This Italian harpsichord is based on one by Gregori which used to belong to John Barnes. It is a typical 18th century Italian harpsichord of the false inner/outer type: the outer case is poplar and painted and the inner is yew – the original was cypress, and although yew doesn't have the same lovely smell its appearance is very similar and it darkens nicely with age. Of course it is very difficult to find yew in pieces big enough and straight enough for this kind of work but I was lucky. The soundboard is spruce like the original, and there is no rose.

The compass is fifty-three notes, C to e´´´, and there are two eight foot choirs strung in brass. It could quite easily be made with a transposing keyboard. It has a typical Italian three legged stand in two parts and a simple music desk. The tone is incisive and bright and would be good for continuo.