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Georges Cousineau

French harp maker

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Georges Cousineau was a Parisian harp maker in the 18th century who made significant contributions to the development of the pedal harp. He replaced the hooks previously used to alter string pitch with metal plates that gripped the strings without pulling them out of plane. Cousineau also experimented with instruments that had 14 pedals, expanding the chromatic capabilities of the harp, though these were considered unwieldy. His innovations paved the way for the modern double-action pedal harp, which became the standard orchestral instrument.1

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