September 19, 2012
The Italian Harpsichord, with me since may, has sold. I'm now working to get the English Bentside spinet c.1770 ready for the Early Music Show, Greenwich.
For those with less expensive tastes, I now have a Morley single for £1,100!
The Flemish Zuckermann is doing lots of hirings. Sir James and Lady Galway (Flutes) said they loved it and it's booked in for L'Armonico in Yeovil and something at St Georges Bristol. A perfect hiring instrument!
Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : Antique Keyboard Instruments
September 10, 2012
I'll be running the Early Music Shop's Keyboard Instruments stand as usual this year. It's in the Greenwich Royal Naval College in Greenwich. Each year visitors experience problems with transport on Sunday, so this year it's running from Thursday to Saturday, 8th-10th November. Details on
http://www.earlymusicshop.com/?gclid=CN6EvNLUq7ICFQfMtAodLlAAdQ Continue reading...
Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : working on...
August 2, 2012
Finally, I've got time to make the soundboard! I'll have it in the instrument next week.
I've been busy hiring instruments and fitting in servicing, etc. All good fun. The weather isn't helping tunings at Iford Manor - the venue is virtually outside and the damp is seeping in....Check the pitch of your harpsichord and make sure it doesn't go sharp. Continue reading...
Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : New build
May 28, 2012
The Keene and Brackley spinet kit has become a finished Storrs bentside spinet. This will save me making the kit myself, so I can start to finish my English harpsichord instead.
A newly acquired Zuckermann Flemish single has be booked up for concert hirings - the conductor at Cirencester's B-minor Mass found it too loud for the modern orchestra and large choir! There is another hiring at Bath Abbey in June.
If you're like us, the windows are opened in this hot weather and plenty of cool, humi... Continue reading...
Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : Weather
April 12, 2012
Ready for delivery at last:
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Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : New build
April 12, 2012
Awaiting repair after a dry spell in church over Christmas....
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Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : Soundboard repairs
March 23, 2012
I'm just painting the third Flemish case this year! All three have also had printed papers put inside. They look lovely!
If you'd like me to 'Pimp Your Harpsichord' (look up 'Pimp My Ride' on youtube if you don't know what I'm on about) just drop me an email.
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Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : New build
February 28, 2012
This signature can be seen using my new probe. It is on the underside of the soundboard near the treble section of the bridge. Further details of this spinet are on my Home Page. An exciting find.
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Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : Antique Keyboard Instruments
February 21, 2012
Very exciting. I'm waiting for my newly ordered endoscope to arrive so that I can look inside this antique spinet. Pictures to follow soon!
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Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : Second-hand
February 4, 2012
Constant snow since I delivered the harpsichord today. Was told by the organiser how the last person to hire them a harpsichord left it unattended on it's trolley. It rolled off the pavement and out onto the busy street before toppling over with a tinkle. I hope I don't add another sad story to the collection.
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Posted by Peter Barnes. Posted In : Hirings
