Harpsichord, Clavichord - William Dowd Opus 77 single-manual Italian harpsichord

This single-manual Italian-style harpsichord was built in the shop of William Dowd in 1965 as a free-standing instrument with three sets of jacks, two quilled and one leather. In 1975 an outer case was built for it, and it was fully rebuilt with wooden slides and Delrin jacks (two sets of quill). It is strung in soft yellow brass (Malcolm Rose wire).

The naturals are of cocabola wood, and the sharps are of boxwood with cocabola skunktails. The inner case and soundboard are cedar.

This harpsichord is in good condition, given that it has been a performing instrument for 38 years. There is some rubbing to the paint of the outer case, and some damage to the tail of the outer case. The condition of the inner case is pristine.

The instrument was completely requilled in March 2001.