Tuesday, February 12, 2019

John Challis double manual harpsichord #48




This amazing example of engineering excellence wandered into my workshop for some TLC. Made in 1944, it returned to the Challis workshop in 1960 for modification, where the original tongues, slotted for leather plectra, were replaced with Delrin plastic tongues slotted for Delrin plectra. The jack bodies appear to be the originals. Following a complete voicing and action regulation, it plays and sounds splendidly. Its registration is 16'x8'x8'x4', with buff stops on both 8' registers. It has seven pedals to change the registration. Pictured is the full instrument, and details of the keywell with action removed.

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