Harpsichord maintenance
Updated March 14, 2019
I provide maintenance of harpsichords after historical models to the highest standards, and am especially interested in helping owners of Skowroneck harpsichords keeping their instruments in a good condition. However, teaching, playing and research takes ever more of my time, and i may not always be available, in which case I will be able to make good recommendations.
Typically, I regulate the plectra that are in place in the instrument, and replace broken, weak or otherwise compromised plectra. My goals are to produce durable plectra that enable the instrument to speak as it ‘wants’ to speak, and to achieve a regular overall impression.
Unless otherwise agreed, a regulation of the plucking points (staggering), and any necessary damper readjustment are included in the service. I also can take care of other minor technical issues, provided they can be solved outside a workshop.
I do not provide a re-stringing service. The stringing schedule of a harpsichord is part of the original design and ought to be modified by the builder of the instrument. I can, however, replace single broken strings if necessary.
As of 2019, I have maintained harpsichords for 40 years. All my private harpsichords are quilled with bird’s feathers. When voicing other instruments, I recommend Delrin plectra for a variety of reasons. I have extensive experience in voicing with this material.
Tilman Skowroneck 