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From:
Carey Beebe <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Harpsichords and Related Topics <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Thu, 6 Jul 2017 21:24:44 -0700
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Dear Bruce

Greetings from first rehearsal week at Carmel Bach Festival.

From memory, Fl.IX (56-notes: GG-d’’’) did have a transposing keyboard, but the instructions had makers screw the 1/2” wide transposing block (which also served as treble keyend block) to the right side of the keyframe. This meant that you had to at least lift the jacks (standing them on the lower guide) and remove the keyboard to undo those screws and swap the transposing block to the left side of the frame, before reinstalling the keyboard and jacks.

(I think the earlier Fl.VIII had big keyend scrolls glued to spine and cheek. They can also be made to transpose, but a little more tricky as you also have to remove some wood inside the keywell for clearance.)

For ease of transposition, you should remove the keyboard and unscrew the transposing block. This block has a cutout to fit the nameboard batten. If you want a completely screwless transposition, you should run a cut (bandsaw?) along the back hidden part of the transposing block at the depth of this cutout for the nameboard. Then the transposing block can be merely pulled forward, the keyboard shifted, the transposing block inserted at the opposite side, and you are ready to go.

Of course, if you tuned in anything other than Equal Temperament, you will need to retune because your good keys have become bad in transposition.

I have two movies which show the transposition process:
     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhCFcww8EYk&feature=channel
&
     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TVm3eGTOy8&feature=channel

Some instruments transpose easier than others. It helps not to have jack bottom screws. Don’t muck around: Most troubles happen when people slowly slide the keyboard from one pitch to another. As Martin suggested, put all registers on so the jacks have a chance to hang from the dampers and not drop between the keys.

A further refinement for your instrument: Install a strip of wood in front of the balance rail to restrain the keyboard, only allowing it to slide sideways on transposition and not backwards, forwards, or skew. You don’t need keyboard holddown screws. Note your model has 56 notes and 56 pairs of strings, so there is no top d’’’ in the A440 position.

Happy transposition!

Regards

CB

CAREY BEEBE HARPSICHORDS AUSTRALIA
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