Bespoke harpsichord transport covers
- extra-heavyweight British-made 100% cotton canvas exteriors, treated for water resistance
- 15mm high-density upholstery padding (not uncompressed wadding)
- linings in heavyweight non-pilling fleece (more resistant to snagging on hinge pins than faux fur, and can be vacuum cleaned easily)
- sturdy leather corners, fitted as a capping after the cover body is complete (it's considerably more work, but this way the corner panel joints are reinforced at a distance and the leather remains an independent sacrificial layer; sewing leather onto individual panels before seaming is easier, but does nothing to strengthen the structure)
- wrist straps and rope loops in high-quality seat belt webbing
I started making harpsichord covers simply because I couldn't find what I was looking for elsewhere: as thick and protective as a cover can be before sheer added weight becomes a problem, and made from the best possible materials.
Having owned and/or used examples from most major European suppliers, only the Burridge covers of yesteryear came close. The fact that many of those have remained in institutional service for 40+ years - apart from being a testament to their durability - also reveals the most common failure modes, which have been addressed in my design.
Especially if you're involved in regular moves or hiring work, your instrument deserves the best.
2025 prices
Harpsichords up to 220 cm: £750
Harpsichords over 220 cm, and any size of C18th fortepiano with slanted cheeks: £800
Later fps, organs, other stuff: ask me
Current default exterior colours are dark navy or black canvas with similar leather. Other possibilities depend on stock and can be discussed.
VAT is not applicable; insured shipping charged at cost. For international transactions, any customs duty, taxes or fees are your responsibility.
I make these covers between my performing and instrument building schedules. Depending where I am and what I'm doing, I might be able to have a cover dispatched within a week... or not. Please enquire; I will always advise on delivery time before payment.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend this, but if you intend to occasionally use the cover with a second smaller instrument you may need a more deformable fit requiring the deletion of one or more leather corner caps. Get in touch with the dimensions and a photo of both instruments and I can advise. For safest handling and minimum paint wear to case edges, it's best to have a properly fitted cover for each instrument, and the leather corners add a significant level of protection and durability.
If you're looking for a basic zipped cuboid - a keyboard-style carrying bag for a clavichord or virginal, or for transporting stand components - I'd recommend Bags and Covers Direct of Wakefield. Polyester exteriors, foam padding, low prices. I've used them for years for stand bags.
https://www.bagsandcoversdirect.co.uk/category/587/Miscellaneous-Made-To-Measure-Bags-and-Covers