Early keyboard instruments - as their name implies - have been around for centuries. The earliest, the clavichord, is based on the Ancient Greek monochord, and is the easiest and cheapest to make. The strings are struck from underneath by means of a brass tongue (the 'tangent') which projects upward from the end of each key. The instrument has insufficient volume for accompaniment but has considerable dynamic variation, depending on key pressure, similar to the piano. It was a favourite instrument of J.S. Bach who composed extensively for it.

The smaller fretted clavichord costs about $400 (in April 2007) for the instrument hardware and about $200 for the wood (Australian dollars). The larger unfretted instrument is about half as dear again. A 'fretted' clavichord has some strings struck by adjoining keys. The 'unfretted' instrument has separate strings for each note. The fretted instrument is still quite versatile.

Harpsichords and virginals are more complex and expensive to make. The total cost of a Flemish harpsichord would be just under $3,000 AUD, but considerably less if you have the skill and patience to make your own wooden jacks. A virginal costs about two thirds the price of a harpsichord. It has one string per note, whereas the harpischord has two, and the virginal keyboard range is slightly less.

Both instruments are ideal for small group projects by experienced woodworkers as their modular construction can be separately made for final assembly (case, lid, jacks, jack guides, soundboard, bridged, and stand).

If you are contemplating making either the harpsichord or virginal you will be better informed about these major projects by reading Early Keyboard Instruments - Can I Make Them?.

Further illustrated information is available on About Keyboard Parts.