Harpsichords and Clavichords

A concise illustrated museum guide explains the construction, mechanics, and sound production of plucked and struck keyboard instruments common from the 15th to 18th centuries, covering jacks, plectra, dampers, and the clavichord’s tangent action. It compares national building traditions—Flemish, Italian, English, and French—through restored instrument examples, outlines tuning practices such as short-octave and meantone with split keys and enharmonic adjustments, and surveys tonal influences including string choirs, lute stops, cases, and soundboards. Photographs, plans, and restoration notes support practical information about exhibition and concert use.