinet with authentic leather plectra.
This is a job for a very patient person!
Continue reading...

Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : Second-hand 

 

Delin Double with the bottom removed.

January 18, 2022
Flemish Harpsichord makers often made their instruments so the bottom could be removed by drilling out the wooden dowels which held it in place. This enables internal repairs to be undertaken and aids soundboard repairs. My late father designed his Delin harpsichord so this could be done and there was a little movement between the bentside and the bottom of his instrument so I decided to have a look inside. Plenty of internal photos are on my homepage. 
When replacing the bottom, I put in more...
Continue reading...

Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : Second-hand 

 

Delin Harpsichord by John Barnes 1991

January 9, 2022
I have just started renovating this lovely instrument. It will be restrung in Rose iron and brass, and have new Delrin plectra.
A delight to work on!



Continue reading...

Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : Second-hand 

 

English Harpsichord, Finally Finished!

January 9, 2022
The finishing touched on this harpsichord are now complete. Yours for only £4,995!


Continue reading...

Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : New build 

 

Dolmetsch Ottavino Spinet 1928

January 9, 2022
Nearly an antique, this Arts and Crafts instrument is rare and interesting, and will shortly be available in full playing condition. Check out www.peterbarnesharpsichords.com for details.


Continue reading...

Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : Second-hand 

 
Older posts »
 
 

About Me


Harpsichord Maker, restorer, repairer and vendor.