Bowed keyboard- Streichklavier #5: Adding strings

Been a while since I posted progress, but I have been busy. Both on this, and installing an alarm system so I hopefully can keep my tools till the project is done (long story)

An overview as to what this is: A harpsichord shaped instrument that will use a treadle driven belt to bow the strings when a key is pushed. It will use a different bridges and stringing arrangment than harpsichord- this is more like a big hammer dulcimer in design.

I applied dye and laquer- still needs work, but it’s getting there. I liked the natural look, but there was a lot of green to cover in the poplar.

got the flywheel amost done…still have to attach the treadle plate and pitman arm, connnecting rod, or whatever you call the thing that goes from the pedal to the crankshaft.

strumming the strings…

plucking the strings

If the bow mechanism doesn't work well, I may convert it to a type of lautenwerk (sp?) which is a cross between a lute and a harpsichord.

I have 2 weeks to get done...don't know if it's going to happen or not.

-- Jon