Thanks to all for answering me. It seems that the best course to take is this one (thank for the hint Mr. Broekman!):

 

*	Make the basic pitch of the instrument 392 instead of 415 Hz
*	Modify the keyboards so that a transposition 392/415/440 Hz is possible (currently 415/440).

 

At first sight it seems just possible to use “historic” stringing materials at this pitch. If it fails I’ll only have to use steel wire for the last 5 upper notes. I think one can live with that.

 

The positive fact is the history of this instrument: I know the person (now at a respectful age) who made it from a basic kit (this kind of kit is no longer obtainable). Thanks to him being a very meticulous person , the instrument is working very nice even after all these years. Originally it was made for a1 = 440 Hz with a range of FF-g3. Later on, when I was asked to maintain the instrument, I  made it transposable. The basic pitch was lowered to 415 Hz and the f3# and g3 keys were abandoned so that the keyboard could move. Now once more we are getting a step lower in the tuning. The keyboard will be a bit shorter at the right side but this time without losing keys. Also, I can recuperate the unused strings from the earlier transposition operation. 

 

So in the end we’ll have a beautiful French instrument, using historical strings and able to play at 392/415/440. Not such a bad bargain after all 😊

 

One last question is in my mind: the current tuning pins are rusty. I’m considering to replace them. The originals are threaded, I would like to have non-threaded pins instead. Would this be a good idea or not?

 

Off topic: spring has taken it first steps here. It’s so nice to see a bit of decent sunshine decorated by enthusiastic birdsong.

 

Greetings,

 

Chris.


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