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.

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.

It is specially built to use pressure to hold your Camac harp in place, even down stairs and around corners. It has an adjustable handle, and great ease of use.

All of these wonderful items are available in our store,
stop by today to see our wonderful harp department!