Rameau: Les Sauvages, on replica of 1677 Epinette à  l’octave (played by Ryan Layne Whitney)

For more information about this instrument, contact the builder, Jack Peters, at The Epinette à l’octave was quite popular in the 1670’s. This one’s an exact replica of the one surviving from the hands of Jean Denis, Paris maker from 1677. The standard 50-note GG/BB to c3 compass is enclosed in a rectangular case of black walnut. The keyboard is not removable but built into the bottom. Each key lever must be removed individually. The jacks are quite short and need lead weight to return. It is tuned a minor seventh above modern pitch or an octave above a=392. The accidentals of solid bone were made by Owen Daly. The spinet was made by Jack Peters in Seattle. Note from the performer: This is an instrument on which, for once, NOT having long fingers could be an advantage! The viewer will note the small size of the keys, and some will be aware of my struggle not to play on the cracks a good part of the time. This instrument, in its day, was probably a lady’s instrument, and such small spinets were likely relegated to the boudoir and not to the public music room.