Neapolitan Harpsichord - Image 1

This Neapolitan harpsichord is considered to be the best preserved known sixteenth-century harpsichord. In its current condition, it is also the world's oldest playable harpsichord. This single-manual harpsichord is typical of the thin-walled Italian construction, and is kept in a separate outer case. Keyboard, compass is C/E to c3 (4 octaves=45 notes), with beechwood levers, boxwood naturals with trefoil keyfronts cut from two layers of veneer applied to the front ends of the levers painted blue; and sharps of pearwood stained black. The instrument retains its original, single 8' disposition.