Western Early Keyboard Association

This harpsichord, originally built by David Jencks in 1990 and decorated in the Flemish marbled style by Jill Feldstein, was completely rebuilt in 2013 by Keith Hill as his opus 454. David Jencks apprenticed with Keith Hill, and his construction principles align closely with Keith’s. 

The 2013 rebuild involved replacing the soundboard, replacing the jacks and registers, and acoustically enhancing the case and keyboards according to principles outlined in Keith Hill’s monographs on acoustic design. 

The harpsichord has an 8’ 8’ disposition with register knobs on the outside of the case, in keeping with Flemish harpsichord-making practices. Its range is BB-d’’’, which accommodates a very large proportion of the solo harpsichord literature before ca. 1750. It has a leather-pad buff stop, and transposes from A=415 to A=440. The natural keys are covered in bone, as was typical for original instruments of this design, with stained oak sharps. An important feature of this keyboard is that it has French balance points, which enhance its playability for a variety of repertoires including keyboard music by J. S. Bach, D. Scarlatti and 18th-century French composers. 

In keeping with the Flemish decoration style, there are Latin mottos on each part of the lid: Sic Transit Gloria Mundi, and Acta Virum Probant. The decoration of the harpsichord, including the stand, is directly inspired by a 1659 painting by Jan Steen in the National Gallery in London: 

http://www.essentialvermeer.com/dutch-painters/masters/steen_a.html 

The dimensions of this harpsichord are 72 inches long, 32.5 inches wide and 10 inches high. Despite its small size, this harpsichord has a large sound with a full treble and surprisingly deep bass. It easily holds it own when performing chamber music, whether with modern instruments or Baroque. To hear audio and view photos of the harpsichord please go to: 

https://youtu.be/wWW2Hkuqzyc?si=xj1dQ5lqB3GBZ2mL 

The harpsichord is currently located in Boulder, Colorado. 

The asking price is $30,000.00. 

For further information, please contact Dr. Robert Hill at rshillcu@gmail.com or Robert.S.Hill@colorado.edu. 

Extensively hand painted
Built by Keith Hill in 1975, Opus 24, Based on Couchet
8x8x4 with Buff, In quill
Range GG to e’‘’
Transposing keyboard
Located in Salem, Oregon
Asking $20,000
Contact Sue: museact@aol.com or text 503-510-1377 

This instrument is a visual and aural knock-out. The extraordinary chinoiserie case, painted by Argentine artist, Karina Kohoutek, is carried out in the inner lid as well, with a traditional Flemish painted soundboard. 

Keys of ebony and bone, wooden jacks/delrin, support a lively, supple action. The instrument has just received a thorough work-over by Los Angeles “harpsichord Czar,” Curtis Berak. It comes with a “matching” bench.

Flemish style, following Johannes Ruckers 1612, “a grand ravalement”, anon. 

18th Century Transposing, Double manuals, coupling in the French style Range: FF – f’’’

Disposition: 2 x 8, 1 x 4 and buff stop

Dimensions: 95.5” x 37” x 11”

Weight: 209.4 lbs (95 kg) with Flemish base

Builder: Leopoldo Pérez Robledo, 2004; Painter: Karina Kohoutek. Buenos Aires, Argentina

The builder, on the internet: Marianne Lilian Pérez Robledo

Asking $22,000

Location: Desert Hot Springs, CA | Margaret Irwin-Brandon 413-285-6881