Schiedmayer 3.5 octave effect celesta - Natural

Introducing the Schiedmayer 3.5 octave effect celesta

The celesta is an incredibly unique instrument that has become a staple in orchestras, operas, music conservatoires, theatres and studios around the world. The name comes from the French word “celeste,” meaning “heavenly,” which is how many musicians would describe the unmistakable sound of this instrument.

Schiedmayer’s 3.5 octave effect celesta features a compact, space-saving design that is suitable for studio, orchestral or at-home use. It’s cabinet is built using specially selected oak wood, with sound plates made of high-quality steel and resonators produced from seasoned wood.

History of the celesta

Invented in 1886 by Charles-Victor Mustel, the celesta has inspired musicians for over 130 years with its magical sound. It became famous for its solo in the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” by P.I. Tchaikovsky, who was instantly fascinated by the instrument back in 1891 during his stay in Paris.

In more recent years, the celesta has enchanted moviegoers and gained further popularity by being used in films such as “Harry Potter”, “Star Wars” and “Home Alone”. It was also used in the Oscar-winning soundtrack from “La La Land”.

Technical features

The extraordinary sound generation of a celesta is created with felt hammers, steel sound plates and wooden resonators. The wooden resonators are tuned to the respective fundamental pitches of the steel plates and amplify their resonating sound. This allows for a particularly warm sound in the low register.

One of the main differences between the celesta and other similar instruments is the mechanism, which is struck from above rather than from below or to the side. It’s because of this design that an authentic celesta can produce its heavenly tune. Plus, thanks to Schiedmayer’s improved design, musicians can comfortably and intuitively play this instrument as if playing a normal piano.

Suitable for a variety of genres

Many composers use the celesta to portray the sound of water, light, mystery and magic in films, songs and commercials. When Maurice Ravel arranged his solo piano piece “Une Barque sur l’ocean” for orchestra, he used the celesta to create the imagery of light glistening on the sea’s waves.

Built from sustainably sourced materials

All of Schiedmayer's celestas are handmade, unique and 100% made in Germany. Even the wood and all materials used in the process are sourced in Germany. Sustainability is very important to Schiedmayer, and none of their materials or components are derived from endangered species.

About Schiedmayer

Schiedmayer began making celestas in 1890 and continually developed and improved their design up until 1980, when they decided to specialise solely in the production and sale of celestas. They are now the only company in the world that manufactures the celesta according to the original specifications of the inventor. The quality of Schiedmayer instruments is world-renowned, thanks to their passionate craftsmanship combined with centuries of experience in the building of keyboard instruments.