Clavichords by Keith Hill Click here for a sound Sample Much of the charm of the old clavichords arises from their sound, which is clear, sweetly resonant, obvious and precise as to the sensation of pitch, and very singing, yet dry. Some of the charm comes from the neat yet relaxed appearance of the workmanship; the rest is a product of its size. The models which I list represent a cross-section of what was available in Northern Europe. Standard with each clavichord are: a painted finish on the exterior surfaces and on the inside of the lid, papered on the interior rim surfaces, with gilded moldings inside the case rim; ebony naturals and stained sharps, topped with bone; a tuning hammer and muting cloth strip with tuning wedges. Small clavichords are intended to be placed on a table for playing, so a stand is not provided as standard. However, since there is some demand for a stand, I include the possibilities which I offer in the list of options. Double fretted Clavichord - after Walstrom (18th century Swedish) 4 octaves and two notes from C to d’’’, double strung in brass. Plain pine case finished with a light coat of shellac. L = 54", W = 14", H = 5", Wt. = 45 lbs. Price: $21,800.00. Double fretted Clavichord - after C.G. Hubert, ca. 1786. Of all clavichord designs this is my favorite. Refined and singing in tone, this instrument is practically ideal in almost every way. Not only does it have the crisp lutelike tone of the earlier type of instrument and the tuning stability of the fretted instruments, it also has the key action of the unfretted instruments, allowing for a more refined level of articulation. Like the original, this model includes overwound strings in the bass resulting in better pitch definition. 4 3/4 octaves from AA to f''', double strung in brass. L = 56", W = 15", H = 5", Wt. = 50 lbs. Price: $25,000.00. Price without the overwound strings is: $22,950.00. Unfretted Clavichord - after J. A. Hass of Hamburg, 1761. See photo above. 5 octaves from FF to f''', double strung in brass, with a 4' from FF to b. Four screw-in legs are supplied with this model. L = 70", W = 16", H = 6", Wt. = 100 lbs. Price: $ 30,900.00.

Unfretted Clavichord - after Frederici of Gera. 5 octaves from FF to f''', double strung in brass. Four screw-in legs are supplied with this model. L = 73”, W = 16.5”, H = 7”, Wt. = 140 lbs. Price: $31,550.00. Unfretted Clavichord - after J. Silbermann of Strassburg. 5 octaves from FF to f''', double strung in brass. Four screw-in legs are supplied with this model. L = 58", W = 16", H = 6", Wt. = 100 lbs. Price: $31,550.00. List of Options for Clavichords Four screw-in legs.................................................1025.00 Four-legged trestle stand......................................3800.00 Soundboard decoration.........................................1600.00 A Platform stand with four screw-in legs.................5150.00 A cabriole platform stand in the style of Hubert.......9750.00 (priced without the two drawers) The Hubert style stand, with drawers.....................10,900.00 A cabriole platform stand in the style of Hass.........9750.00 Overspun strings in the bass (per note).....................75.00 Paneled lid..........................................................4025.00 Bone key covers...................................................950.00 Ebony or Boxwood arcades....................................700.00 Music desk...........................................................870.00 Canvas carrying cover............................................690.00 Extra Gold leaf , Veneering ask for quote. All of the clavichords are available in a solid natural wood finish. For this option, you need to specify the type of wood desired (Cherry, Walnut, Fir, or Mahogany) and add 15% to the total price. The finishes available are wax, varnish, or French polish. There is no extra charge for a wax or varnish finish. For a French polish add 15% to the total price.