Specifications:
Range: 52 notes, nearly 4 1/2 octaves, BB-d''' chromatic, non-transposing. Currently tuned to a'=440Hz
Disposition: 2 x 8', buff (on back, long 8'), handstops
Dimensions:
Length 76 1/8"
Width 31 1/2"
Case depth (without lid) 10"
(including lid and permanently attached leg blocks 12 1/4"
Decoration:
The instrument is green. The case exterior is painted in a frame-and-panel scheme - the panels are a saturated green and the framing is a substantially darker shade. The lid interior matches the panels. The interior of the case is papered in the Flemish style. The instrument stands on four square, tapered, screw-on legs painted to match the framing. The music desk is also dark green. Most painted surfaces have been varnished. Over time this clear coat, presumably applied to harmonize differing values of surface gloss, has developed a distinct amber cast thus biasing both greens slightly toward yellow in some lights.
The natural touch surfaces of the keyboard are ebony, the accidentals are boxwood. The arcades appear to be pear.
Aside from the very well printed paper fixed to the vertical surfaces, the interior is undecorated with a few exceptions. In place of a soundboard rose, Wm. Post Ross typically substituted a silk-screened medallion. The serial number and date have been added by hand in ink on the wrestplank.
 The harpsichord is being sold by its first owner, who bought the instrument from his friend, Bill Ross (who had at that time recently left Frank Hubbard to set up his own shop), more as an act of friendship than from real need. Over time it has been lent to various Boston-area professional early-music groups for concerts but shows no sign of other than very careful handling.
It is very well made and has survived with only the most minimal defects.
 As befits the time and circumstance, the instrument shares the construction scheme of the first Hubbard kits (i.e., very tall bottom braces running diagonally from the bentside forward). There is one long but unthreatening soundboard crack and virtually no deflection of parts from their ideal orientation. There is some wear of the paint at sharp corners and a few dents and signs of age and character reflected in the finish, but nothing unsightly. This instrument is indeed in excellent condition for its age. Included with the instrument is an antique side chair in oak - a true 17th century type that complements the instrument wonderfully.
This instrument should perform quite satisfactorily in most venues appropriate to a harpsichord. It will excel in accompaniment. The instrument as it was received, which still had its original Hubbard Delrin jacks and plectra, was quiet. This quietness was corrected by an experimental re-quilling and re-voicing of the original jacks - the planned total revoicing (which is to be included in the sale price) is waiting to be done to the taste of the buyer. The art is to arrive at that gray line between optimum volume and ease of touch.
We strongly advise the buyer to go to the expense of replacing the jacks with, at the very least, the current Hubbard plastic jack. A restringing for a'=415 and adaptation for transposing should also be considered. Please inquire.
(FH-1) Sold
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