TPW 17th century French Single Harpsichord

Instrument conceived & designed by Marc Ducornet & Emmanuel Danset
Copyright © 2024 CBH & TPW
TPW logo 3K gif

THE PARIS WORKSHOP

Early Keyboard Instruments for professional and amateur builders

Instruments à clavier de facture historique pour facteurs professionnels et amateurs


Our French Single kit has proved very popular since its inception. Engineered for ease of construction, it makes available the famous high quality of our parts at an affordable price. To facilitate your project, we have simplified the elements that are not essential to the sound quality or stability of the structure, as well as those that serve mainly ornamental function like any ornate veneers or elaborate mouldings.

Starting with the pleasantly Italianate instruments of the early French school, we extended the compass to 56 notes to allow the performance of J.S. Bach. This harpsichord is not only ideal for beginners, but also for more advanced musicians wanting to explore the early keyboard repertoire.

Of course, it also transposes, so you can play with those friends who might still have modern pitch instruments!

We used to offer this instrument in simple guise, with only a single choir, and without many of the cabinet parts like lid & flap. However, as we have found that virtually all our builders continue to want the comprehensive instrument, we normally deliver with the second 8⁠´choir, buff stop, music desk, lid & flap, and fallboard included.

Our photo shows the completed instrument, without the lid.

French Single 32K jpeg

SPECIFICATIONS
Range 56+1 notes: GG–d''', transposable A415/A440 without the loss of d'''
Disposition 2x8⁠´, buff, strung in brass and soft iron
Wood Case in solid cherry, oak wrestplank, Swiss pine soundboard
Keyboard Grenadilla naturals with cherry front mouldings and cherry sharps
Action Traditional wooden jacks, celcon or delrin plectra
Stand Three turned legs screw into case bottom
Dimensions Length 197cm • Width 80cm • Depth of case 22cm
Weight about 40kg
Instructions Manual in English, French or German
full size drawing
Level of difficulty Suitable for beginners
Options Finishing materials
Price Standard version 1, flat parts ready for assembly $15410
Includes lid & flap, and music desk
Australian dollar GST-inclusive prices ex Peakhurst effective 1 January 2024.
Please enquire for export pricing.
Prices and specifications subject to change without notice.

Keyboard detail 25K jpeg

From our series of French Single construction pictures:
Detail of keyboard at balance rail

pdf icon 1K png  Sample page from the French Single Construction Manual describing this process


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