September 26, 2013
Finally, back from the boat show, and there's a sale on at Peter Barnes Harpsichords. Plenty for everyone, including six second-hand (or is it pre-loved?) Zuckermanns and a 100 year old Arnold Dolmetsch Spinet.
Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : Second-hand
August 12, 2013
I have just voiced this little Zuckermann with one set of new strings, replacement tongues, plectra and dampers. A great little instrument, quite similar to the small Bizzi Italians - but less than half the price.
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Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : Second-hand
August 3, 2013
I'm so impressed by Michael's wonderful instruments and thrilled that he has asked me to advertise one for him. For those who don't know, he is a top maker and perfectionist who has been making lovely Flemish instruments since the year dot. This one will be one of his last. It's priceless.
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Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : New build
August 3, 2013
Ready to go. 'the first to see will buy'. This large Flemish harpsichord looks good, sounds good and is great value for money.
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Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : Second-hand
May 27, 2013
Jenny starts throwing on the paint!
and hours later, the final touches:
Priceless Green Marble from the world famous marble mines of North Somerset.
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Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : working on...
May 22, 2013
Jenny has just finished the Green Zuckermann's soundboard painting. Photos to follow. I've been re-painting a case with black paint and have some beautiful turned legs to make a stand with.
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Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : working on...
April 11, 2013
Here is a picture showing the support and glueing of the soundboard and bass end of the bridge. I love these sort of repairs because they are always a challenge!
This next photo shows the temporary support under the soundboard:
..and this shows the clamping and screws that stabilise the bass end of the nameboard and wrestplank. 
I now have to add additional braces inside the case under the soundboard and two more gap spacers. Photos to follow! What else would I do when not sailing? ...
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Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : Soundboard repairs
April 8, 2013
Have you ever wondered what I do in my spare time?
The Shearwater sailing season of weekly
races continued last Sunday with two firsts for Somerset sailors. Margaret and
Geoff Pell came first in the morning pursuits race and Roger Devereux, also from
Frome, and his crew Peter Barnes took the first place in the afternoon points
race. The conditions for sailing were perfect and it was great to see some
sunshine at last. Our next club event is a day of racing open to all
Topper and Come...
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Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : sailing
March 7, 2013
Time for a new idea - the student harpsichord at a real student price: Makers, from Bizzi to Booth often offer a single 8' strung harpsichord as a starter instrument. Their prices start at about £3,500
I am planning to refurbish two Zuckermann Italian harpsichords with one register, one set of replacement strings, refurbished jacks and new dampers and plectra. By choosing to set them up with only one register I can string them slightly more heavily than would be safe with two registers and s... Continue reading...
Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : Second-hand
November 17, 2012
Sorry for any delay in emails, etc, but I've been sailing the tall ship 'Stavros' from Plymouth to the Canaries. It was a great trip! Find out more on www.tallships.org .
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Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : sailing
