Anyone play/own a clavichord??

If you do, tell me a little about it. I am interested in buying one. Do you have to tune it very often??

I have played one, and they're wonderful. When I have enough money, I'll buy or build one.

The clavichord is unique in the world of keyboard instruments. Its mechanism is beautifully simple: a ribbon of felt is woven between the strings at one end of their length to keep them from vibrating when they're not being struck; the keys, rather than actuating a hammer or tangent mechanism with escapement, make direct contact with the string in that at the string end, a metal tangent is attached to the key; when the key is depressed, the tangent rises and stops the string between the open end of the string and the end wound with felt, allowing it to vibrate; when the key is released, the tangent drops away, and the felt stops the vibration. This direct contact with the string, without any intervening mechanism, give the performer even more control over the extremely delicate tone quality; a skilful player can even create an occasional vibrato effect on a held note by wiggling the fingers on the keys while playing.

Clavichords are relatively small instruments, and the tone is pure, delicate and very quiet. It's not suitable to be played in public, but is perfect for intimate private performance, and in former times it was the practise instrument of choice because it could be played at any time without disturbing family or neighbours - even late at night.

The compass of the clavichord can be variable, but it's similar to that of the 18th Century fortepiano. The compass of the one I played in college was from low-C to F above high-C. That instrument sat neatly on a tabletop, but many have legs and stand on their own.

Like harpsichords and fortepianos, the clavichord does need to be tuned rather often. This is inconvenient, but it also gives the player the opportunity to take advantage of various tuning temperaments - which yield wonderful colour to harmonies - as well as modern even-temperament.

Because the mechanism is so simple and the instrument is small, clavichords are (relatively) easy to build.

Here is a website with information on clavichord kits: http://www.claviersbaroques.com/TPW5OcClav.htm

Thanks for that thorough explanation J. Lee. I have been looking at these DIY clavichord kits they are selling on ebay and I have heard good things about them. The idea of a clavichord really attracts me I think partly because of the beautiful sound it produces as well as the dynamic range but also the intimacy and quietness of the instrument lends itself very well to the improviser or composer, where you might find yourself more concentrated on a quiet instrument than a louder performance instrument. As soon as I get my hands on one I will let you know what I think of it.

They're selling kits on e-Bay? Are they inexpensive? I'll have to give that a look...though since I live in an apartment, if I had the money I'd probably opt for one already built. The though of it makes my mouth water.