Harpsichord

I guess MyPTG now allows a photo in a post (though it doesn't show up in a text version real time email of that post). That wasn't possible when it was launched.

Below is a Burton jack - I really just did this to try out copying and pasting the photo, but it is black plastic like Annie's, so maybe useful in identifying that instrument. The identifying features are the fact that the tongue snaps into the jack body, and the plectrum is molded as part of the tongue. Also the bottom is square and centered. There are lots of Burton kit instruments around, and there also seem to be plenty of self-designed and made instruments with Burton jacks, as they were readily available.


-------------------------------------------
Fred Sturm
University of New Mexico
fssturm@unm.edu
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge, but imagination." - Einstein
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It worked, Fred!  The harpsichord is at the shop in town (not here at home), so I can't send a shot right now.  But it's great to know the identifying marks for at least one part. 

Apparently, I need to learn a lot more about modern harpsichord construction and parts/kit suppliers.  Any suggestions for reading?  Anne?  Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Annie

Found this in-depth article by Keith Hill, Instrument Maker. Maybe something there that might appeal to you.

Keith McGavern, RPT
tune-repair@allegiance.tv
-------------------------------------------
From: Annie Grieshop
 Any suggestions for reading? 

I have uploaded materials from some classes I gave at conventions, that might provide a start. They each consist of a pdf made from the powerpoint (slide show, essentially) and a pdf of the handout. If you look at the slides with the handout in hand, the two go together fairly well.
Introduction to the Harpsichord
Fine Tuning the Harpsichord
Harpsichord Voicing

Annie: Apparently, I need to learn a lot more about modern harpsichord construction and parts/kit suppliers.  Any suggestions for reading? 
-------------------------------------------
Fred Sturm
University of New Mexico
fssturm@unm.edu
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge, but imagination." - Einstein
-------------------------------------------

Thanks very much, Keith and Fred, for pointers to these sites and articles.  Just what I needed to help me get started!  I've managed to keep my Zuckermann playable over the years, but it will be lovely to have more info and dependable guidelines.

I'll be back with more questions and (before that,I hope) more photos of the mystery instrument.

Annie

-------------------------------------------
Annie Grieshop
Melbourne IA
641-691-8863
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 09-03-2011 20:31
From: Fred Sturm
Subject: Burton jack

I have uploaded materials from some classes I gave at conventions, that might provide a start. They each consist of a pdf made from the powerpoint (slide show, essentially) and a pdf of the handout. If you look at the slides with the handout in hand, the two go together fairly well.
Introduction to the Harpsichord
Fine Tuning the Harpsichord
Harpsichord Voicing

Annie: Apparently, I need to learn a lot more about modern harpsichord construction and parts/kit suppliers.  Any suggestions for reading? 
-------------------------------------------
Fred Sturm
University of New Mexico
fssturm@unm.edu
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge, but imagination." - Einstein
-------------------------------------------

Hi Annie,

How do you folks have TIME for this?  

There are various resources out there, all with somewhat different approaches and solutions, mirroring the reality that harpsichords are not a mass produced product, but built by people with different ideas and ideals.  Never forget that.  IMHO, it is important to understand the individual builder, or the kit model involved with an instrument.

The harpsichords of the 60s require special knowledge and skills, but if you really understand the mechanics and construction of harpsichords, and have a logical mind, they aren't a problem, only a frustration.  One issue is dealing with materials that do not stand the test of time.  You are better off with the wood and leather of antiques than the synthetic materials of the 60s and early 70s.   Another issue you must seriously consider is at the end of the day you have a mediocre instrument that will probably be still worth less than the client just paid you.  Just like with old uprights, if it is an important family piece..yes...if not...they are far better off acquiring something else from a financial and reliability point of view.

Books:

 Harpsichord Regulating and Repairing
by Frank Hubbard, edited & revised by Hendrik Broekman
available from Hubbard Harpsichords (hubharp.com)


The Harpsichord Owner's Guide
by Ed Kottick
available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble (please support Barnes and Noble so we don't end up with a monopoly!

Margaret Hood's Harpsichord Maintenance Manual is still available by contacting her husband. 

and to give some perspective on the sort of things you all seem to be working on of late:

The Modern Harpsichord
by W.  Zuckermann

(the latter is out of print, but copies show up from time to time)

-------------------------------------------
Anne Acker
Owner
Savannah GA
912-704-3048
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 09-04-2011 08:24
From: Annie Grieshop
Subject: Burton jack

Thanks very much, Keith and Fred, for pointers to these sites and articles.  Just what I needed to help me get started!  I've managed to keep my Zuckermann playable over the years, but it will be lovely to have more info and dependable guidelines.

I'll be back with more questions and (before that,I hope) more photos of the mystery instrument.

Annie

-------------------------------------------
Annie Grieshop
Melbourne IA
641-691-8863
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 09-03-2011 20:31
From: Fred Sturm
Subject: Burton jack

I have uploaded materials from some classes I gave at conventions, that might provide a start. They each consist of a pdf made from the powerpoint (slide show, essentially) and a pdf of the handout. If you look at the slides with the handout in hand, the two go together fairly well.
Introduction to the Harpsichord
Fine Tuning the Harpsichord
Harpsichord Voicing

Annie: Apparently, I need to learn a lot more about modern harpsichord construction and parts/kit suppliers.  Any suggestions for reading? 
-------------------------------------------
Fred Sturm
University of New Mexico
fssturm@unm.edu
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge, but imagination." - Einstein
-------------------------------------------

A worthy question, Anne.

I don't work a lot anymore. Just take care of what outside work comes in from time to time, maintain a university with 80 + instruments, have no debt that can't be resolved in a moment, and I receive social security. So, time is not an issue for me.

Keith McGavern, RPT
tune-repair@allegiance.tv
-------------------------------------------
From: Anne Acker
Subject: Burton jack
... How do you folks have TIME for this? ...

Well sometimes we just waste time and loose money.
Case in point: Why did the Fates send me two customers this summer with Sperrhake harpsichords, both hoping I can do something to make them work at about $600-1000. [So I thought, maybe economies of scale will make this work....?]I have already invested a day into this, realizing I am not willing to repair the old, cracking jacks. Now my hope is to refit them with Zuckerman retrofit jacks. There was a time when it made sense to have something like this around for those afternoons when I had nothing to do at my usual rate. Or maybe I just need to give up and tell them I can't help them. 

But Annie: If you have a Zuckerbox with the old clanky jacks, look into refitting it with Zucker's new jack retrofit kit. You'll be surprised at the improvement. Last I knew, Hubbard sold replacement tongues for Burton jacks.

-------------------------------------------
Ed Sutton
Editor
Piano Technicians Journal
ed440@mindspring.com
704-536-7926

-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 09-05-2011 12:02
From: Anne Acker
Subject: Burton jack

Hi Annie,

How do you folks have TIME for this?  

There are various resources out there, all with somewhat different approaches and solutions, mirroring the reality that harpsichords are not a mass produced product, but built by people with different ideas and ideals.  Never forget that.  IMHO, it is important to understand the individual builder, or the kit model involved with an instrument.

The harpsichords of the 60s require special knowledge and skills, but if you really understand the mechanics and construction of harpsichords, and have a logical mind, they aren't a problem, only a frustration.  One issue is dealing with materials that do not stand the test of time.  You are better off with the wood and leather of antiques than the synthetic materials of the 60s and early 70s.   Another issue you must seriously consider is at the end of the day you have a mediocre instrument that will probably be still worth less than the client just paid you.  Just like with old uprights, if it is an important family piece..yes...if not...they are far better off acquiring something else from a financial and reliability point of view.

Books:

 Harpsichord Regulating and Repairing
by Frank Hubbard, edited & revised by Hendrik Broekman
available from Hubbard Harpsichords (hubharp.com)


The Harpsichord Owner's Guide
by Ed Kottick
available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble (please support Barnes and Noble so we don't end up with a monopoly!

Margaret Hood's Harpsichord Maintenance Manual is still available by contacting her husband. 

and to give some perspective on the sort of things you all seem to be working on of late:

The Modern Harpsichord
by W.  Zuckermann

(the latter is out of print, but copies show up from time to time)

-------------------------------------------
Anne Acker
Owner
Savannah GA
912-704-3048
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 09-04-2011 08:24
From: Annie Grieshop
Subject: Burton jack

Thanks very much, Keith and Fred, for pointers to these sites and articles.  Just what I needed to help me get started!  I've managed to keep my Zuckermann playable over the years, but it will be lovely to have more info and dependable guidelines.

I'll be back with more questions and (before that,I hope) more photos of the mystery instrument.

Annie

-------------------------------------------
Annie Grieshop
Melbourne IA
641-691-8863
-------------------------------------------