For more than a quarter century I have been making harpsichords and clavichords for individuals and institutions across North America. My instruments are entirely custom made to suit my customer's needs and desires. The designs I use are drawn from antique instruments of proven musical value; the materials I use and the methods I use to make my harpsichords are the very best I have been able to find. My harpsichords are remarkably close to the originals, especially with respect to the sound they produce and the feel of the action. I am also very concerned about the musical and functional utility of the harpsichords I make. So while they are historically accurate, they are also easy to live with. My harpsichords are entirely made by hand, right down to the tuning pins; I use no kits or kit parts.

At left is a French double after Blanchet made for the Music Department at the University of North Dakota. This harpsichord stands as an example of my finest work. This instrument is a survivor of the great Red River flood of 1997. After repairs were made, the instrument sounded and played just as well, if not better, than it had originally!

Whether you need a French double manual harpsichord, a Flemish harpsichord, an Italian harpsichord or a clavichord, I can help you meet that need in a reasonable time frame and at a realistic cost. In their basic form my harpsichords are complete; the options page pertains to decorative items, stands, benches and accessories. On the Terms page you will find information about my guarantee, shipping, financial details and information on how to get in touch with me.

Common to all my instruments are a few essentials: soundboards made from matched premium Engleman spruce or quartered cedar of Lebanon (for Italian harpsichords), wood jacks with Delrin or Celcon plectra (quill optional), antique style iron music wire, folding music desks, transposing keyboards (A/440-415, optionally to A/392), standard oak trestle stand, tuning hammer, and a one-year guarantee. Perhaps most essential of all is my commitment to quality - quality of design and manufacture, and the quality of the instrument as a musical instrument, because ultimately it is this aspect that is of greatest concern to the musician.

In response to repeated requests, I am re-introducing my so-called student Flemish harpsichord, a basic, no-frills but full-blooded harpsichord with a single 8-foot choir. The range is C-ddd, it transposes between A-440 and A-415, and comes with a buff stop. It is in all respects a Jensen harpsichord, with a premium spruce soundboard, wood jacks, a beautiful keyboard with boxwood naturals and oak sharps, but it comes unfinished so the case painting or oiling is left up to the buyer. The price? Just under $7000, barely more than a decent kit. It can ordered also with a 1X8', 1X4' disposition, for somewhat more money.

What's new?

The prices listed herein will remain valid through June 2004. As always, when I quote a price for a particular instrument, I stick to it, so there are no surprises. If you want a specific price quote on and instrument with options, or want to know about my waiting list for a particular instrument, please email me at harpsichordman@sbcglobal.net and I will respond quickly.

At left, my wife Janet appears to be instructing our cat Chuckie on the more obscure points of figured bass. It seems he has a clear case of teacher worship. The instrument she's playing now lives in California. If you want to hear what this harpsichord sounds like, visit my audio page.
 

Very interesting information has come to light about the provenance and artwork adorning an antique Florentine harpsichord possibly attributed to Bartolomeo Cristofori is featured in a new set of pages. I have been working on an article dealing with the provenance of this harpsichord - tracing its path from Florence of the 1700's to its home today.