Zuckermann Italian III originally built from a kit in the early 1980s, professionally rebuilt/restored in 2024 with painted black case of yellow cedar and keyboard in boxwood and cherry with boxwood arcades; brass studs on the case rim. These workhorse harpsichords have been at the center of many early music ensembles for decades. This example, has both the typical short-octave tuning and split sharps which gives the keyboard a range of CDEF-d’’’. Weighing around 40 pounds, it is easily transported in an SUV or station wagon. Despite its small size and weight, it has a powerful voice that can hold its own with an orchestra or ensemble, has recently been used in two productions with Festival Opera and is in concert shape.
This harpsichord holds its tuning well, and has the traditional 2x8’ disposition, Zuckermann plastic jacks and celcon plectra, with stop levers in the keywell. Currently at a=440, it can be tuned at either 440 or 415. Included with the instrument is the stand it rests on, music rack, tuning hammer, and one tuning/regulation/maintenance lesson for the buyer.