On offer is a modern copy of an old instrument, the spint or spinnet, if you prefer a modern spelling. Unlike its cousins, the pianoforte and the clavichord, the spinnet produces its sound by plucking at strings, instead of striking them.
This model was made in 1964 by Gordon Forster, an organ restorer operating in the Ilford-Walthamstow areas of east London. The spinet was completely hand-made and designed to be stowed in the boot of a car for peripatetic playing and teaching. The stand comes apart, with the two parts weighing a total of about 7.5kg; combined, they measure 94cms wide x 61cms deep x 65cms high. The body of the instrument weighs about 30kg; it is 104cms wide (i.e. along the keyboard edge), 118cms along the lid hinge edge and is 100cms deep (please note that all measurements are close, but only warranted as approximate).
The instrument is virtually totally wooden, the outer case is veneered. In places this veneer is cracking and loose, although overall condition is good. There is a charming rural scene painted on the inside of the lid.
The instrument has recently been tuned professionally and has been in the same family hands for around 30 years.
The photo gallery shows most details of the plucking mechanism, etc., but requests for further description or views will be considered.
Payment: by preference, I will accept cleared funds into my bank account via cheque or electronic transfer, cash on pick-up but PayPal is available if you want it.
Delivery: Due to the weight and physical size of this rarely-available instrument, buyers must make their own arrangements, be it by courier pick-up or personal collection, by prior agreement with the seller. The spinet is located some ten miles northwest of Colchester, Essex, UK.
On 16-May-08 at 23:27:06 BST, seller added the following information:
On offer is a modern copy of an old instrument, the spinet or spinnet, if you prefer a modern spelling. Unlike its cousins, the pianoforte and the clavichord, the spinnet produces its sound by plucking at strings, instead of striking them.
This model was made in 1964 by Gordon Forster, an organ restorer operating in the Ilford-Walthamstow areas of east London. The spinet was completely hand-made and designed to be stowed in the boot of a car for peripatetic playing and teaching. The stand comes apart, with the two parts weighing a total of about 7.5kg; combined, they measure 94cms wide x 61cms deep x 65cms high. The body of the instrument weighs about 30kg; it is 104cms wide (i.e. along the keyboard edge), 118cms along the lid hinge edge and is 100cms deep (please note that all measurements are close, but only warranted as approximate).
The instrument is virtually totally wooden, the outer case is veneered. In places this veneer is cracking and loose, although overall condition is good. There is a charming rural scene painted on the inside of the lid.
The instrument has recently been tuned professionally and has been in the same family hands for around 30 years.
The photo gallery shows most details of the plucking mechanism, etc., but requests for further description or views will be considered.
Payment: by preference, I will accept cleared funds into my bank account via cheque or electronic transfer, cash on pick-up but PayPal is available if you want it.
Delivery: Due to the weight and physical size of this rarely-available instrument, buyers must make their own arrangements, be it by courier pick-up or personal collection, by prior agreement with the seller. The spinet is located some ten miles northwest of Colchester, Essex, UK.
On 16-May-08 at 23:36:46 BST, seller added the following information:
On offer is a modern copy of an old instrument, the spinet or spinnet, if you prefer a modern spelling. Unlike its cousins, the pianoforte and the clavichord, the spinnet produces its sound by plucking at strings, instead of striking them.
This model was made in 1964 by Gordon Forster, an organ restorer operating in the Ilford-Walthamstow areas of east London. The spinet was completely hand-made and designed to be stowed in the boot of a car for peripatetic playing and teaching. The stand comes apart, with the two parts weighing a total of about 7.5kg; combined, they measure 94cms wide x 61cms deep x 65cms high. The body of the instrument weighs about 30kg; it is 104cms wide (i.e. along the keyboard edge), 118cms along the lid hinge edge and is 100cms deep (please note that all measurements are close, but only warranted as approximate).
The instrument is virtually totally wooden, the outer case is veneered. In places this veneer is cracking and loose, although overall condition is to my mind fair to good. There is a charming rural scene painted on the inside of the lid.
The instrument has recently been tuned professionally and has been in the same family hands for around 30 years.
The photo gallery shows most details of the plucking mechanism, etc., but requests for further description or views will be considered. (Later information: We have been asked about the materials used for the plectra & quills. These appear (to our un-educated eye, to be wooden (possibly oak) with a metal facing - see new photograph no:7)
Payment: by preference, I will accept cleared funds into my bank account via cheque or electronic transfer, cash on pick-up but PayPal is available if you want it.
Delivery: Due to the weight and physical size of this rarely-available instrument, buyers must make their own arrangements, be it by courier pick-up or personal collection, by prior agreement with the seller. The spinet is located some ten miles northwest of Colchester, Essex, UK.
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