Are harpsichord strings stiff like a piano, or limp like a violin? Are clavichord strings the same? I am wondering if the same issues exist in tuning these instruments as in the piano.

Ahh...you may think that is a simple question

There are many different kinds of strings used in historical instruments, but most are made out of wire of some sort, so they will be more stiff than a violin string. The brass strings of a clavicord are quite fine but still are wire.

when you mention tuning "issues" are you referring to inharmonicity? Inharmonicity is caused by the fact that a string, because of it's stiffness, does not vibrate the way the overtone series is specified.

I think, theoretically, inharmonicity is present, in any string material including steel or dog-gut (I can't bring myself to think of that being done to cats). Whether it is a problem depends on the way the instruments is played and its range.

With instruments of relatively short sustain, soft volume, smaller range and lower tension like historical instruments, inharmonicity is present but does not really raise it's ugly head.

Harpsichord strings are generally brass in the lower register and steel or iron in the mid and upper registers. The highest brass string is the one that is most likely to break, but breaking a string is quite rare. They need tuning from between immediately you've finished if the level of humidity changes whilst tuning to around three weeks. (More often for 4' strings) Tuning - an essential skill for a harpsichord owner to learn - is rather like tuning a large guitar: single string for each note in each register, with the registers then tuned in unison (octave above for the 4') You can of course cheat and buy an electronic tuner, but I became quietly satisfied at getting my instrument in tune after a 10 year "apprenticeship".

Restringing a single string is also a reasonably simple job, assuming you have strings pre-looped (can't remember the technical term) from the maker. Takes some time for a new string to stretch and hold tune.

Replacing broken quills is another do-it-yourself job...........

There's no doubt that the owner of a harpsichord becomes very familiar with the instrument and its individual quirks. I became quite skilled at sensing when a top brass string was about to go, sometimes leaving it a shade down because I couldn't face the time to replace it just then.

Thank you both for the information. I tried googling around for it but came up empty.

BoseEric,

Yes, I was referring to the inharmonicity. I was thinking about the Well Tempered Clavier and wondered if Bach had ever had to deal with inharmonicity issues as well as temperament. The first pianos appeared near the end of Bach's life so he probably did not have much experience with them but I did not know if harpsichords or clavichords would present the same challenges. Your answer was exactly what I was looking for.

Nobody dealt with inharmonicity until about 50 years ago or so. It does not appear in any of the literature until then.

Ah, now I understand.

Equal temperment slightly adjusts the pitches of the 12 note chromatic scale to compensate for the fact that tuning in exact ratios results in keys (major and minor, not 88)with vastly different "characters". The Well Tempered Clavier dealt with this issue. Equal temperement can apply to any stringed keyboard instrument. It is not related to the material of which the strings are made. Google equal temperment for more on this HUGE subject.

Inharmonicity is messing up of the harmonic series of a single string due to the stiffness of the wire. A piano tuner deals with both of these separate subjects.