Modartt Release Hans Ruckers II Harpsichord for Pianoteq

Modartt have released a brand new instrument for their increasingly popular Pianoteq software. Hans Ruckers II is modelled after a classic instrument first used hundreds of years ago. Read on for more info…

Official Info

Modartt releases Hans Ruckers II harpsichord for Pianoteq. The instrument is modelled after a copy by Matthias Griewisch of a Hans Ruckers II le Jeune (1624).

A Renowned Instrument
Harpsichords by the Ruckers family are praised for their superb tone, thanks to the instrument maker’s understanding of the harmonic aspects. Comparable with what the Stradivarius is for the violin family, the name of Ruckers has a similar quality aspect for the harpsichords.

About The Modelled Harpsichord
The physical model is based on a copy by Matthias Griewisch of a Hans Ruckers II le Jeune (1624). The instrument maker, also known by the name Joannes Ruckers, was one of two sons of Hans Ruckers who continued in the family craft.

Extended Features
This virtual instrument offers an extension of the original instrument, from 4½ to 6½ octaves, and is equipped with the three registers — lower 8′, upper 8′, and 4′, which can be combined in ways not even possible in the real world. Besides a sustain pedal and a soft pedal, there is also a buff stop pedal and a bassoon pedal which allow to adjust the contact with the strings in order to bring a muted sound or rattling noise.

Beautiful Rendition
The Pianoteq Ruckers II harpsichord is a superb virtual instrument with authentic sound and response, and it is a joy to play.

The Hans Ruckers II harpsichord is included in the new Harpsichord Instrument Pack for Pianoteq. It can be purchased for 49€/$59, and requires the latest update 5.6.0. The instrument is available for evaluation in the free trial version of Pianoteq, which can be downloaded from the website www.pianoteq.com, where you can also listen to audio samples.