GAVEAU SPINET , PARIS, 1912

The Gaveau-Dolmetsch instruments represent an important phase in the revival of the harpsichord at the beginning of the 20th century. While Pleyel and Érard exclusively built double-manual concert harpsichords, Gaveau focused more on the revival of Baroque music in the domestic setting.

To design spinets, clavichords, and double-manual harpsichords, and to handcraft them in small series in the Gaveau piano factory, they engaged Arnold Dolmetsch, who had previously played a similar role at the Chickering & Sons piano factory in Boston.

The first instrument Dolmetsch made in the Gaveau piano factory in 1911 was a spinet (opus 1). This spinet (Opus 5) in the Chris Maene Collection is finished in exclusive, luxurious French burr walnut.

Technical data:

• Inscription: FAIT PAR GAVEAU A PARIS MDCCCXII N° 5 // written on the pinblock: Arnold Dolmetsch, Paris, Janvier 1912, nr. 5.
• Compass: 4 octaves (CC-c''')
• Keyboard: naturals in natural boxwood with arcades , sharps in ebony
• Dimensions: W 77 cm / D 50 cm
• Case: luxurious French burr walnut
• Chris Maene Collection number: CM 47 214
• Condition: restored to concert level Chris Maene Workshop Ruiselede 2026
• Location: 2 - Museum "Chris Maene Collection" Ruiselede