Octave Spinet
The octave spinet, also called spinettino or ottavino, is an Italian trapezoidal spinet, inspired by an octave spinet of the Italian building school of the 17th century (Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna)
The instrument sounds an octave higher, i.e. 4′ instead of the usual 8′.
A 4′ sounding instrument can be used for a special repertoire, for example Renaissance dances, or in ensembles of Renaissance, or early Baroque music.
The trapezoidal spinet is technically simple, very robust and absolutely stable, therefore optimal to transport, also thanks to its small dimensions and weight of 15 kg (cm 98 x 62 x 18 cm).
I build two different versions of this spinet:
1. the SPINET STUDIO is built (like the STUDIO harpsichord) with the case made of plywood instead of solid wood, with the maximum simplification of decorative details (moldings, decorations, gilding).
I try to focus on the most important elements responsible for the sound quality (e.g. the soundboard made of spruce from Val di Fiemme, the register made of beech and the jacks made of service ).
2. the SPINETTINO, i.e. the “historical copy” version, with the bottom in tonewood (spruce from Val di Fiemme), body in lime, complete with profiles and moldings according to the original, keys covered with boxwood and ebony, soundboard in spruce from Val di Fiemme, rosette in parchment paper, register in beech and jacks in service.
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
Two colors painting
Oil painting inside the Lid
Flower or geometric decoration on the case
Bench with adjustable height, standard or in style
Transport cover
Trolley
Listen to this instrument:
G. Farnaby, Rosasolis
William Horn