CAUT

  • 1.  Harpsichords

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-31-2017 14:27
    Hello-

    It has been approved that we may commence serious shopping for a nice, performance harpsichord. It's my understanding that most commissions are running about 3 years out currently so there is talk of considering something not commissioned and likely used.  If anyone has leads or suggestions to help with this please share. I said that ultimately we end up trading an element of the unknown on a commission vs. more travel and inconvenience to check out completed instruments, and usually pay more.  We could not be more pleased with our commissioned fortepiano from Regier, but that was a 6 year wait.  

    thanks,

    Dennis Johnson
    St. Olaf College

    ------------------------------
    Dennis Johnson, R.P.T.
    St. Olaf College
    Music Dept.
    Northfield, MN 55337
    sta2ned@stolaf.edu
    (507) 786-3587
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Harpsichords

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-01-2017 08:00
    Check the website of the Harpsichord Clearing House. They have worldwide listings of harpsichords for sale (besides their showroom in Rehobot, MA) and there may very well be appropriate instruments available not too far from you. Or you can post an "instrument wanted" listing on their website. They sold my harpsichord when I downsized prior to moving to Jerusalem and - ironically - it ended up in Beirut, Lebanon... The better quality instruments are at the bottom of the listings...

    ------------------------------
    Israel Stein RPT
    P.O. Box 68141
    Jerusalem, Israel 9168002
    510-558-0777
    istein248@gmail.com
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Harpsichords

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-01-2017 09:12
    Hi Dennis,

    As Israel mentioned, HCH is a good starting point for shopping used instruments. Hubbard usually has completed and used instruments for sale. Steer clear for the big Hass double though. You could also check in with Anne Acker and Ed Kottick.

    Happy Shopping!

    ------------------------------
    [Don] [McKechnie,] [RPT]
    [Piano Technician]
    [dmckech@ithaca.edu]
    [Home 607.277.7112]
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Harpsichords

    Posted 02-01-2017 09:17
    Willard Martin also often has reconditioned instruments for sale.
     
    Laurence Libin



    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Harpsichords

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-01-2017 17:16
    If there is a phone# - email address for Willard Martin, would you be willing to share it? 

    Thank you.

    ------------------------------
    -Phil Bondi
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Harpsichords

    Posted 02-01-2017 19:16
    Phil, his cell (phone) number is 484-554-8033. Keep trying.
     
    Laurence



    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Harpsichords

    Posted 02-02-2017 03:34
    Glyndebourne Festival Opera has a wonderful work-horse of a Harpsichord. It is a Two Manual GOBLE with seven pedals. 16'. 8'. 8'. 4' with buff. They had it new in the 1960's and it's extremely reliable. Uses Delrin plectra. Easy to maintain. Playing the upper registers of the 16' creates a wonderful bell-like tone - amazing.     Michael   UK



    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Harpsichords

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-06-2017 11:44
    Hi All-

    As follow-up news, it turns out by the time I had written my first inquiry on this subject our primary faculty member on harpsichords was already in early discussion with Keith Hill, and he just returned from a visit to his shop. I've not personally worked on one his instruments before but they seem to be highly regarded.  Nothing has been formally agreed or confirmed so I can't go into price or details, but he has offered to build us a large french double, after Taskin, with delivery by June.   Sounds exciting.  I'm wondering if any of you out there have one his instruments at your school and if so, how has it held up?   

    thank you,

    Dennis Johnson
    St. Olaf College



    Original Message