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Nicolas Dufour 1683

dufour

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The Dufour harpsichord, the only instrument by this maker which has so far come to light, has all the characteristics of the 17th century French tradition:

lightly built casework in solid walnut, a slender bridge and nut with a moulding in the Italian manner, keys with Gothic arcading. Nothing is yet known of Dufour's life; it is possible though that he was related to Claude Dufour (1628/9 to 1709), who is recorded as working in Lyons. A two-manual harpsichord by Claude Dufour survives. The Nicholas Dufour harpsichord is now at the Shrine to Music Museum, University of South Dakota.

The sound is deep and warm, and long sustaining; it makes an ideal ensemble instrument for the mid-Baroque period.

CASE bentside and shortside of solid walnut; spine of pine; lid of frame and panel construction in solid walnut.
SOUNDBOARD of spruce; six bars run parallel across the soundboard and are cut away under the bridge. Bridge and nut of pear; scale 355mm.
ROSE of parchment.
KEYS of basswood; naturals of ebony with carved arcading; sharps of solid bone.
JACKS of pear and holly with bristle springs.
FINISH wax polish. Alternatively, the instrument can be painted and gilded.
DISPOSITION two registers at 8'. A buff stop is optional
PITCH A415, transposing to A440, or A392 transposing to A415.
COMPASS originally GG/BB short octave to c'''. We most often make instruments with an extended compass: GG/BB broken octave (giving GG-AA-BB and chromatic from C) up to d'''. Our instruments with broken octaves can be transposed.
DIMENSIONS ORIGINAL EXTENDED
length
width
height
2110mm (83.0'')
763mm (30.0'')
250mm (9.8'')
2110mm (83.0'')
789mm (31.0'')
250mm (9.8'')
STANDS the illustration shows a simple trestle stand in brown oak, which is ideal for those who wish to move the instrument regularly. The Dufour harpsichord can also be fitted with the Baroque stand shown with the anon. 1667. Customers' special requirements are always welcome.