HARPSICHORD STORAGE GUIDELINES

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Five or six storage homes will be designated as hosts for the harpsichord., with the instrument to be returned to proper home at the end of the rental. Designation of these homes rests with the Harpsichord Committee.

 

Storage persons must be willing to make time available for practice on the instrument by performers in FLMF functions, or other FLMF meetings or training classes, if scheduled while the instrument is in your home.

 

All storage persons must view the harpsichord videos on this website (General Terms of Housing/Rental page) and understand the care required when housing the instrument - including tuning.

 

The instrument should be tuned often (suggested once a week).  The instrument should not be changed from standard pitch.

 

Once the instrument has been placed in your home, contact Libby McConnell to confirm that you have received the instrument, viewed the maintenance videos (General Terms of Housing/Rental page) and understand how to care of the instrument. Please relay the condition of the instrument, and confirm that all accessories including humidifier and dehumidifier have arrived with the instrument, and that they are in working order.

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If you feel the instrument needs professional maintenance, please contact Libby McConnell for approval to schedule maintenance.  If approved, FLMF will cover the maintenance costs.  If it is determined that a host has caused damage to the instrument, the host will be responsible for maintenance/repair costs.

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Environmental Requirements

     1. Relative humidity: 55-65 percent

     2. Temperature: 65-70 degrees

     3. Position instrument away from exterior

         walls and heating/cooling registers

     4. Do not place in direct sunlight

 

Storage persons will be required to use humidifier, dehumidifier, thermometer, and hygrometer to maintain above conditions. If you plan to be away from home for more than one week during your storage time, please make arrangements for the humidity and temperature to remain constant. Please contact the harpsichord chair, so, if necessary, arrangements can be made for the instrument to be moved and used at a different location.

 

Keeping the lid down will eliminate dust and will help keep instrument in tune. To clean use 100 percent cotton cloth. Spray cloth with Guardsman Spray Furniture Polish. Shake out cloth and wipe all wood. If possible, use reverse vacuum to blow dust from soundboard once every two months.

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