TPW New Italian Virginal

Instrument conceived & designed by Emmanuel Danset
Copyright © 2009 TPW

Virginal 41K jpeg

The Italian Virginal is our latest design, inspired by an unusual original instrument from the early 18th century with an inset keyboard.

The characteristic virginal tone emanating from the extra enclosed space at the right hand of the keyboard truly envelops the player. (There is a tool box at the corresponding left hand of the keyboard.) The case is of “false inner-outer” construction with the inner natural maple veneers contrasted against the painted lime exterior.

We have increased the versatility for modern players by fitting a fully chromatic keyboard, and allowing for transposition both up to A440 without the loss of the top note, and down to A392.

This is a most interesting instrument to build and play, and very suitable for musicians of all standards to explore the repertoire.

Our photograph shows the prototype with cherry inner veneers.


SPECIFICATIONS
Range

56+1 notes: GG–d''', transposable A392/A415/A440

Disposition 1x8´, no buff
Wood

Case in lime, lid and bottom in poplar
Inner case veneers in maple
Swiss pine soundboard
Bridge, nut, music desk & lid stick in cherry
Beech stand

Keyboard Boxwood naturals and fruitwood accidentals
Action Traditional wooden jacks working in boxguide
Stand Turned, demountable
Dimensions Length 168cm ~ Width 57cm ~ Depth of case 21cm
Weight about 20kg
Instructions Manual in English
full size paper drawing
Level of difficulty Suitable for beginners
Standard version Version 1, ready for assembly
Specifications subject to change without notice

Cutting the jack mortises 23K jpeg

From our series of Virginal construction pictures: Cutting the jack mortises


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Address block 7K gif