Flemish Instruments

Nadder Baroque playing in Mompesson House, Salisbury. The instrument is one of my Flemish singles (see below) During the 17th Century, Flemish keyboard instrument makers developed their craft to near perfection and instruments, such as those make by the Antwerp based Ruckers family, became highly prized. So much so, that a century later, some of the top French builders would go to the trouble of basically cutting them in half and extending them to add the extra notes required for the music of the time! This process, which usually involved making new keyboards, jacks & registers and redecorating them, was called 'grand ravalement'.

It is interesting to note that at the time, such instruments were valued considerably higher than 'modern' instruments made by the same makers. Indeed, it was fairly common for them to make new instruments which looked as if they were older Flemish ones which had undergone ravalement!

Single manual Flemish harpsichord

I offer a single manual instrument which, although not based on one particular instrument, is influenced by the Moermans (1584) and Ruckers (1638) instruments. Originally such an instrument would typically have had a range of G/B to c3 and 1 x 8' and 1 x 4' register. However, following the principles of ravalement, I extend this range up to GG to f3 and usually provide 2 x 8' registers with an optional buff stop. This provides an instrument which can play virtually all harpsichord music, is easy to maintain and is easily transportable. Versions for either Baroque pitch (A=415 Hz) and/or modern pitch (A=440 Hz) are available.

The case is made of poplar, the soundboard of quarter sawn spruce and the keyboard of lime with ebony & bone coverings ('reverse colours' if requested). Wooden jacks and registers are used. The lid is easily removeable (for continuo use, for example).

Decoration is usually in two colours with traditional decorative papers in the keywell and inner case. Options include: decorated soundboards, paintings or Latin mottoes on the lid and faux marbling on the case. Other options include reproduction period cast brassware, elaborate Flemish stands or simple turned stands which are easily dismantled for transport and a padded carrying case.

In its simplest form this is an ideal instrument for a beginner, but by adding 'extras' it becomes an ideal instrument for concert work. (This instrument and stand will fit in most estate cars.)

The instrument shown above has basic decoration. By contrast, the instrument shown on the left has nearly all of the decorative options including a painted soundboard, reproduction period brassware, Latin mottoes and gilding on the case, stand & interior mouldings. A matching stool is aslo available. (click here to view)

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