CBH Harpsichord action stagger

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Carey Beebe demonstrating the timing of the pluck ("stagger").

Consistent plucking order from note to note is crucial for the correct operation of the instrument. Shown here with tenor f on the lower manual of a French Double Harpsichord built by Sydney maker Carey Beebe in 1991, the 4´ fires first, followed by the back 8´ and then the front 8´ through the coupler. After the last pluck, a little keydip remains for comfort. At normal playing speed, the separation of the various plucks is not audible.

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[ahlborner]

Great video! .. in the french/flemish single with two unison (2x8'), wath is the stagger order? Quill first front or back?

[hpschdnu]

Thank you: Normally the back 8´ is followed by the front 8´. There must always be some keydip after the last pluck for comfort of playing.

[hpschdnu]

Thanks: Yes, A392, a tone below "modern" pitch.

[organmaster89]

how old is that

[hpschdnu]

The featured instrument is a French Double after Blanchet, Carey Beebe Elève de D. Jacques Way 1991.

[matteylemage]

Is the action stagger a new thing or has it been around fro ages sinse the 17th century? Also I don't see how the action stagger is supposed to work when playing normally? Do you keep getting three notes when you just want one?

[hpschdnu]

When the note is played at normal speed, the separation of the various plucks isn't noticed. Stagger is essential to the correct operation of the action. It's next to impossible to play a harpsichord without it: The touch is far too heavy if all the plucks coincide.

[Braybaroque]

Excellent demonstration!

[danofsydney]

Your really a great harpsichord and historical music educator! preesh!

[thebpl]

Great topic, clearly and succinctly presented. And this harpsichord is tuned at approximately A=392?