Neupert Hemsch Harpsichord
The Neupert Hemsch is a faithful copy of the double-manual harpsichord built in 1754 by Johann Heinrich Hemsch, a German-born master working in Paris. With a full five-octave compass of F1–f3 and 8′, 4′ and lute registers across two manuals, it reflects the sound of the 18th-century French harpsichord.
Original Model
Johann Heinrich Hemsch, Paris 1754. The original instrument is in the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum in Munich; it is one of the rare harpsichords that has kept its original condition and can still be played.
Keyboard & Registers
| Compass | F1–f3 (5 octaves) |
|---|---|
| Lower manual | 8′ I, 4′ |
| Upper manual | 8′ II, lute (8′ II) |
| Coupler | Shove coupler |
| Keys | Naturals ebony, sharps topped with bone |
| Action | Wooden jacks, Delrin plectra |
Dimensions
| Length | 231 cm |
|---|---|
| Width | 93 cm |
| Net weight | 68 kg |
Options
| Optional equipment | Transposing mechanism (a1 = 440/415 Hz), gold-leaf bands, painted soundboard, lid painting, different stand styles, fitted cover and bench |
|---|
Neupert Hemsch at Kuğu Müzik
Kuğu Müzik is the authorised J.C. Neupert dealer in Türkiye. The Neupert Hemsch is available to order; we can decide on the finish, colour and optional equipment together before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Johann Heinrich Hemsch?
Hemsch was born in 1700 in Castenholz near Cologne; at the age of 28 he went to Paris and worked with the German émigré harpsichord maker Antoine Vater. Under the name Jean Henri Hemsch, he and his brother Guillaume became very famous in Paris; he died in 1769. Five of his double-manual harpsichords have survived.
What does the Hemsch harpsichord sound like?
According to C. Mercier-Ythier, a former owner of the original instrument, Hemsch’s basses are round, the middle register warm and the trebles clear without ever becoming harsh; he describes it as one of the most beautiful harpsichords in both sound and appearance.
How can I buy a Neupert Hemsch in Türkiye?
The Neupert Hemsch is built to order in Neupert’s workshop near Bamberg and brought to Türkiye through Kuğu Müzik. For delivery times and options, get in touch with us.
Other Neupert Harpsichords
For all harpsichord models, see the Neupert harpsichords page; for spinets, clavichords and fortepianos, see the Neupert page.