Hello Rex. One thing would help enormously - the speaking length of those strings! With that information together with the scaling posted from 2013, it would be
helpful to you to compare stringing schedules from similar instruments such as a whole load of them given in "A Handbook of Historical Stringing Practice for
Keyboard Instruments" by Malcolm Rose and David Law. Malcolm Rose is local to me and I have been privileged to watch him draw brass strings for me. He sells
copies of this fantastically fully documented 215pp. soft-back book. Look him up on internet: His workshop is in English Passage, Lewes, East Sussex, UK.
Good luck! Michael Gamble, UK
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Michael Gamble
semi retired
Brighton
01273813612
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-05-2013 16:52
From: Rex Roseman
Subject: Earl Russell Harpsichord
I have been asked to work on 2 Harpsichords by Earl Russell, formerly of Mount Union College in Ohio. One is at a church and the other at home. Unfortunately they are about an 1 ½ hour away, so I want to get as much information as possible about his instruments before I go there so that I have the appropriate materials with me.
Does anyone have experience with his instruments and can you tell me if he worked with modern steel wire or the reproduction steel/iron/red brass/yellow brass? The instruments are a double 2X8' and a double 2X8", 1X4'. The owner is trying to get information about the scaling but if anyone has any information from your experience I would very much appreciate it.
Thank you.
Rex Roseman
Harpsichord Technician
The University of Akron
330 289-2948