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Alembic Club » Miscellaneous » Archive: 2005 » Archive through February 01, 2005 » Traditional / Classical Instruments « Previous Next »

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rogertvr
Advanced Member
Username: rogertvr

Post Number: 299
Registered: 1-2003
Posted on Saturday, January 22, 2005 - 3:38 am:   Edit Post

I'm sure I'm not the only Club member who has an interest in instruments other than bass guitars and modern instruments like synthesizers.

Many years ago, when I was young boy, my parents took me to Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, UK
http://www.chatsworth-house.co.uk/

I remember when I got to the State Music room that there was a strange-looking keyboard instrument in the room. I didn't know what it was. Of course, it was a harpsichord.



Isn't that beautiful? It's a two-manual harpsichord made by Shudi and Broadwood in 1782.

I've been fascinated with the sound of harpsichords ever since I saw that one! I've learnt to play one, and I certainly haven't got the space for one either!

What about other members in here? Any interest in traditional or classical instruments?

Rog
1stbass
Member
Username: 1stbass

Post Number: 76
Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Saturday, January 22, 2005 - 3:47 am:   Edit Post

Rog,
Thanks for the post, that sure is a beautiful instrument.

Traditional/classical instruments, bring them on.

Doug
richbass939
Intermediate Member
Username: richbass939

Post Number: 113
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Saturday, January 22, 2005 - 5:37 am:   Edit Post

Beautiful instrument. I'm certainly no expert on them, but I thought harpsichords had the key colors reversed (i.e. white, sharps/flats; black, naturals). Is that a more recent development? How are the two keyboards tuned? Certainly the ranges of the two must overlap somewhere. If not, that would be a 10 1/2 or 11 octave range. Or does each keyboard cover the same range but have a different tone?
I love most instruments. I'm especially fond of stringed instruments, though. My family and I have the violin family as well as a couple of banjos and a few pianos. Throw in a few hot air instruments, too. Id love to have some of the more exotic African percussion instruments but I have none at all.
If I owned the harpsichord in the picture I'd be really tempted to sell it, build a studio, and put together a collection of Alembics that would unseat Rami as the reigning "King of Collectors".
Do you have other classical instruments, Roger? Of course, owning a DW puts you in a pretty exclusive group.
Rich
rogertvr
Advanced Member
Username: rogertvr

Post Number: 300
Registered: 1-2003
Posted on Saturday, January 22, 2005 - 6:39 am:   Edit Post

I dno't really know too much about harpsichords I'm afraid. I wish I owned the one in the picture, but it lives in Chatsworth House. If I did own it, I certainly wouldn't be selling it that's for sure!

A lot of harpsichords do have reversed keyboards where the sharps/flats are white. They look particularly impressive to my eyes!
jet_powers
Advanced Member
Username: jet_powers

Post Number: 209
Registered: 2-2003
Posted on Sunday, January 23, 2005 - 10:21 am:   Edit Post

About 15 years ago my then father in law gave me a harpsichord he built from a kit. It needed some work when he gave it to me but I never got around to ordering the parts it required. I'm ashamed to admit it now occupies the space under my bed. It would sound quite interesting but I haven't the time to put it back together properly. If I live long enough to retire maybe that could be one of my projects....

John Paul

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