THE
HARPSICHORD:

Truly one of the most
magical musical instruments…

Those of us who love the harpsichord and recognize its place at the pinnacle of Western musical achievement should occasionally be humbled: Let’s remember that we’re elevating something with only six short centuries of history, originating from only a tiny area of the world’s total surface.

The harpsichord then is really only a small—but brilliant—reflection of the enormous diversity of mankind.

IT’S not through some arcane or esoteric interest, though, that the harpsichord has undergone its resurgence in recent times. The harpsichord as a musical instrument is indeed alive today, crossing boundaries inspired by historically informed performance to appear on genre-diverse CDs, recent films and even a breakdance collaboration with the Red Bull Flying Bach tour.

Although computers still only remain a poor substitute for visceral human experience, I invite you to share some of our enthusiasm for this most wonderful European instrument of past centuries by becoming a regular visitor to these pages.

And no matter where you live or work, I especially look forward to you being able to savor our instruments and services in person, putting them to the ultimate test soon.

FOR SALE

The Unfretted Clavichord after Gerlach

61 notes: FF–f''', A392, double strung with 4⁠´ in bass
Case in cherry
Frame & floating panel lid
Swiss pine soundboard
Four turned cherry legs, screwing into the bottom of the case
Keyboard with bone naturals, ebony accidentals
  & palisander arcades
Strung in Malcolm Rose Red & Yellow Brass & Soft Iron
Cast brass hinges
Padded cover & leg bag

CAREY BEEBE • MMXV

After living happily for six months in Atlanta, this instrument returned to Australia in October due its owner falling on hard times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is now offered for sale in pristine as-new condition.

$26800 including GST

Export price: AUD24364

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.

Sole Australasian Agent for THE PARIS WORKSHOP

– oOo –

Factory 35/17 Lorraine Street, Peakhurst NSW 2210

DIALING FROM WITHIN AUSTRALIA:
Telephone (02) 9534 2002
iPhone (0408) 239 267

INTERNATIONAL:
Telephone +61 2 9534 2002
iPhone +61 408 239 267

Personal callers are welcome to our workshop by appointment.