Stringed Instruments

In addition to the profession of organ maker, I also wanted to familiarize myself with building stringed instruments.

I have been able to look in the kitchen with a number of harpsichord makers and by sharing their experience and by self-study I have built a number of harpsichords, spinets and clavichords.

Because I like the sound result, I like to use the method and materials that the old masters also used and used for organs and harpsichords.

The first stringed instrument I built was a clavichord. The clavichord is an old instrument which is known to have existed as early as the 14th century. It reached the height of its popularity during the baroque era. The organists and harpsichords simply couldn’t do without it! The clavichord allows the player to develop an extremely subtle touch. The instrument’s touch is very light, and the sound very soft, at least when compared to a harpsichord or piano. Should you wish to practise on your clavichord in the living room, you can be fairly certain not to disturb anyone! The clavichord is the only keyboard instrument from the baroque era whereby the volume of the note can be controlled through the player’s touch, as on a modern piano.