Standard Service Rates
Unlike the piano, the harpsichord is a living instrument that demands a specific organological approach. Maintaining a plucked-string instrument goes far beyond simple tuning; it is a delicate balance between tension, the precision of the voicing (voicing/plectrum pluck), and the choice of historical materials.
To ensure your instrument receives the specialized care it deserves, I offer a range of essential services for harpsichords and spinets.
Maintenance & voicing :
- Annual or corrective maintenance: from €150 to €250.
The duration of the intervention depends on the instrument's needs (between 2 to 4 hours of labor).
Includes voicing touch-ups, minor repairs, and general check-up for a well-maintained instrument.
Replacement strings or new jacks charged separately.
Plectrum replacement :
- Full Plectrum Replacement (Delrin): from 520 € to 620€ per register.
Depending on whether the instrument has wooden or plastic jacks, labor time ranges from 8 to 10 hours.
Includes new Delrin plectra, full voicing/harmonization, and register guide adjustment.
Replacement strings or new jacks charged separately.
Custom Strings (Malcolm Rose) :
Each string is pre-looped, hand-crafted, and measures 1,5m or 2.5 meters.
- Pre-looped Soft Iron / Steel String: 7 €
- Pre-looped Yellow or Red Brass String: 8 €
- String Installation Fee: 5 € per string.
Minimum service fee :
For specific requests (single string replacement, minor adjustments), a minimum service fee of €60 applies to cover technical preparation and basic labor time.
Other :
- Assessment & formal quote: 60 € (Includes a detailed technical evaluation sheet and a written estimate. This fee is deductible from the final invoice if the quote is accepted).
- Travel fees (Outside Service Area): Calculated by quote based on professional mobilization (travel time) and technical logistics (mileage) and accommodation expenses, if applicable.
- Shipping & handling (Strings): depends on your country.
Accepted payment methods: Check, Cash, and Bank Transfer.
Prices are given in Euros for information purposes only and are subject to change at any time.
VAT not applicable, article 293B of the French General Tax Code (CGI).
Updated January 2026 – Rates applicable for 2026.
Harpsichord maintenance
Harpsichord voicing
Looped strings for harpsichord and spinet
How to change a string on a harpsichord or spinet
