I woke up at about 3am this morning with the same old question that has been bothering me for months. I don' t know if you can help but I'm desperate. How--EXACTLY--are modern couplers for two manual harpsichords designed and constructed? I know it is probably a simple question for most but I haven't been able to find an ANSWER!!
It sounds like your summer vacation was great. I hate to top it BUT I was one of the few this year that got to tour the entire first floor of the C & H suger facility in Crockett. You know what I thought was most special? They had a storeroom that had stuff from almost the beginning of when they built the thing. They even had some truck tires from 1927. Not only that, they had some from 1954 too.
Well gotta go. By the way I think it is "dived" not "dove" but that's OK.
Kim
Dear Kim,
Let me see, harpsicord couplers allow the upper keyboard and lower keyboard to play together right? And you aren't sure EXACTLY how that happens and need my help. Have you asked yourself why you have been waking up with harpsichord couplers on your mind for the past few months? Are you on the verge of playing the harpsichord for the first time and you want to make sure you understand its design before you experience it so that there are no surprises? Or have you had previously bad experiences with harpsichords in your life and before you become attached to another you would like to look past its surface and learn what's really inside it? In either case I don't think the actual mechanics of the harpsichord really matter unless you are involved in the building or maintenance of them which I assume you aren't by your question. What's really important is moving past dreaming of harpsichord couplers to bringing that harpsichord music into your life. I suspect its lacking or it wouldn't be consuming your thoughts. I suggest going to places that harpsichord music is available such as music stores or concerts, etc. or taking lessons. In time you'll be tickling those mahoganies yourself and worrying less about your lack of knowledge of them. I just hope this helps you understand that its not how the two keyboards come together, but the fact that couplers can work in harmony to make beautiful music.
PS. I'm a tire freak and now insanely jealous that you saw a 1927 in storage. I bet its in mint condition. Please tell me it's a Firestone that fit the Ford Model T and I'm there to see if I can acquire it to complete my collection. (and maybe get free sugar!)
PPS. Dived is preferred, but dove
is an informal alternative according to my Funk and Wagnalls. (whew!)
Thanks for writing. :)