Hi Wheat,
Thank you for the response. If I choose to go with Pianoteq I'll check on the Grimaldi as an option to alter to acheive the sound, and also the sampled versions you linked to. I did download the standard version demo and it seems as if it *may* work out. Although I'm a bit squeamish about spending so much money to end up with something unworkable. It's impossible to test without access to the harpsichord instruments.
Pianoteq technicians: if you're listening I'd like to mention two things:
1) I am extremely interested in historical instruments. If you had a virginal and a clavisimbalum my money would already be in your pocket.
***2) I don't know the specifics/complexities of how your modelling system works, but if you could accomplish the following it would put you a great distance ahead of any competition which *may* be out there:
If you could find a way to develop a software solution by which your customers could input information (measurements, materials, etc.(?)) about an instrument into the software and it would process that information (without leaking any trade secrets you need kept under wraps) and model an instrument out of it - this would be phenomenal and a true breakthrough in virtual instruments.
In other words - let's say I own a virginal. I can open up "Pianoteq Modelling" and input a variety of parameters about my virginal into the software. The software will then utilize your modelling forumlae and create a virginal instrument based off of the information I have put in. This modelled instrument could then be sold on your website to other customers (in a manner so that both Pianoteq and the person who transferred the information about the instrument could earn some money off of it, ideally) and purchased and downloaded by other customers.
If you could do this, the sky would be the limit. If I know someone in Alabama needs a modelling of a 1939 Baldwin spinet and I have one in my living room, I can make the measurements, input them into "Pianoteq modelling", upload the product to the site, and you have a new piano in your library you (or we) could earn off of - basically everyone wins.
Or if I want an Italian harpsichord of a certain make and model and know someone who has one, I can work on my own behalf to make it a reality (without you divulging your trade secrets, but also without being restricted to your development process or assessment of the market).
This is something which could truly blow your competition out of the pool. It could also create a stronger more interactive community and way more buzz around Pianoteq.
Again, I have no idea how possible this is as I don't know how your system works. All I know is how it would be truly awesome to have such a product on the market.