|
Services available for clavichords
Tuning - concert, recording session, or private. Also tuning
instruction.
Resetting of tangents to change temperament on fretted clavichords
Voicing - often overlooked with clavichords, the tangent shape
significantly effects the sound and ease of playing
Action regulation - Clavichords are the most demanding keyboard
instruments to play. Yet they also offer the most rewards for those demands,
along with the greatest possibilities of expressiveness of any keyboard
instrument. Depending upon how poorly or how well regulated a clavichord
is, however, playing one can be a tiring battle of strength and control
or the rewarding experience of having your musical intentions expressed
through your fingers. The adjustments to key weighting, striking
height, and balance rail and listing material which we offer can dramatically
improve volume, tone and evenness of sound and touch.
Repairs and rebuilding - from correcting minor mishaps and wear
to replacing soundboards and keyboards
Updating and improving older instruments where needed -
Restringing - using the appropriate size and type of
strings is extremely important with clavichords, not only for the usual
effects on tone, volume and tuning stability, but also because the clavichord
key’s direct contact with the strings will immediately transfer any changes
in string tension and characteristics into changes in action feel and response.
Clavichords are relatively quiet instruments, but they still need to have
a usefully wide dynamic range and sufficient sustain to be musically expressive.
Many clavichords have been equipped with strings too thin, which weakens
their maximum volume, decreases their dynamic range, and creates a mushy
touch making it difficult to control the pitch of the notes. Too
heavy a stringing and the action will become rigid and structural damage
may result.
Action regulation - adjustments to key weighting, striking
height, and balance rail material can often do much to improve
the volume, tone and general evenness of sound and touch from note to note.
Voicing - adjusting the shape of the tangent’s striking
surface can significantly improve the tone and playing characteristics.
Instruction - in tuning, regulating and maintaining your
clavichord
Appraisals, inspections, and consultations - to assess possible
work needed and to determine value for resale or insurance purposes
Assistance for kit builders - with construction problems, possible
improvements, final voicing, or overall completion
|