Diego Fernández (harpsichord maker)

Diego Fernández (1703–1775) was as an Andalucian musical instrument maker at the Spanish court in Madrid. He is known to have supplied harpsichords to Domenico Scarlatti and several of his pupils at court. He built instruments in the Iberian style, somewhat resembling Italian instruments, typically involving Pythagorean string scales and 2×8 foot choirs, but with construction elements more reminiscent of northern building styles, including heavier casing. He is, however, known to have supplied the famous castrato singer Farinelli with a four choir, five register, double manual harpsichord, operated using pedals and made at the behest of Queen Maria Barbara. [1]