Clavichords

Clavichords can be broadly divided into fretted and unfretted types. Since 2003 Huw has made examples of both. Fretted clavichords use each pair of strings to produce more than one note and this makes the repertoire they can play slightly more limited. On the other hand it significantly reduces the load on the soundboard and the sound is consequently freer and often very lively and characterful. Unfretted clavichords usually have a bigger compass and can often be used to play music up to the early classical period. Both types of clavichord can be very expressive by virtue of the simple action which puts the player in direct contact with the string. The player is obliged to consider every part of the action of the fingers with great care, and this can be a beneficial discipline for pianists and harpsichord players.