French Double Manual Harpsichord

One of the greatest harpsichord makers of the 18th century was F.E. Blanchet, son and grandson of harpsichord makers and facteur des clavecins du roi. Based on a Blanchet instrument from 1731 this harpsichord represents the flowering of French harpsichord design in the first half of the 18th century. With a compass of 61 notes - from FF to fff - the instrument is disposed 2X8', 1X4', with a buff stop on the lower manual 8' choir. This instrument has a huge, distinctive sound; the lower manual is rich, slightly dark, while the upper manual provides a brilliant contrast. This is a superb solo and ensemble harpsichord for all periods of Baroque repertoire, but is especially suitable for mid-to-late French Baroque music. The keyboard shifts between A-440, A-415. Transposition to A-392 is available at an additional cost. The keyboards are finished with ebony naturals and bone or Corian-topped sharps. In standard form the case and lids are painted basswood or poplar; and the instrument's weight is around 120 lbs; optionally the harpsichord may be made of select, solid black walnut with birds-eye maple inlaid banding, at an additional cost and weight. The French double can sustain the greatest amount of decoration, as one can observe from museum examples from the Roccoco period. Shown at left with the optional Louis XVI stand is a French walnut version and on the right a painted version with gold leaf banding and mouldings sitting on a matching Louis XVI stand. (private ownership, Winnipeg). Click on the picture at left to see two high resolution images of this beautiful instrument. $29,100.00

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