I FINALLY Own a Harpsichord?! (Zuckermann Z-box 1969)

*In the video, I state that the jacks look original, but now I know that the jack conversion was obviously done. In fact, this instrument has likely had a light restoration at some point.*
I am a former professional pianist, educator, collaborator, and composer forced into early retirement due to a genetic heart condition which has finally caught up to me!
Now I spend my time researching and recording modern classical piano music that hasn't yet been recorded, and I also enjoy making the best out of "easier" pieces from the canon. I will present showy pieces as my health allows, but my current health and endurance typically limits me to early-advanced literature.
I record for TH-cam simply as an excuse to keep learning music until it's polished and presentable, and if people want to listen and watch, then that is icing on the cake! Outside of TH-cam, I teach intermediate/advanced adult hobbyists at the piano.
1969 Zuckermann 5' Straight Side Z-box
Recorded with the Zoom H2n Handy Recorder in 2ch surround

[@KNSFarmTX]

I love how excited you sound! What a wonderful gift, I can tell how much you appreciate it

[@seancregomusic]

Thank you!

[@BeverlyGranoff]

Congratulations! Enjoy! 🎶

[@AdamBorseti]

Absolutely rad! I always loved the delicate tinny sound of the Harpsichord and very few people own the real thing. Congratulations! I hope you play it often.

[@fepatton]

Very cool! My dad and I built a Carl Fudge clavichord kit in the ‘80s which my mom’s piano students still get a kick out of. I managed to buy a Z-box from a friend many years ago. So much fun! I got the Zuckerman re-voicing kit with new jacks. It came with wire spools IIRC. I don’t remember what was in that hole on the right, but I think I remember removing it as part of the upgrade. Enjoy!

[@LdyVivianne]

Haha... be sure to mention how dirty your birthday present was.... thanks! LOL

[@LdyVivianne]

hmmmmm certainly sounds like complaints, LOL... maybe I should come get it out of your way.

[@seancregomusic]

@@LdyVivianne oh, boy, ha!

[@seancregomusic]

@@LdyVivianne if I weren't super excited about it, then I wouldn't have taken the time to make a video about it. ;)

[@takemyjobpleeez]

The jacks and register aren't original. The action has been replaced with the newer Zuckermann conversion kit for "Z-box" kit harpsichords . The original jacks were white styrene, which became very brittle. They had adjustment screws on the bottom. The original register was wood and punched brass. Enjoy your harpsichord. 🙂

[@seancregomusic]

Yes!!! I learned a lot after I made this video. There is no way any of these could still be in their original state from the 60/70s. I have a three-part series of myself going over this instrument with a fine-toothed comb going up on the channel soon. I made some interesting discoveries and repairs. This one also had the touchweight conversion done, as well. And I fix the buff stop lever. And it seems the keyboard was dropped at some point. And I think a five year old glued on new key felts. 😜 You’ll see in a few weeks once I get my darn replacement strings.

[@Chefpavel]

My bro'! I made the same one during the summer of 1970. I had spent my spring break from college in the basement making the 57 jacks and honing the 57 cherry keys.. It is still here but needs some new strings. I've never seen another like mine until today. Congratulations!!!

[@seancregomusic]

I have a four-video series of myself “rejuvenating” this zbox that should be up on the channel in a few days!