Flemish HarpsichordFlemish HarpsichordIn the history of instrument making there are a few names that stand above the rest, and Ruckers is one of them. This instrument is very closely based on a diminutive "six-foot" Andreas Ruckers harpsichord made in 1640. This is an exquisite, lovely instrument, with the full, penetrating sound found in the best Flemish harpsichords. It is disposed with an 8' choir and a 4' choir, with a split buff stop on the 8'. The range is C-ddd, enough to tackle most of J.S.Bach, for whose music this harpsichord is nearly ideal. The instrument is finished with an enameled exterior, and Flemish printed papers on the interior surfaces. The rack-guided keyboard has boxwood naturals and ebonized oak sharps. Its size and weight (about 40 lbs) make it easily transported. $15,500.00
Fundamentally the same as my Flemish
harpsichord (above), except with an enlarged range of GG-BB-ddd short octave
bass. With a single 8' and 4', and a split buff stop, this instrument accommodates
a wider library of music without having to re-tune the bass notes. The
case is a bit wider, longer and slightly heavier, but is finished in the same manner
as the Flemish Harpsichord. $15,875.00
If you like the idea of an inexpensive, unfinished harpsichord but want something more sophisticated, I offer the same instrument but with a 1X8', 1X4' disposition. This instrument is very similar to the six-foot Ruckers model at the top of this page, minus some historical details such as the registers protruding through the cheeks. The addition of the 4' choir provides the performer with greater flexibility in interpretation, and greatly increases the harpsichord's color range. This C-ddd 1X8', 1X4', split buff transposing harpsichord is just US$
9,450.00
For both these instruments I can supply plenty of free advice on the finishing touches, so you'll never feel you have stepped in over your head.
Nearly a "grand ravalement" of the
Flemish Harpsichord, this harpsichord has two keyboards, shove-coupled
in the French manner. The range is GG-ddd chromatic, disposed 2X8', 1X4',
buff on lower 8". The second keyboard provides much greater flexibility
in performance and interpretation of repertoire. This is a very useful
instrument, more easily carried than the French Double, and is quite at
home with most Baroque music. At right my wife harpsichordist Janet Scott plays al 2-manual Flemish harpsichord which I
made for Tabernacle Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis. $ 26,500.00
Click HERE
to see how this instrument compares with a French Double harpsichord.
Introducing (or re-introducing, as it were) the Student Flemish harpsichord, a basic but full-blooded instrument for those on a limited budget or those who simply want to apply some sweat equity to their harpsichords. This is a single 8', C-ddd harpsichord that is unfinished - you apply the paint, papers or stain, or whatever, or just leave it unfinished if you wish. It has a split buff, it transposes between A-415 and A-440, it has a simple oak trestle stand, folding music desk and prop stick, and a birch plywood lid. The pear wood and holly jacks are the same as those in my more expensive instruments, as is the boxwood and oak keyboard, and the soundboard is premium Engleman spruce. In other words, all the important stuff is identical to that in my other instruments. This instrument takes a back seat to no other when it comes to sound - bright, strong and rich, perfect for continuo as well as solo music. Perhaps the best thing is its price: just
$6,950.00
Two-Manual Flemish Harpsichord
after Andreas Ruckers
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