ERARD HARPSICHORD, Paris, 1912

Throughout the 19th century, the Erard firm was a leader in piano construction. At the Paris Exposition of 1889 they also exhibited a harpsichord. This instrument was largely inspired by an instrument by Pascal Taskin (Paris 1769). A new model, more based on piano construction, was exhibited by Erard at the International Exhibition of Brussels in 1897. The difference with historical harpsichords was the solidly built bottomless resonance box, the thicker soundboards with thicker strings and many pedals to quickly change the sound.  

Technical data:

• Inscription: Erard Paris
• Compass: two 5 octave keyboards (FF-f''')
• Keyboard: naturals in ivory, sharps in bone
• Registers: lower manual: 8', 4', lute to 8' / upper manual: 8' or 8' nazard, lute to 8' / manual coupler
• Pedals: 4, controlling 4 rows of jacks
• Dimensions: L 245 cm / W 105 cm
• Case: mahogany with boxwood double stringing
• Serial number: 3084
• Chris Maene Collection number: CM 47 200
• Condition: playing condition
• Location: 2 - Museum "Chris Maene Collection" Ruiselede