Latest Harpsichord Finished - Sapele and Chinoiserie

[ErnieM]

Hi all,

For a while now, I've felt a need to get out of my comfort zone and build something new and different - so breaking away from totally painted instruments is something I've wanted to do. I have seen some instruments decorated with chinoiserie and thought we might give it a go. It took a while to convince my wife, Sandy, to try her hand at this form of decoration - and she finally agreed.

The platform stand and bench are made from Sapele. The interior keywell (surrounding the keyboard) is veneered with Sapele veneer. All of the Sapele is finished with BioPoly NT - a finish that was highly recommended by Matt Zettl, and when Matt speaks, I listen. His furniture pieces are true works of art and his finishes nothing less than impeccable. Thanks, Matt, for your advice and inspiration.

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Thanks for looking.

Ernie

 

[gfernandez]

Beautiful!

 

[Gotcha6]

Beautiful. When will we get to hear it?

 

[jhreed]

To all those who wonder, and I have been there. Yes, his shop looks like a surgery operating room, as it must for him to do surgery on the wood.

 

[TracyP]

Incredible as always. Your talent and attention to detail amaze me.

 

[MarkE]

Wow, Ernie. Another truly amazing work of art. :thumbs_up :thumbs_up :thumbs_up

 

[Bill Clemmons]

As w/ all your projects, Ernie, I am completely speechless. :notworthy:

 

[McRabbet]

Superb Ernie, simply superb! And for a "beginner" at this form of decoration, your wife deserves kudos as well! WOW!

 

[Joe Scharle]

Ernie, did you two work this hard before you retired?

Another beautiful piece :thumbs_up

 

[Sealeveler]

Another piece of art,fine job to both of you.
Tony

 

[Mike Davis]

That belongs in a museum!

 

[dozer]

WoW is all that comes to mind. Ernie you and your wife did a fantastic job.

 

[Canuck]

Awesome work once again, Ernie! :icon_thum


Wayne

 

[Charlie]

Absolutely amazing!

 

[mlzettl]

Ernie,

Although each new piece no longer surprises me as far as the creativity and craftsmanship is concerned, I am still amazed. I love the simplicity and the elegance of this instrument, and of course I really love the naturally finished sapele. :wink_smil It goes without saying that Sandy's skill and artistry is as astounding. The two of you make a formidable team. Great work.

Matt

 

[Matt Furjanic]

Fantastic work and a great choice of wood. I'm glad to see you did not stain the sapele. The natural color of the wood really comes through.

 

[ErnieM]

Many thanks to all for your kind remarks. Coming from fellow woodworkers, they mean a lot to us. My wife, who has less ego than anyone I know, honestly believes she has no talent. I know this project has done a lot for her self confidence and your comments are most appreciated.

Dennis: My neighbor, the recording engineer, is off on his boat headed for parts unknown. When he returns, we'll try to do some recording and I'll post some sound files.

Joe: It's only work if you don't like doing it. I've been fortunate to have had three separate careers (teacher, piano rebuilder, harpsichord maker) that I loved. The only time I'm not happy is when I'm not 'working'.

Matt: Special thanks to you for your support and advice. The BioPoly NT worked out great. Sandy and I owe you a visit - let's do that before too much more time passes.

Matt F: Actually, the sapele was slightly tinted. The BioPoly finish comes clear or tinted. I used a slight brown tint. The fact that it doesn't looked stained is one of the reasons I love this product.

Ernie

 

[thrt15nc]

Ernie, once again that is absolutely amazing. Very very beautiful. I think the darker wood makes a completely different look than that of the first harpsichord you showed us. I assume this was for a client and already has a home it will be headed to??

Tom

 

[sawduster]

:elvis: :elvis: :elvis: :elvis: :notworthy::notworthy::notworthy:

Unbelievable !

 

[JackLeg]

Ernie, that may be part woodworking, but it's mostly art!! Beautiful! Kudo's to you and the wife!! :eusa_clap