![]() |
THE PARIS WORKSHOPEarly Keyboard Instruments for professional and amateur buildersInstruments à clavier de facture historique pour facteurs professionnels et amateurs |
![]() |
Our Neapolitan Harpsichord was inspired by originals by Bocalari dating from the end of the 17th-century. The case is in lime with a Swiss pine soundboard, and is of “false inner-outer” construction, tricking the eye into believing that this is an instrument resting in an independent external case. This conceit is enhanced by the contrast of the inner natural cypress wood against the painted exterior. Our case is built in traditional Italian manner around the bottom, with the sides reinforced by knees and framing. We use the expected 2x8´disposition of the Italian harpsichord, without buff. The two unison choirs are permanently engaged, and while there is no provision to change registration, one can move either of the traditional boxguide registers to disengage a choir, perhaps to facilitate tuning. The keyboard of the original had a short octave bass, but we took the opportunity to extend the bass to fully chromatic from C. The instrument is delivered with a lid and fallboard, music desk, and a turned stand in traditional Italian style. This exciting harpsichord has a precise touch, and a bright and pure sound with pronounced attack. It makes an ideal continuo instrument and provides inspiration for the incredible solo Italian keyboard repertoire. |
SPECIFICATIONS | |
---|---|
Range | 49+1 notes: C–c''', transposable A392/A415/A440 |
Disposition | 2x8´, no buff |
Wood | Case in lime Inner case veneers & mouldings in cypress Swiss pine soundboard, walnut veneer on oak wrestplank Bridge, nut and mouldings in walnut |
Keyboard | Boxwood naturals and walnut accidentals |
Action | Traditional wooden jacks working in boxguides |
Stand | Turned, traditional Italian style |
Dimensions | Length 202cm • Width 78cm • Depth of case 21cm |
Weight | about 25kg |
Instructions | Manual in English or French full size drawing |
Level of difficulty | Some Experience to Professional |
Standard version | Version 1, ready for assembly |
Options | Version 3, soundboard installed Version 4, all woodwork completed Finishing materials |
Price | Standard version 1, ready for assembly $12750 |
Australian dollar GST-inclusive prices ex
Peakhurst effective 1 January 2024. Please enquire for export pricing. Prices and specifications subject to change without notice. |
![]() |
From our series of Neapolitan construction pictures: Gluing the knees to the lower bellyrail |
Sample
page from the Neapolitan Construction Manual describing this process
Construction blog of the Neapolitan model by one of our builders
![]() |
TPW Instrument Gallery |
![]() |
The Paris Workshop |
![]() |
Building your own harpsichord |
![]() |
Site overview |
![]() |
Harpsichords Australia Home Page |