Harpsichords for Sale
The Sabathil & Son French Double harpsichord for sale is a unique instrument which unites a historical basis with modern reliability and outstanding sound quality.
Its overall design incorporates traditional concepts such as plucking point and string scaling based on the best examples of 18th century harpsichord making.
Where it departs from the traditional design is key for modern times: a light, hidden metal frame provides exceptional tuning stability, delrin jacks and plectra allow for a light action, and metal jack slides prevent jamming or wear in any climate.
This instrument’s light walnut case and hand-painted soundboard of specially selected, 300-year-old Canadian Western Red Cedar produce an outstanding sound quality which surpasses most modern harpsichords and many an old one in consistency.
The bass is sonorous and rich, the tenor full and clear, the treble pure and brilliant to the very last note. The full 63-note keyboard from F to g’” allows the performance of all the old music, without restrictions or exceptions.
We encourage you to read about our Design Philosophy to gain a better understanding of the principles and thought process that goes into the creation of these fine instruments.
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63 notes, F to g’”, rosewood double keyboard, shifting coupler
Three sets of strings: 8′, 8′, and 4′, 8′ and 4′ are played on the lower keyboard,
8′ nazard on the upper keyboard
Harp stop to both 8′ stops
Dimensions: 7′8″ long, 3′3″ wide, weight 170 lbs net, 300 lbs gross
View testimonials from Sabathil & Son French Double Harpsichord owners.
PRICING:
French Double Harpsichord with a plain walnut case: $8,900.00 USD
Additional decorative options:
a) Gold banding with gold paint for $400.00 USD
b) Gold banding with gold leaf for $1,500.00 USD
SHIPPING: We ship worldwide. Please email Barb with your city and zip/postal code to receive an exact shipping quote.
French Double Harpsichord Photo Gallery
French Double Harpsichord Videos
This first video includes excerpts from a professional recording of an earlier model double manual instrument which we no longer build. The backdrop is a slideshow of our French Double, which is the modern successor to the instrument in this recording.
In order, the pieces* in the video are:
J.S. Bach: Gavotte from 5th French Suite
Pietro Domenico Paradies: Toccata in A Major
Louis-Claude Daquin: Le Coucou (The Cuckoo)
Giuseppe Domenico Scarlatti: Sonata in A Major (L.345)
*Remastered by Fred Herfst at WhitewaveStudio, Victoria, BC
Sigurd Sabathil demonstrates one of his French Double harpsichords. The first piece is part of a Suite by Matthias Weckmann, available from Amazon on the album, 17th Century German Harpsichord Music: The Stylus Phantasticus
. The second piece is from Handel’s Sarabande in D Minor.
