Patricia Neely wrote: > > List I received this can you help? Thanks Pat > > > Patty. Help. One of my good customers just purchased a Harpsichord and > > wants me to show her how to tune it. I don't know the first thing about > > it. Sandi Hi Patricia & Sandi, I just scanned several days of mail and see no one responded yet. I assume you're asking about hammer technique. Most harpsichords have the "zither" tuning pins with square heads. Original pins from the 18th cent are flattened and require a T-hammer with a head for that style. Most of the supply houses carry a t-hammer for tuning. You can use a gooseneck but I don't recommend it...you don't need the torque. A loose pin can be tightened by pulling it out and shimming the hole with a bit of paper. When tuning, try to turn the pin without rocking it in the hole. If necessary, a little bit of pull back will move a sticky string over any friction points - then seat the pin. It's very much like tuning a piano only much easier - and I think the overtones are easier to hear (depends on the instrument though). You will want to know if it is strung for modern pitch or some older one - typically A-415 Hope this helps.....just ask about a temperament to use and see what response you get. Dan J in Wmbg VA
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC