Pianoteq Harpsichord

Harpsichords by the Ruckers family are renowned for their superb tone, reflecting the instrument makers’ profound understanding of harmonic richness. Comparable to the Stradivarius in the violin family, the Ruckers name signifies the pinnacle of harpsichord craftsmanship.

The Pianoteq physical model is based on a copy by Matthias Griewisch of a Hans Ruckers II le Jeune (1624). Joannes Ruckers, one of Hans Ruckers’ sons, continued the family tradition, and the instrument captures the harmonic sophistication that made the Ruckers harpsichords legendary.

This virtual instrument extends the original from 4½ to 6½ octaves and features three registers—lower 8’, upper 8’, and 4’—which can be combined in ways not possible on the original instrument. Additional features include a sustain pedal, soft pedal, buff stop, and bassoon pedal, allowing for muted sounds or characteristic rattling effects. With Pianoteq 9, the historical instruments also benefit from the new audio engine, which adds subtle depth, evolving resonance, and enhanced spatial perception. Felt presets now provide a softer, intimate tone option for historical keyboards, and refreshed Binaural presets deliver an immersive headphone experience.

The Pianoteq Ruckers II harpsichord remains a superb virtual instrument with authentic sound, dynamic response, and expressive playability.