The pedal harpsichord, mentioned first in 1460, was especially an ideal instrument for organists to practise at home without being dependet upon visiting cold churches or paying calcants.

Also J.S. Bach appreciated this instrument. Already at Köthen he had the chance since 1722 to play a pedal harpsichord made by Christian Joachim from Halle. At Leipzig he performed his concerts at the „Zimmermannschen Caféhaus“ on a double manual harpsichord in connection with a pedal harpsichord, both instruments made by the famous organ builder Zacharias Hildebrandt.

Though pedal harpsichords were widely spread during the 18th century, no historical instrument survived (certainlya result of constantly wet floors). So NEUPERT constructed a pedal harpsichord itself - based on the knowledge of the historical literary authorities and its own experience in making instruments - which is now since more than 80 years successfully in use by harpsichordists and organists.

Technical details:

• pedal keyboard compass: C - f¹ (2 1/2 octaves)
• disposition: 8‘, 4‘, 16‘
• 3 foot stops
• length ca. 300 cm (10‘), width 123 cm (4‘1“), net weight 135 kg
• 8‘, 16‘: wooden jacks with leather plectra
• 4‘: plastic jacks with Delrin plectra

Additional equipment:

• lute to 16‘
• Venetian swell