I would call it definitely a Zuckermann kit, judging particularly by the jack description (lead weight, cracks - I think the plastic was simlar to elbow plastic on pianos. Also way in which the damper felt was folded). Zuckermann used to make a retrofit kit to replace these jacks with their newer design, including replacement of the guides. The original jacks and "tongues" (the part that holds the plectrum (plural plectra) are no longer available. Plectra can be purchased from Hubbard, and will work fine. There are various thicknesses available, but .020" or thereabouts is fine. Installing them and voicing them is tricky. A #11 scalpel is the best tool for the job. Hubbard's booklet on harpsichord maintenance is a good start for information. To answer a couple specific questions: bushing felt is what is used for dampers. High quality key bushing felt will be a marked improvement to what is there. Bass string type tails are generally preferred, with about .25" extra wire at the end of the finish spiral. This extra wire sits on the hitch pin rail to help prevent the coil from unravelling (harpsichord wire is not as stable in this way as the thicker wire used for pianos). Pitch: A440, assuming it was put together adequately. This is a tank of a design, intended to be overbuilt so kit makers couldn't mess up. (They generally did anyway, but the structure is usually solid). There is an inner case, which is structural, and an outer one, which is nicely veneered plywood for looks. Temperament: you pick. Stringing scale: I'll measure one on Thursday 12th when I am next near one. Don't have it on file. Wire from APSCO/Schaff: both fine. Brass is used for the lowest strings, steel for highest. The "Copper Brass" sounds like a specific low tensile wire for an instrument closer to a historic copy. Spring brass is what was used originally on this kit instrument. Hope this helps. Fred Sturm, RPT Albuquerque, NM
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