Hello - yes, the original Zuckermann clavichord, like the original
harpsichord (know to some as the slantside, or slabside; to others
as Wolfgang's original sin) has only one string per note, and that
of steel.
 
Arguments persist about whether there were some Italian harpsichords
made with one string per note (other than the famous enharmonic instrument in
Bologna discussed on th net), but I think there is general
agreement that a single strung clavichord is an aberation. Apart
from the thin sound, there is not enough resistance to the finger
and the string tends to go off pitch with even the most careful
playing.
 
Although there are large clavichords based on a stringing scale
(length) for steel strings, the more common arrangement is for all
brass strings, as are all of our current instruments.
 
Clavichords present curious structural problems. I have another one
here, acquired from a client partly built, in which the bridge has
just come off the soundboard with an explosive pop.
 
Not even while being played; just while sitting quietly. Bang!
 
The revenge of the Quiet Clavichord!
 
                                                David Calhoun
 
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                          ANTE MUSICA
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A Northwest Workshop affiliated with Zuckermann Harpsichords Inc.
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