Our History
1958
Zuckermann Is Inspired
Always the ready entrepreneur, Wolfgang “Wally” Zuckermann began doing research and ultimately started a harpsichord shop in Hoboken, New Jersey, in the early 1950s. Barely able to keep up with demand, he started selling parts to customers too excited to wait for their instruments to be finished--the harpsichord kit was born.
1968
The Modern Harpsichord
David Way, owner of October House Publishing, became a customer and friend of Wolfgang Zuckermann and hired him to write “The Modern Harpsichord.” By then, thousands of Zuckermann harpsichords had taken their place at the center of early-music groups around the world.
1978
The Roaring 1970'S
David Way bought the company from Wolfgang Zuckermann in 1970 and moved the workshop from New York City to Stonington, Connecticut. Way began to introduce many new models that were for the first time closely based on historical harpsichord designs. His work gained international attention and acclaim for Zuckermann Harpsichords just as the early-music movement was taking off worldwide.
1983
David Way Sends Richard Auber To Paris
Richard Auber received the prestigious Thomas J. Watson Fellowship with a project to study harpsichord building upon finishing his undergraduate degree in music from Connecticut College in nearby New London, Connecticut. Following David Way’s command to “study antique harpsichords in Europe,” Richard was dispatched to the shop of Marc Ducornet in Paris as an apprentice.
1994
The Passing Of David Way
On February 4th, 1994, David Way died in his workshop. Richard Auber stepped forward to continue David's important work.
Present
The Company
In the tradition of the great harpsichord building families of Europe, over 26 years Richard Auber has has assembled a team of consummate professionals — each a master in their art.
Life at Zuckermann
We are a passionate group of musicians and builders whose love for the harpsichord and early instruments has brought us together to continue the legacy of the instrument and to give it new life in the modern era.
For more than 60 years, we have been producing, servicing, and restoring harpsichords and other vintage instruments.
Internships
If you are interested in interning with the Zuckermann team, learn more about it here.