Celesta & Keyboard GlockenspielThe rarest voices, ready for your stage
The orchestra's rarest keyboard percussion — difficult to source and maintain — in fully serviced condition. Tuning, delivery and installation all handled.
One of very few in Japan — the keyboard glockenspiel, available for hire
Alongside the celesta stands another rare keyboard percussion: the keyboard glockenspiel. Where the celesta's hammers are felt, the keyboard glockenspiel's use deer antler, producing a brilliant, sparkling sound with a firm core. MKII keeps one of the few examples in existence (built 2026), delivered in reliable condition to concerts, recordings and film sets. Availability is limited — please contact us as soon as your dates are set.
CelestaCelesta
Invented by Mustel of France in 1886. It resembles a small upright piano, but behind the keys, felt hammers strike metal plates to produce a clear, bell-like ring. Often called a 'celestial' instrument, its voice casts a uniquely delicate light within the orchestra.
Steel plates struck from the keyboard produce a starlit shimmer. Featured memorably in orchestral and ballet scores, its pure pitch and transparent resonance blend beautifully with strings and woodwinds. The piano-like keyboard makes it approachable even for non-specialists.
- Tone
- Soft, clear, starlike highs
- Range
- C4–C7 (4 octaves)
- Use
- Orchestra, ballet, film scores, recording
Notable repertoire
- Tchaikovsky'Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy' from The Nutcracker
- BartókMusic for Strings, Percussion and Celesta
- RavelBoléro
- HolstThe Planets
- John Williams'Hedwig's Theme' from the Harry Potter films
- and more
For any other repertoire, feel free to ask.
Keyboard GlockenspielKeyboard Glockenspiel
Metal plates played from a keyboard: the glockenspiel's bright, festive voice, now playable in chords and passages. Where the celesta's felt hammers yield softness, the keyboard glockenspiel's deer-antler hammers produce a radiant, focused tone with rich body. Surviving examples are extremely few, and well-kept ones are precious. MKII offers a 2026-built instrument for hire.
- Tone
- Bright, festive, bell-like highs
- Range
- C3–G7 (4.5 octaves)
- Use
- Orchestra, wind band, contemporary music, recording
Notable repertoire
- MozartThe Magic Flute
- RavelMa mère l'Oye; Daphnis et Chloé
- DebussyLa Mer
- MessiaenTurangalîla-Symphonie
- PucciniTurandot
- and more
For any other repertoire, feel free to ask.
A special instrument, in reliable condition
Availability is limited — contact us as soon as your performance or recording dates are set. Tuning, delivery and installation are all handled by us.