Harpsichord Registers (Next Phase)

After a bit of a summer break for relaxing, vacations, and stuff like that, I’ve finally gotten back to the harpsichord to try to get the registers finished. The upper and lower registers are all cut and are now being glued up. My goal (at this point) is to have both the lower and upper registers installed by next weekend. Once the registers, which are technically some of the most complex (read: precise) parts that go into a harpsichord. The Register Cutting Jig worked extremely well, just as I had hoped it would! It took 416 passes through the table saw to cut the 2 upper and 1 lower registers. These must be done very precisely so that the jacks line up perfectly in order to pluck the strings correctly.

Harpsichord Register Parts

Using a test piece to calibrate the jig for cutting the registers.

Using a birdcage awl to mark all the locations for drilling the upper registers.

Harpsichord Register Parts Cut and Ready to Glue

Harpsichord Gluing the Lower Register