David H:
>I have heard the view that the part of the plectrum touching the
>string should be shorter than the wave-length, and therefore that the
>contact part of plectra should be shorter for the higher notes.

Hmmm. It would be rather difficult to make a harpsichord that didn't 
meet that constraint. Think about it.

Tilman's thought 'observations' about rounded plectra are very 
interesting. They are now in the queue for experimental checking with 
high-speed imaging.

Speaking of which, some of you may be interested to know that a 
presentation with high-speed imaging results for 19th Century piano 
actions will be given in Lausanne at Harmoniques - last conference, 
last day:
http://harmoniques.ch/index.php?menu=programme&ss_titre=3
The program is always good, as are the concerts and the exhibition.

Stephen