Sperrhake (Passau) c. 1970

The firm of Sperrhake was founded in 1942 in Passau, Bavaria, in 1942,  Their instruments were firmly in the 'Revival' style, using modern materials and techniques rather than copying historical models.  Wooden jacks replaced plasic from around 1970, the approximate date of this example.  Production ceased in 1988.

Many Sperrhake instruments were built to compact designs; at just 5' 3" long, this one offers two manuals with a 4½-octave compass C - f3.

There are two 8' registers plus 4'.  The arrangement of the strings and tuning pins is unusual, with pins for the second 8' register on the far side of the 8' nut, and the strings sharing the 4' nut.  The 4' strings pass through this, leading to strings at three levels with all the jacks plucking to the right, rather than the 8' jacks plucking alternately. 

There are four pedals controlling lower 8', 4, coupler, and lower 8'.  Handstops operate buff to upper and lower 8'.

This harpsichord is in the Edinburgh area, where it may be viewed by appointment.  The price is £5,000 o.n.o.  

Please contact Margaret Evans  margaretjanee@hotmail.com

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