French instruments have a sustained, sumptuous and suave tone.
This is an excellent instrument for solo recitals or concerto performances, as well as the eighteenth-century literature in general. Of all the instruments I rent, this is the largest and heaviest. Since the stand is not attached, the harpsichord must be moved carefully.
Flemish instruments, with their slightly austere tone, are particularly suitable for the earlier Baroque repertoire but can do well in almost any national style of music.
Availability of these instruments is subject to their not being needed for my own performing activities. I cannot accommodate long-term rental requests lasting for weeks or months at a time, such as (for example) a student needing a practice instrument.
Rental charges vary depending on the exact circumstances, but a short one-day rental involving a single venue starts at about $800 + 13% HST (Harmonized Sales Tax), with possible surcharges for travel. One tuning immediately after the instrument is set up, to stabilize the pitch, is included in the rental fee. Rentals involving a longer time frame, or deliveries to multiple venues (such as different rehearsal and concert venues), or requests for me to tune the instrument during the rental period, will be priced accordingly.
Clients must either sign a detailed rental contract or agree to the contract terms via a suitably-worded email.
I will deliver and remove the harpsichord to/from the venue, assist with setting up the instrument upon delivery and pack it up upon removal. Depending on the accessibility of the venue and the specific instrument being rented, I may ask the renter to be present to help deliver/remove the harpsichord or to arrange for staff at the venue to assist.
I insist upon being present if the instrument has to be relocated (e.g. to another floor or building) to avoid the potential for damage. Clients are permitted to make small positional shifts by themselves to suit their rehearsal or concert setup.
A tuning hammer, tool kit and supply of replacement strings and plectra are provided with rented instruments.
Clients are financially responsible for damage to rented instruments and must pay to replace any lost instrument components or items supplied with the tool kit.