François Blanchet

Fran\u00e7ois-\u00c9tienne Blanchet (c. 1700\u20131761) was a renowned French harpsichord maker of the Baroque era. He was part of a prominent family of instrument makers in Paris. Working initially with his father, Nicolas, and later with his son, Fran\u00e7ois the Younger, he produced instruments that were largely based on the models of the esteemed Flemish makers, the Ruckers family.1

The Blanchet workshop was known for rebuilding and enlarging earlier instruments, particularly those by the Ruckers. They also made significant improvements to harpsichord construction, contributing to the workshop's success. Their instruments are noted for their high level of craftsmanship and a delicate, sweet tone, distinct from the more astringent sound of Ruckers harpsichords. The business later continued under Pascal Taskin, who married Blanchet's widow.12