The Harpsichord Owner's Guide: A Manual for Buyers and Owners [Paperback]

Edward L. Kottick (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 26, 1992

Kottick presents technical information in an accessible, but entertaining, way: the forms and styles of harpsichords, advice on purchasing decisions, maintenance techniques (such as voicing, regulating, and changing strings, tongues, plectra, springs, and dampers), aids in troubleshooting common problems, and detailed instructions on tuning and temperment. As builder of some thirty keyboard instruments, Kottick is well qualified to speak on the subject.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

If you own a harpsichord, by all means wade into this book: reading it is like learning to swim, with the book there to encourage and guide you. It's a cheerful, practical, clear, concise, up-to-date guide to buying, maintaining, and tuning this instrument that includes a short history and discussion of the different types of harpsichord and their use in different kinds of music. Its only drawback is the absence of labeled diagrams showing instrument parts under scrutiny, though the copious photographs and drawings help. Highly recommended for anyone owning or thinking of owning a harpsichord. Philippa Kiraly, Cleveland
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press; Rev Sub edition (October 26, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807843881
• ISBN-13: 978-0807843888
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #268,373 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars detailed harpsichord history, construction and maintenance, September 15, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Harpsichord Owner's Guide: A Manual for Buyers and Owners (Hardcover)

I read this book as a first-time owner of a partially-built harpsichord which I hope to complete. As such, my experience with and knowledge of harpsichords was limited to practically zero, although I was musically trained and played several instruments in the past. With that in mind, I proceed...

Mr. Kottick seems to know his subject thoroughly, although he's VERY opinionated about certain construction techniques and disdainful of those who experiment with their own ideas. Perhaps this is deservedly the case, perhaps not. At times, he assumes the reader has virtually no knowledge,but the book lacks a glossary, which is sorely needed. This shortcoming makes it difficult for a beginning builder or owner to understand the meanings of terms as yet unknown. More photos of harpsichord parts would be useful. Even so, the book is a necessity in the library of any harpsichord enthusiast.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A comprehensive, well written reference, May 16, 2000

By 

JM (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Harpsichord Owner's Guide: A Manual for Buyers and Owners (Paperback)

I used this book as the main source of advice (along with the help of a professional) when I rebuilt a partially completed harpsichord. I was able to succesfully perform repairs, restring, install new set of jacks, regulate, adjust stagger, and voice a Flemish single. Every time I ran into a problem I was able to find it addressed in the book in very clear terms. I would recommend this book to any harpsichord owner who does his or her own repairs and regulation.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is the ultimate book for harpsichord owners, June 5, 2002

By 

Jon C. Domke "jdomke1" (Mountain House, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Harpsichord Owner's Guide: A Manual for Buyers and Owners (Paperback)

I've bought a few books over the past few weeks on the subject but each of the other books only touched briefly on how a harpsichord works. This book has it all. There were ample illustrations and an excellent description of each part and what it does. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the working of a harpsichord or considering building/purchasing one.