TONY CHINNERY HARPSICHORDS

The JS rose

Considering how many harpsichords must have been produced in Holland, it is surprising how few survive. This is a very rare example that turned up in a villa near Padova, and aquired by a private collector. It probably dates from around the middle of the 18th century. It is in unaltered condition, with just a few jacks missing. it has much in common with the Flemish tradition, but with a different sounboard barring. It has 3 registers, 8',8',4', with the registers protruding from the case as in Ruckers harpsichords. Instead of the keyboards coupling, the front row of jacks has doglegs as in Flemish instruments. A conservative restoration was carried out, cleaning the soundboard and action, straightening bent keys and jacks etc.