A little history behind
The Paris Workshop

Wolfgang Joachim Zuckermann invented the concept of the harpsichord "kit" in the early 1960s. Produced in his New York workshop, it was a rather simple affair without a bentside. Even though the keyboard more resembled that of a piano and its soundboard was made from plywood, the "Slantside", as it was affectionately known, became one of the most popular harpsichord models ever. The wooden pieces for the case, along with some other commonly available parts, were not included, so the price was set at a most economical $150. Little by little, the first Zuckermann "kit" became more elaborate and complete.

In 1969, Wolfgang wrote The Modern Harpsichord, in which he described all the harpsichord makers of his time, together with their philosophies and details of their production. He soon became the close friend of his editor and publisher David Jacques Way of October House, to whom he in fact sold Zuckermann Harpsichords Inc. in 1970. David J. Way set about enthusiastically and rapidly modifying Wolfgang's original kit, with the aim of making the design more traditionally based and aesthetically pleasing. A workshop was established in the picturesque fishing village of Stonington Connecticut (between Boston and New York) in 1972.

The decade to 1980 saw the arrival of many models inspired by original instruments, commencing with the Flemish Single. The French Double followed, then a Virginal, Italian and Clavichord appeared. The Flemish keyboard range was enlarged and a second keyboard added. The English Bentside Spinet and the Fortepiano were next. During this time, original materials were also researched, and the Stonington workshop was the first in the world to establish the general use of solid wood, soft wire and historic-profiled tuning pins that we all take for granted on the finest instruments today.

In 1973, Marc Ducornet, who had initally learnt his craft of harpsichord making from an English builder, became the French representative of David J. Way. Their relationship developed so much so, that in 1982, he entered into partnership with David Way to open the Montreuil (Paris) workshop for the manufacture of the Zuckermann "kits" in France. The output of this workshop initially paralleled the American production, and both shops continued to work closely and successfully together over the years. Little by little, the atelier in Montreuil thrived and before David Way died suddenly in February 1994, Marc Ducornet was supervizing the conception and design of the instruments, as well as manufacturing fully 70% of the parts for USA and Europe.

To avoid the possible closure of the American workshop at David Way's death, Marc Ducornet, with the agreement of David's wife Katherine, decided to keep it running to perpetuate David in our memories. Accordingly, Marc Ducornet installed Richard Auber—one of his early American apprentices who knew David and already lived nearby the Stonington shop—to head the operation. After five years of continued cooperation, it became apparent on both sides of the North Atlantic that it was time for change.

For this to be best accomplished it was agreed that it would probably be impracticable for two workshops on separate continents to continue working so closely together. In March 1999 therefore, Marc Ducornet decided to peacefully conclude his lengthy association with the American workshop so he could concentrate on the creation of numerous new instrument designs in France. To distinguish the differences with the original United States-based models which evolved over more than two decades, Marc Ducornet, together with his Agents, decided it was high time to come even closer to the historic principles of construction and materials—wooden jacks would be standard, for example—and to benefit from the excellent manufacturing facilities available at Montreuil and twenty-five years of experience to make the instruments even more professional.

Wolfgang Zuckermann, who has been living in the south of France for many years, has come out of harpsichord retirement to eagerly join his friend Marc Ducornet in the "new" enterprise. The output of the newly-produced instruments from France will be known very simply under the name THE PARIS WORKSHOP, and will be available direct through a worldwide network of knowledgeable and helpful Agents.

The Paris Workshop: Marc Ducornet, Wolfgang Zuckermann, Emmanuel Danset & Associates