N E W 5 - O C T A V E H A R P S I C H O R D S I N
T H E N E A P O L I T A N S T Y L E
The Soundboard Rosette Levels
Click on these images to see larger versions of each of them.
Taking inspiration from the historical models of a number of soundboard rosettes in Neapolitan instruments, the various levels were assembled, punched and cut out. 4 large rosettes were made to be used in the new 5-octave instruments. and one for a 4-octave instrument. The top level of the small rose for the 4-octave instrument can be seen below. Each level has three layers: a top layer of thin wood and below this are two layers of parchment. The wood layer was either of pear for all levels or of cypress for all levels - the three levels at the right are all of pear whereas, for comparison, the right-hand layer is of cypress. The top level (on the left above) is glued to the top of the soundboard and the other layers are all located below the soundboard.
