The Cadet Harpsichord…
It’s a challenge to design a simple and inexpensive, yet musically worthwhile harpsichord. Emmanuel Danset’s aim was to fulfill the need for a traditionally-shaped harpsichord in a similar price range to a new spinet. The Cadet model appeals to players who previously may only have been able to consider a secondhand instrument.
This Petit Clavecin is made by the craftsmen at Atelier Marc Ducornet in Paris, and forms the latest addition to their Logo range of entry-level instruments.

The Cadet is single-strung, light and resonant. There is no plywood, chipboard, or MDF: The case and lid are made from solid lime, and the
soundboard is Swiss pine. The three square-tapered legs screw into the
bottom, and are varnished natural wood to match the soundboard rim, keywell, music desk and lid stick. The instrument is strung in Malcolm Rose wire using traditional tuning pins, and the wooden jacks are of traditional tapered design with Delrin plectra.
The simple fruitwood keyboard with 56-note range allows the performance of
J.S. Bach. For maximum versatility, the keyboard transposes
up to modern pitch A440 without the loss of the top note. (It also transposes down to A392, without bottom GG.)
This delightful and dependable harpsichord has a clear and incisive tone, and we highly recommend it as a first harpsichord. Recent institutional orders in Australia include Mentone Grammar School (Melbourne); McDonald College, Reddam House and PLC Croydon (Sydney); and West Moreton Anglican College (Brisbane).
Our photo shows the Cadet model in the Ibiza color, with the included music desk. Full specification is available here. |