N E W 5 - O C T A V E H A R P S I C H O R D S
I N T H E N E A P O L I T A N S T Y L E
The Soundboard Rosette Levels
Click on these images to see larger versions of each of them.
Taking inspiration from the historical models of a number of soundboard rosettes in Neapolitan instruments, the various levels were assembled, punched and cut out. 4 large rosettes were made to be used in the new 5-octave instruments. and one for a 4-octave instrument. The top level of the small rose for the 4-octave instrument can be seen below. Each level has three layers: a top layer of thin wood and below this are two layers of parchment. The wood layer was either of pear for all levels or of cypress for all levels - the three levels at the right are all of pear whereas, for comparison, the right-hand layer is of cypress. The top level (on the left above) is glued to the top of the soundboard and the other layers are all located below the soundboard.
Return to the main section on the making of harpsichord rosettes
