Spinettino
This instrument, a so-called Spinettino, is an Italian trapezoidal spinet, inspired by a Spinet of the Italian building school of the 16th century (Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna)
The original is an “Octave Spinet”, i.e. it sounds one octave higher: 4′ instead of the usual 8′. Although it is possible to build a historical copy, a 4′ sounding instrument is not so easy to use.
That’s why I decided to change the original to an 8′ spinet, where I kept the original proportions.
The trapezoidal spinet is technically simple, very robust and absolutely stable, therefore optimal to transport, also thanks to its small dimensions (133 x 75 x 23.5 cm).
I build two different versions of this spinet, with the same dimensions:
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 (mouldings, 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 mouldings 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.
- Original: Anonymous italian, 16th century
- Dimensions: cm 133 x 75 x 23,5
- Weight: Kg 28
- Compass: BB-f3 (55 notes)
- Original compass: C/E-f3 (45 notes)
- Disposition: one keyboard, 8′, Lute
- Pitch: a = 415 Hz, transposable +/- one semitone (440/392 Hz)
- Materials: case in lime, bottom and soundboard in spruce (from Val di Fiemme), keyboard in spruce covered with boxwood and ebony, register and bridges in beech, jacks in service
- Decoration: painted case with gold decoration, interior varnished wood, parchment rose on the soundboard
- Stand with three turned legs
- PRICE
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:
J. Dowland, Come Again
William Horn