... a history lesson...
The harp is the only plucked string
instrument that has kept its place in the symphonic orchestra since Beethoven's
day. It's also one of the oldest instruments in the world and can still
be found in various forms.
As it was only tuned in one key the medieval European harp was very
limited. When a key change was necessary the harpist had to press the
corresponding string with the fingers while still carrying on playing;
a frustrating system and not very convenient.
Between 1600 and 1800 harp makers strove to provide the 'missing'
notes without over-complicating the instrument's playing technique.
With the system of dual-action pedals, Sébastien Erard found
the most satisfactory solution around 1810. This procedure is still
used for the most modern harps. The harp was in great demand at the
end of the 19th and 20th century for its delicate sonority which enriched
the impressionist coloration of numerous works by Debussy, Ravel ...
What budget should be foreseen for the purchase of a harp ?
That will depend on what type of harp it is.
Celtic harps (so-called lever harps)
Usually, most learner harpists purchase a celtic harp, the cost of
which varies from 2,000 euros to 2,700 euros, depending on the make
and the model. Harpists wishing to continue with this type of instrument
can buy more evolved and electro-acoustically perfected models.
Pedal harp
The purchase of a pedal harp usually comes about as a second stage,
given the musical and technical development foreseen with these instruments.
A budget of between 12,000 and 18,000 euros should be foreseen for a
study model of this type of instrument, but which can be used for performances
of a semi-professional type.
Concert harpists, usually seen in large orchestras, clearly need to
foresee a larger budget.
Purchasing a harp represents a major investment. It is for this reason
that the rental system (only for celtic harps) is often more interesting
in the first instance, to evaluate the interest in learning this instrument.
Do not hesitate to contact us about the prices of instruments given
in the catalogue, or for rental conditions.
What are the maintenance costs for a harp ?
In general, the harp needs little maintenance, as long as it is handled
with care. Its location is very important: avoid sources of direct heat
(sun, radiators, open fires), very dry areas and draughts.
Frequently broken strings, especially gut strings, are a sure sign
of a badly-located harp.
Regarding the structure of the harp itself, problems are rarely encountered.
The most common accident is inadvertently knocking it over, which proves
the necessity of giving the instrument the appropriate insurance cover.
Sounding board problems (cracks, breakage, unsticking etc) are also
fairly rare and generally appear with the first tensions.
Harp makers foresee this eventuality: the instrument is given a factory
guarantee period of 3 years for celtic harps and 5 years for pedal harps.
Direct rental
ARCHETS offers a service of harp and accessories’ rental for
all events (concerts, exhibitions, photo, decoration, publicity, etc..)
Instruments for rent (subject to availability): harp
Accessories for rent (subject to availability): music stands, benches,
stools, etc.
For further information and reservation by tel/fax
Free estimate (forfeit rental, obligatory insurance and transport)
References: individuals, musicians, concert organisers, EU, the Embassies
of Malta, Italy, Portugal, RTBF, Méridien Hotel, Beaux-Arts concert
hall, La Monnaie Theatre, Forest National concert hall, London Philharmonic,
Musical Instruments Museum, Theatre de la Place – Liège,
Ars Musica, etc…
Rental / Purchase
All the instruments offered by ARCHETS can be rented with an option
to purchase.
Acquiring a harp through rental
The acquisition of a good harp usually represents a major investment.
ARCHETS offers a very flexible rental system, with option to purchase,
which allows you to acquire your instrument in the best conditions (not
applicable for pedal harps).
Terms
Length of contract: 6 months
Payment of a deposit
Payment of a monthly rental (VAT 21%)
After the first year, several options are available:
a) Return the instrument and get your deposit back.
b) Purchase the rented instrument (purchase price from which are deducted
the deposit and the months rental, VAT exc.)
c) Purchase an instrument of a higher value that the one rented (purchase
price of new instrument from which are deducted the deposit given on
the previous instrument, as well as the months rental, VAT exc.)
At any time, the rented instrument can be purchased irrespective of
the length of the contract.
www.locamusic.be
Maintenance
ARCHETS ensures the technical maintenance of the harps strictly adhering to
the current technical norms and in accordance with the demands of the
makers.
The maintenance is carried out in situ with the exception of repairs
needing to be carried out in the workshop (free estimate).
Repairs
The workshop is organised in such as way as to respond to the musicians’
needs both in regard to the precision of the work as well as by respecting
the amount of time the instruments are held in the workshop.
Upon request and at no charge ARCHETS will draw up an estimate for
maintenance or repair.
The use of a clear tariff table enables the costs of each repair to
be calculated with precision. The work is carried out skilfully and
with technical competence. In the event of a technical problem necessitating
the harp’s return to the factory, ARCHETS takes care of all the
necessary arrangements.
Moreover, and according to availability, ARCHETS foresees the loan
of a replacement instrument in the event of a major immobilisation of
the instrument due to repair.
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