VIRGINALS! was OT members' ages

--- Stephen Mulraney <ataltanie@...>
wrote:

> > Try a spinet (or virginals) and a harmonium
> > (American, not Indian, thought they're cool
> > too as well as highly portable).
> Not a bad idea, and one that never occured to
> me. Y'know, something might come of this :).
Reed organs aren't particularly tunable, but the
reeds are interchangeable (and also frequently
found on Ebay - just make sure they have a little
depression so you can pull the things out if you
need to).

Harpischords and clavichords all have the
distinct advantage of being readily tunable. So,
if you're interested in using historical tunings
(i.e., to play all those galliards and minuets
the way they were heard centuries ago); these
instruments offer nearly limitless possibilities.

There are also the physical properties of the
action mechanism, key weight and resistance and
the direct connection between your fingers and
the strings - not to mention the peculiar
characteristics of each string's vibration - that
can't really be replicated by an electronic
keyboard. Especially on harpsichord, where your
fingers are lifting sets of jacks; clavichord is
different because your fingers are lifting only a
small brass tangent at the end of the key.

If you do go after a reed organ, be also on the
lookout for a reprint reed organ owner's manual;
and you'll need a reed hook. The former shows up
on Ebay (what doesn't!!??) or I could copy mine;
the latter can be replaced by a crocheting hook.
Naturally, a harpsichord or clavichord will
require a tuning wrench.

Padraic.


=====
- Per la maxam pas e drancoueletate di nusteor tempuroer; per l' echluys
catholeg, ke 'sta di bille do bille et dol fine le munnem

- A Ddon ten mezercorth!

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