BALDWIN HARPSICHORD , USA, 1960

In the second half of the 20th century, the harpsichord also emerged in jazz and rock circles. This inspired the American piano builder Baldwin to produce this electronic harpsichord under the name Combo in the years 1960-1970. The wooden case was replaced by aluminum and the soundboard pressed from wood fibres, had no acoustic function because the strings were electronically amplified. The Combo was used by The Doors, The Beach Boys and in 1969 by The Beatles for their song "Because". 

Technical data:

• Inscription: Baldwin
• Compass: 4 octaves and 8 notes (AA-f''')
• Keyboard: naturals in white plastic, sharps in black plastic
• Registers: stereodual-mono output jack, 4 toggle switches for two pairs of pickups, each switch has 3 settings, which turn the front and middle pickups on and off between the left and right channel in order to assist the player in achieving their prefered timbre
• Pedals: 2 dual volume
• Dimensions: L 137 cm / W 91 cm
• Case: aluminium black
• Chris Maene Collection number: CM 67 162
• Location: 2 - Museum "Chris Maene Collection" Ruiselede