There
are three different types of Harps for you to choose from. Read
below to learn the
different styles.
Lever Harps
 The
lever harp is a mid-sized instrument consisting of 30-38 strings.
The height of the harp ranges from 41-66 inches, weighing from
15-48 lbs. The “levers” are located along the neck
of the harp and easily flip up and down. While in the down position
the string will play a natural note. When the lever is flipped
up the string will play a sharp note. Many new harpists begin learning
on this harp. The lever harp is assessable and holds a beautiful
sound, which makes it a great place to start!
The Lap Harp
 The
lap harp usually consists of 22-26 strings and weighs from 5-10
lbs. The height of the harp ranges from 28-35 inches. It holds
the basic original shape of traditional harps and may or may not
have levers on one or more of the strings. The primary benefit
of the lap harp is its portability. Many lap harps come with carrying
bags or cases and some resemble “back packs” allowing
for hands free transportation. Another important benefit of the
lap harp is affordability. The lap harp is generally about one-third
of the cost of the mid size lever harps. The price will vary depending
on the number of levers. A lap harp can be useful as a practice
harp while on vacation. Its portability makes it convenient to
play at family reunions and for friends and family.
“Lap harp” is perhaps not the best
name for this small harp as it is not always comfortable to play
in ones lap and consequently other devises have been developed
to facilitate ease of performance. One such devise is a lap bar
which sits across both legs, stabilizing the harp. Another such
devise is a strap much like a guitar strap. It attaches to the
harp with the same type of buttons found on guitars and crosses
your shoulder then stretches diagonally across your back.
Triplett has introduced a harp which is called
the Christina and was designed as a “therapy harp.” The
harp comes standard with quick release lock buttons and a shoulder
strap. The strap allows you to play while standing bed side or
walking from bed to bed. It also stabilizes the harp while playing
in a sitting position. An optional lap bar is also available.
The Pedal Harp
 The
pedal harp contains 7 pedals and 40-48 strings. The pedals have
three notches that change the strings from sharp, natural and flat.
This allows the advanced harpist to continue playing while the
feet change to the key that is needed. The pedal harps have an
exceptional sound and classic design.
There are smaller pedal harps such as the Clio
or Semi-Grand with a height from 60-65 inches and weighing 55-65
lbs. This harp allows the performer the use of pedals while also
providing an instrument with a manageable size and weight.
The Concert Grand is the standard harp most often
seen in symphonies, concerts and weddings. This harp weighs from
74-80 lbs with a height of 77-86 inches. Most often containing
hand carving on the column, this harp is catching to the eye, complimenting
its extraordinary sound. |
SALVI Arion Pedal
Harp
SALVI Diana Pedal
Harp
SALVI Apollo Pedal
Harp
SALVI Daphne Pedal
Harp
SALVI Daphne Pedal
Harp
SALVI Livia Lever
Harp
PRATT Princessa Chamber
Harp
PRATT Chamber
Harps
The
harp is a unique and beautiful instrument with many versatile qualities.
It can be used as a gentle, warm-toned therapy instrument that has been
noted for its healing and soothing capacities. It is a complex classical
instrument essential to many symphonies and orchestral compositions. As
an accompaniment tool, the harp provides a lovely new alternative to standard
piano. The folk music of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales relies heavily on
the harp, and for these nations it is an important cultural symbol. The
many functions and facets of the harp make it a versatile instrument full
of possibilities for any player! You may hear someone called a harper while
another musician is referred to as a harpist. Harper is generally used
to describe one who plays on a traditional Folk or Celtic harp. Harpist
refers to someone who plays classical music or pedal harp. 
Metronomes: A
metronome is very important to help the harpist establish and learn
rhythm. 
Tuners/
Pickups: The electronic tuners make it easy
to keep your instrument in tune. Almost daily, one or more
harp string is bound to need to be tuned therefore an electronic
tuner is essential. The tuners are very easy to help keep
your harp in top tuned condition! 
Tuning
Keys: A tuning key should come with the rental
or purchase of your harp. It is a good idea to have an extra
tuning key to use when performing and traveling with the harp.
Stools/Benches: A
matching stool or bench not only looks nice with your harp, but
also will adjust to best fit the needs of the harpist. The top
of the harpists’ head should be from 1-6
inches
below the top of neck of the harp while the harpist is sitting
up straight. For the harpist that is still growing, or if more
than one person will be playing the harp, an easily adjustable
bench is suggested. A cushion or pillow should never be used to
heighten a child at the harp. Sitting on a padded surface may have
lasting negative effects on the mid to lower back.
Camac
Harp Caddy: While we carry a selection of harp
caddy's for all brands of harps, this particular Caddy is for
Camac harps only.
