Figure 2. — Polygonal virginal in outer case. {Smn/isivnan /,/wlo 46792.) 



pins, strings and jacks, and since both types were 

 known as virginals in 17th-century England, it is 

 logical to reserve the term spinet for another kind of 

 instrument, namely the one with the wrest plank and 

 tuning pins in front over the keyboard, and with the 

 strings stretched diagonally. Such instruments were 

 popular in England in the late Hth and early 18th 

 centuries and were known in English as spinets during 

 the period of their popularity. By using the term 

 polygonal virginal we can distinguish, when neces- 

 sary, the five-sided Italian model from the rectangular 



instruments usually produced in northern Europe. 

 Some rectangular virginals were made in Italy; one 

 Flemish polygonal virginal, made by the elder Hans 

 Ruckers in 1591, sur\ives. Long instruments, resem- 

 bling the grand piano in shape, are called harpsi- 

 chords. Of course it is understood that both types 

 of virginals as well as the spinet and the harpsichord 

 were keyed chordophones employing the plucking 

 action of jacks and plectra. 



Throughout this paper the different octaves arc 

 indicated according to the following system: 



O 



XI 



^ — 



^ 



i 



-o- 



351 



33= 



V5 



c, 



J3 



C 



c' 



b" 



96 



BULLETIN 22.5: GONlRIBr TIONS FROM THE MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND TECHNOLOGY 



