In old Italian spinetti or virginals, little taper pins of ivory, bone, or box, I think. It would be hard to be sure they are original, but 3 little tapered holes is what I have seen.

The Obici has the holes, and they look old, but no pins. I made boxwood pins that are obvious replacements (not darkened) but do the job. Similar issues arise with the jackrail.

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jonathan Addleman" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: name batten fasteners
> Date:         Wed, 27 Feb 2008 18:08:40 -0500
> 
> 
> I've been wondering for a while how historical name battens are fastened
> in place. All the modern instruments I've ever seen have them screwed
> down (or else they have a sliding nameboard a l'italiano). I don't
> imagine historical instruments would have used screws for that though,
> at least not until later in the 18th century. Did they just glue them in
> place? That seems a little bit permanent to me... Though I guess they
> wouldn't be taking the name batten off to transpose the keyboards like I
> have to with my harpsichord (some day I'll cut the blocks so I don't
> have to). Still, it seems that it's very handy to be able to get at the
> keys easily for maintenance and regulation, and just to clean out the
> dust that invariably accumulates. How did Ruckers do it?
> --
> Jon-o Addleman - http://www.redowl.ca

>



Rodney Myrvaagnes

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