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.

 

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