life and contributions ioannes ruckers, a renowned harpsichord and virginal maker from the southern netherlands, was born in 1578 in antwerp, belgium. he passed away in 1642, leaving behind an indelible mark on the world of music and instrument making. the ruckers family's contributions to the technical development of the harpsichord are immeasurable, with their pioneering addition of a second manual setting a new standard for keyboard instruments. technical innovations the quality of ruckers' instruments is such that his name is as important to early keyboard instruments as stradivarius is t…