Author Topic: Traditional / Classical Instruments (Read 136 times)

rogertvr · « **on:** January 22, 2005, 03:38:10 AM »

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 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 22, 2005, 03:47:21 AM »

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

Traditional/classical instruments, bring them on.

Doug

richbass939 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 22, 2005, 05:37:31 AM »

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 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 22, 2005, 06:39:42 AM »

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 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 23, 2005, 10:21:46 AM »

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