Tour of the Harpsichord

Top view of a harpsichord

Isometric view of a harpsichord

Definitions:

4' Choir

This term refers to the general pitch of a choir (group) of strings: 4' refers to a pitch from which, if sounded on an organ, middle C would be emitted from a pipe about four feet long. The 4' choir is pitched an octave above the 8' choir (see below).

4' Bridge

A piece of wood glued to the top of the soundboard that suspends one end of the 4' choir of strings--the other ends of these strings are suspended by the 4' nut. As the strings are suspended between the bridge and nut, and the bridge is glued to the soundboard, the vibrations of the strings (when plucked) are transmitted to the soundboard by the bridge.

4' Hitchpin Rail

A piece of wood glued to the underside of the soundboard that helps provides an anchor for one end of the 4' choir of strings. The hitchpins, to which the strings are actually anchored, are driven through this hitchpin rail, which can withstand the tension of the strings far better than could the soundboard alone. The other ends of these strings are anchored by the 4' tuning pins.

4' Nut

A piece of wood glued to the top of the wrestplank that suspends one end of the 4' choir of strings--the other ends of these strings are suspended by the 4' bridge. As the strings are suspended between the bridge and the nut, and the nut glued to the wrestplank (which, in turn, is glued to the case), the vibrations of the strings (when plucked) are transmitted to the case by the nut.

8' Choir

This refers to the general pitch of a choir (group) of strings: 8' refers to a pitch from which, if sounded on an organ, middle C would be emitted from a pipe about eight feet long. This is considered 'normal' pitch.

8' Bridge

A piece of wood glued to the soundboard that suspends one end of the 8' choir of strings; the other ends of these strings are suspended by the 8' nut. As the strings are suspended between the bridge and the nut, and the bridge is glued to the soundboard, the vibrations of the strings (when plucked) are transmitted to the soundboard by the bridge.

8' Hitchpin Rail

Two pieces of wood glued to the soundboard (one next to the bentside, the other next to the tail) that help anchor one end of the 8' choir of strings--the other ends of these strings are anchored by the 8' tuning pins. The hitchpins, which actually anchor the strings, are driven through the hitchpin rail, the soundboard and the liners. The hitchpin rail and the liners provide the real resistance required to withstand the tension of the strings, the soundboard being too thin.

8' Nut

A piece of wood glued to the top of the wrestplank that suspends one end of the 8' choir of strings -- the other ends of these strings are suspended by the 8' bridge. As the strings are suspended between the bridge and the nut, and as the nut is glued to the wrestplank (which, in turn, is glued to the case), the vibrations of the strings (when plucked) are transmitted to the case by the nut.

Bentside

The side of the case between the cheek and the tail.

Bottom

The bottom of the instrument serves two proven purposes: it provides stiffness to the sides of the case (cheek, bentside, tail and spine), and protects the interior structure from physical damage. As the bottom of the instrument encloses a volume of air (along with the case sides, the soundboard and the upper and lower belly rails), it has a significant effect on the sound produced by the instrument.

Cheek

The right side of the case that joins to the bentside.

Cutoff Bar

The cutoff bar adds stiffness to the soundboard, to which it is glued, and also affects its sonic properties.

Jacks

The long, thin, rectangular pieces of wood or plastic that rest vertically on the keys. They hold the plectra that actually pluck the strings.

Liners

The liners are glued to the sides of the instrument and provide a ledge for the soundboard on all sides except the front, where the soundboard is glued to the upper belly rail.

Lower Belly Rail

The lower belly rail extends across the bottom of the instrument from the spine to the cheek. Like the lower frame members, it adds to the structural integrity of the case.

Lower Frame Members

The lower frame members extend across the bottom of the instrument from the spine to the bentside. Like the lower belly rail, they add to the structural integrity of the case.

Nameboard

Positioned above the keyboard, the nameboard keeps it in place and conceals its back portion. The builder's name is frequently displayed on a batten attached to the nameboard.

Register

A wooden device with slots for each jack. Each choir (group) of strings has its own register, and each register can be turned 'on' or 'off', so that its jacks either pluck their associated strings or do not. Harpsichords with only one set of strings may have a fixed register (one that does not move).

Soundboard

The soundboard vibrates the air, which transmits the sound to our ears. This transmission is a complex process initiated by the plucking of the strings, which causes them to vibrate; these vibrations are transferred to the bridge, then on to the soundboard.

Soundboard Bars

The soundboard bars are glued underneath the soundboard, providing stiffness that gives it greater structural integrity and modifies its sonic properties.

Spine

The left side of the case that joins to the tail.

Tail

The side of the case between the spine and the bentside.

Upper Belly Rail

The upper belly rail extends across the top of the instrument (even, at the top, with the liners) from the spine to the cheek. Like the lower belly rail, it adds to the structural integrity of the case. It also provides the front mounting surface for the soundboard.

Upper Frame Members

The upper frame members extend across the top of the instrument from the spine to the bentside, often positioned just below the liners. Like the lower frame members, they add to the structural integrity of the case.

Wrestplank

The wrestplank is a heavy slab that connects the spine to the cheek. It is usually mortised into these two sides, and further supported by blocks on the bottom. It holds the tuning pins and also supports the 8' and 4' nuts.