The death of Martin Spaink on 25 October is reported on another internet group. He was a member of this group and many will remember him as an intelligent and well-informed builder and restorer. Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to meet him, but I benefitted from his occasional advice in fora such as this. The fact that he had recently relocated to Portugal makes his untimely departure the more poignant.
Yes, he will be missed. I didn’t know him, but from his various list contributions he seemed a very nice person, deeply interested and adept in many arts, who shared his knowledge generously.
MS
Martin became the leading expert in restoring Pleyel harpsichords more or less by default - people wanted it done, and he went to the trouble to figure out how to do it meticulously and well, quite a challenge. The Pleyel is also a historic instrument (he did the majority of his work on earlier instruments and copies). Lovely person, always happy to share. I had many long distance conversations with him, and learned a lot from his inventiveness. I’ll miss him.
I’ll add a link to a photo archive of his ImageShack - martinspaink's Albums , a real treasure trove of albums covering details of many, many instruments.
I am VERY sorry to read this.
For me Martin Spaink did a very important task when I searched for replacing the Hubbard source for plectrum leather: It was only this September that he confirmed (via the Jackrail) that he had tested Oak tanned, shaved bend leather from J&FJ Baker in the UK and found it superbly lasting compared to other sources he had tested.
I had received a sample from J&FJ Baker some time ago, though the payment was a bit troublesome; Martin had assured me that he convinced them in the UK to accept his credit card. I never got that far, but J&FJ Baker has now (last week) referred me to a supplier of their product in Oklahoma with whom I am discussing available sheet sizes and cost. I shall post the results soon in case anyone else has a similar problem.
WGK