Baldwin CW-8-S Electric Harpsichord w/ Pedals #59084

WORKING CONDITION: Fair. The mechanical plectrum and keys work very well, but we're not getting any output from any of the output jacks. We didn't do any extensive troubleshooting or attempt to have it serviced. Please note: This Harpsichord is being Sold As Is

PHYSICAL CONDITION: Fair. This harpsichord is missing its damper pedal, about 5 strings in the lower register, and its original legs. The plexiglass top is in decent condition; the switch panel is in excellent condition (it has not been rewired; all original solder joints); all of the black and white keys are in good condition; the action is good, and the aluminum chassis is rigid and sturdy. 

INVENTORY #59084

BRAND: Baldwin

MODEL: CW-8-S 

FUNCTION: Electric Harpsichord Keyboard

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: This listing is for a 1960's Vintage Baldwin CW-8-S Harpsichord w/Pedals. The Baldwin CW-8-S is a rare late-1960s solid-body electric harpsichord designed for touring, famously used by The Beatles on "Because".

It features an aluminum body, red Formica soundboard, and 58-string array, with passive pickups providing a unique, plucked guitar-like sound. It is highly prized by collectors for its distinctive, non-resonant tone. The Baldwin CW-8-S is a 1960s-1970s solid-body electric harpsichord featuring four long coil pickups (two at the nut, two curved at the string midpoint) for stereo output, typically tuned to A=440. It has a distinctive solid body, often with a plexiglass top, using delrin .020" plectrum.

SPECS:

• Type: Electric Solid Body Combo Harpsichord.
• Pickups: Four long coil pickups (two split at middle C, two curved at string midpoint) wired in series.
• Dimensions: Approximately 32.5" H x 36" W x 54" D
• Tuning: Standard A=440
• Plectrum: Uses .020" Delrin plectrum
• Output: Stereo
• Body/Construction: Solid body with a plexiglass lid
• Jacks: Plastic
• Design: A solid body construction designed for portability in the 1960s, often with detachable legs and a clear lid.
• Mechanism: Uses jacks that rise to pluck strings with small plectrums.
• Electronics: Equipped with two pairs of passive pickups and four switches controlling pickup selection, allowing for routing to left/right mono channels.
• Tone: Characterized by high plectrum attack and low string resonance, often described as a "combo harpsichord".
• Famous Usage: Featured on the Beatles' Abbey Road album (song "Because"), and used by artists like The Beach Boys and Jimi Hendrix.

ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: This item comes as seen in photos and includes its original pedal assembly.

EXTRAS INCLUDED:

• None

UNPACKAGED WEIGHT: 98 lbs.

UNPACKAGED DIMENSIONS: 54" x 7" x 36"

SHIPPING: Note that because of the size, this item will have to ship by freight. Please inquire with your postal code and we'll get you a quote for shipping to your address from Los Angeles.