Zuckermann Concert Flemish Single Manual Harpsichord

Description

Zuckermann Concert Flemish Single Manual Harpsichord
This is a Zuckermann Concert Flemish Single Manual Harpsichord, completed in 1980. It has a 61 note GG-g’’’ compass, has two eight foot choirs and one four foot choir, and a buff stop on the back eight foot. The interior of the lid and the wreath surrounding the rose on the soundboard were painted by Ruth Thompson in 1981. The instrument was thoroughly overhauled and redecorated in 2021 as follows: the original wires were removed, and the soundboard was cleaned. A crack in the bass portion of the soundboard was repaired from below via the making of a hole in the bottom of the case and reinforcing that portion of the soundboard with linen strips soaked in glue. The original plastic jacks were replaced with cherry jacks punched for Delrin plectra which were crafted by Jacob Kaeser. The soundboard was totally decorated in the traditional style using materials provided in the
Flemish Soundboard Painting Kit
provided by Zuckermann Harpsichords International (the original wreath painting surrounding the rose was not altered). The exterior of the case was repainted Tuscan Red, and 23 karat gold leaf was applied to the case sides and mouldings. Flemish papers provided by The Paris Workshop were applied to the keywell and soundwell using centuries-old bookbinders flour paste. The stop levers were cleaned and re-blued using Birchwood Casey Liquid Gun Bluing. Finally, the harpsichord was restrung using Stephen Birkett’s
P Wire
and tuned to
Kirnberger
temperament at A415.
This harpsichord is concert-ready, and is ideal for an institution, music conservatory, church, period orchestra, professional harpsichordist, or serious amateur. The action is swift, light, crisp, and responsive. The keys are perfectly balanced, and the jacks staggered to give a good touch which is not too heavy, but which nevertheless gives enormous volume. This instrument would be aptly suited to both solo and ensemble playing.
The harpsichord is located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA, and may be inspected and played upon request! Just let me know when you can drop by! The body detaches from the trestle stand, which allows for ease of shipping. International shipping could be arranged, but the crating of the instrument would have to be handled by the shipper. Please send me a DM if you would like to acquire this instrument! Thanks so much for your interest!