Workshop...

Harpsichord on Side

With the music box models shown in the gallery section, it's what's above the soundboard that counts. Everything is done for its aesthetic appeal. In a harpsichord, it's the soundboard and what lies hidden below it that counts.This photo shows the interior of a harpsichord - the hidden part that's so important to the quality of the instrument. You can see the five upper braces and the four lower braces. This bracing is what keeps the instrument from imploding under the tension of several thousands of pounds created by the strings. Any movement in the case, especially in the bentside and tail, will cause the instrument to go immediately out of tune. The bracing is what keeps the case rigid enough to withstand this tension.