First of all, you have to get the right tuning hammer. The Harpsichord has the same size pins as a zither, and tuning hammers for these are in the Shaff Catalog. As for replacing strings, just be careful, and get a copy of "The Harpsichord Owners Guide" by Edward Kottick. There are probably better books on the market, but this one goes into string replacement on a level that you could probably appreciate. Some people prefer the "T" handle hammer, but since you are already tuning using a goose neck style hammer, that will probably seem more natural. As far as temperament, ask the department; Some harpsichordists like ET, but some are so historical as to wear period-correct costumes occasionally, and they want everything authentic, just the way it was back then. I don't know if they could tell the difference, when it really comes down to it, though. Just my two cents worth. Go ahead, FLAME ME!!! -----Original Message----- From: Ed Carwithen <edwithen@oregontrail.net> To: pianotech@ptg.org <pianotech@ptg.org> Date: Tuesday, October 24, 2000 9:52 PM Subject: Harpsichord >OK guys and gals: > > Please don't laugh, or remind me of how incompetent I am for asking but.... > > How do I tune a harpsichord? I just got asked to tune for a university >chamber series. Would love to worm my way into the music department as >their piano technician, especially because they have just replaced all the >old beaters with new pianos. > > I don't have the proper tool (isn't it called a key?), so will have to >get one. What will go wrong? Do I use ET or one of the HT's? A=440??? >What happens when a string breaks (I understand that is a concern with >harpsichords)? > > Am I an idiot for thinking that tuning pianos prepares me for tuning a >harpsichord? > > >Ed Carwithen >John Day, OR > >
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