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Listen to a sample of the LEGO Harpsichord

Keys and Jacks

Henry plays a tune
LEGO Harpsichord

Created and built by Henry Lim, with the exception of the wire strings, the LEGO Harpsichord is entirely constructed out of LEGO parts--the keyboard, jacks, jack rack, jack rail, plectra, soundboard, bridge, hitch pins, tuning pins, wrestplank, nut, case, legs, lid, lid stick, and music stand are all built out of interlocking LEGO plastic bricks and related pieces.

With a 61 note range, the instruments size is 6 x 3 ft. weighing approximately 150 lbs, and built with an estimated 100,000 LEGO pieces!

The strings exert approximately 325 lbs. of tension. The important considerations during design were strength, efficiency, and durability.

Anticipating the tension of the strings, the instrument had to be built strong, yet be able to incorporate the functions and mechanisms on a lifesize scale. With many moving parts, it also had to withstand the repeated demands of a keyboard instrument. Several prototypes of the various sections were made. After finalizing designs, Henry amassed the necessary LEGO parts. The project took two years of theorizing, designing, collecting parts, building, testing, and rebuilding.

For more information about the LEGO Harpsichord and Henry Lim's other LEGO sculptures, visit his website at henrylim.org

 

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