HISTORY OF SALVI HARPS

A Family Passion.
It is natural to associate the name Salvi with the harp, which has been a reference point for musicians since the mid-1900s. The story of Salvi Harps tells how in the 19th century in Venice, Aldo Salvi started to become one of the world’s leading harp brands, giving his name to it.

The family tradition continues with one of his 3 sons, Rodolfo, who continues the business first in Viggiano and then in America: Albert, described by Nicanor Zabaleta as “the greatest harpist of all time”, Aida, composer and harpist of the Chicago Opera. And Victor Salvi will be the harpist of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and the NBC Orchestra conducted by Arturo Toscanini.

For Victor Salvi, playing at the highest level is not enough. Eventually, his artistic passion merges with his entrepreneurial passion and brings him to take on the responsibility of continuing the family business. His dream is to create the largest harp manufacturer in the world and to bring the harp instrument to the widest possible audience.

VICTOR SALVI

With the help of some craftsmen in New York, Victor Salvi aims to create a harp that surpasses everything else that exists in sound and manufacturing quality. He expands the range, always creating the best harps and the results prove him right.

In 1955 he moved to Italy and founded his company in a beautiful area of Genoa. Villa Maria in the sixteenth century: A reference point for musicians, a line of the new harp revolution: Salvi Harps.

It is not long before Victor realises that the most productive area in his project must be located to the North, on the margin of Saluzzo. The next place is the province of Cuneo, at the mouth of the Val Varaita, in Piazco, part of the Piedmont region with a splendid and ancient woodworking tradition: Here, carpenters, sculptors, engravers and hand carvers find their mastery. The ideal backdrop for a product like the harp, which must be created with precision, art, love and passion.

Birth of an ARP

Our tools

A special thanks to nature for providing the tools necessary for the realisation of the ARPs. Hard maple from Canada is chosen to provide strength and stability. For the soundboard we use the finest spruce from the forests of Val di Fiemme in Trentino, Italy, the wood from which Antonio Stradivari made his impenetrable violins.

Beech and Maple are used for the neck, which provides high resistance and can withstand string tension and adjustment.

The power of innovation

A perfect harmony between nature and technology is the basis of quality in Salvi Harps. Meticulous wood selection is combined with ongoing research to ensure the highest design, ergonomics and sound performance. Moreover, innovation is a tradition for Salvi. In 1974 he designed the first electric pedal harp body. Salvi introduced the wood-clad aluminium column for the first time. Salvi’s innovations continue for the professional market as well as for entry-level harps. New products, innovative, even revolutionary, constitute the present and future of the harp.

Respect for tradition

Victor Salvi’s lessons are more important than ever in the Piasco laboratories. Technology, innovation and performance are fundamental Salvi designs and manufactures mainly by heart. Passion for the craft, the smell of wood passing through the hands, the shape of the tool, its consistency, the surprise and curiosity to see its personality. It is not just a job, but a unique experience to share with those who love the harp.

SALVI TODAY

Famous Harps such as Diana, Minerva and Iris, true milestones in the history of this instrument, have been redesigned to increase resonance while maintaining their charm.

The quality of workmanship in materials, finishes and colours, soundboards and mechanisms, strength and durability are measured in decibels. The harp, which was once played in small rooms, is now played in large halls with a tripling of the sound level.

With Lutiye experience and unparalleled research and development in the harp world, Salvi Harps builds precise precision instruments by layering technology over tradition and craftsmanship.

Choosing a Salvi harp means you not only get a world-class product, but also the tools to develop your own music. It is a commitment to a special relationship with harpists from all over the world, from young talents to professionals. In other words: pure harmony.