Four down and one to go

[ErnieM]

Hi all,

Nine years ago our first grand daughter was born. I thought it would be nice to make her a tiny harpsichord for her 1st birthday. Now, nine years later, we have five grand kids, and of course they each must have one of their own. I've just finished number four. These are real harpsichords in every way except size. This one is 27 1/2" long, 14" wide, and 9" tall. There are 25 keys with an octave span of only 4 3/4" as opposed to about 6 1/2" on a full sized piano. As a result, by the time any of the grand kids are old enough to really play a keyboard instrument, their hands will be too large to do so. Therefore, these are really keepsake instruments so that they will have something to remember us by when Sandy and I are no longer around.

​

If you'd like to hear me embarrass myself by trying to play this thing with my fat fingers, click on the 90 second video below.

[video=youtube;JHvdb6jU5io]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHvdb6jU5io&feature=youtu.be[/video]
​

Thanks for watching,

Ernie

 

[Charlie]

Absolutely amazing. I'm sure the grand kids will cherish them.

 

[JackLeg]

Beautiful work, Ernie! They'll treasure them, I'm sure!

 

[PeteM]

Ernie -
You are an amazing craftsman, artisan and grandfather.
Your work is amazing. Thanks for sharing.

 

[CaptnA]

Phenomenal. Ernie, that is inspiring.

 

[Joe Scharle]

And not forgetting Sandy's artwork, you both are artisans :eusa_clap

 

[Hmerkle]

It has all been said Ernie - amazing, beautiful, Phenomenal - in actuality, there are no words!

 

[Hmerkle]

And not forgetting Sandy's artwork, you both are artisans :eusa_clap

Yea! What Joe said,
I really like that you walked around and showed off her painting!

 

[BeachBoy]

That is the coolest thing I've seen in quite some time. Awesome!

 

[Bill Clemmons]

WOW!!!!! Out of the five you're making, I hope at least a couple survive multiple generations and end up in a museum some day. They are definitely worthy. :eusa_clap

 

[ErnieM]

Thanks Bill - but with 5 grand kids between the ages of 2 and 9, I'm hoping a couple of them make it through the year.

 

[Canuck]

Marvelous work Ernie!

Hopefully they will be treasured for generations.

Wayne

 

[CrealBilly]

WOW Ernie is all I can say

 

[CDPeters]

Ernie, absolutely beautiful, inspiring (and inspired!) craftsmanship and artistry - both you and Sandy... But what really astounds me is the patience I know it must take to create such functional works of art!

 

[ErnieM]

Ernie, absolutely beautiful, inspiring (and inspired!) craftsmanship and artistry - both you and Sandy... But what really astounds me is the patience I know it must take to create such functional works of art!

Thanks Chris. Interestingly enough, I have little or no patience when it comes to doing quick projects. Ask me to build something that I can do in a weekend and I just don't want to do it. Ask me to build something that will take 8 months and I'm happy. I think harpsichord builders are a little weird :BangHead: (present company included).

 

[KenOfCary]

It is truly the combination of the craftsmanship and art that makes these works so unique and impressive. I was surprised by how bright and clear the sound was in such a small instrument. Excellent only begins to describe them.

 

[CrealBilly]

Thanks Chris. Interestingly enough, I have little or no patience when it comes to doing quick projects. Ask me to build something that I can do in a weekend and I just don't want to do it. Ask me to build something that will take 8 months and I'm happy. I think harpsichord builders are a little weird :BangHead: (present company included).

Ernie - interestingly I am the same little to no patience for doing quick projects unless I have help... Wife brought home a dog wanted a dog house, she said easy enough, sure I said but I went out and bought one instead. I never understood my apprehension until you said that. Thanks Ernie your a wise man.

 

[ErnieM]

Ernie - interestingly I am the same little to no patience for doing quick projects unless I have help... Wife brought home a dog wanted a dog house, she said easy enough, sure I said but I went out and bought one instead. I never understood my apprehension until you said that. Thanks Ernie

Be careful Jeff - sounds like you have a touch of the weird gene. Next thing you know you'll be building harpsichords.:rotflm:

 

[CrealBilly]

Be careful Jeff - sounds like you have a touch of the weird gene. Next thing you know you'll be building harpsichords.:rotflm:

i wouldn't touch that Ernie...

But I have a question is this a harpsichord in this tune?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bmqPPtkAR3Y

Thanks

 

[ErnieM]

i wouldn't touch that Ernie...

But I have a question is this a harpsichord in this tune?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bmqPPtkAR3Y

Thanks

It sounds like a harpsichord, especially in the beginning. There's a chance it may be a harpsichord stop on a good electric keyboard, but I don't think so. Then again, I've been fooled before and I will be again. Either way, it sounds nice with this music.