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A harp is a stringed instrument which has the plane of its strings positioned perpendicular to the soundboard. It is classified as a chordophone by the Harvard Dictionary of Music and only types of harps are in that class of instruments with plucked strings. All harps have a neck, resonator, and strings. Some, known as frame harps, also have a forepillar; those lacking the forepillar are referred to as open harps. Depending on its size (which varies considerably), a harp may be played while held in the lap or while it stands on the floor. Harp strings are made of nylon, gut, wire, or silk on certain instruments. A person who plays the harp is called a harpist or harper. Folk musicians often use the term "harper", whereas classical musicians use "harpist".
Various types of harps are found in Africa, Europe, North, and South America, and in Asia. In antiquity, harps and the closely related lyres were very prominent in nearly all cultures. The oldest harps found thus far have been uncovered in ruins from ancient Sumer. The harp also predominant in the hands of medieval bards, troubadors and minnesingers, as well as throughout the Spanish Empire. Harps continued to grow in popularity through improvements in their design and construction through the beginning of the twentieth century. |
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Mini Harps
8 & 12 string mini harps for playing and home décor. |
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Harp, Cross Strung
The cross-strung harp is a multi-course harp that has two rows of strings which cross each other without touching |
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Harp, Gothic
The "Gothic" harp first appeared in France around 1350. It got its name from its elegant, stretched "Gothic" shape rather than through any association with the "Gothic" period which, in fact, started much earlier. |
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Lute Harp
Lute Harp with nylon case and tuning tool. |
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Lyre Harp
10 to 16 strings with spruce soundboard. |
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Harp Table
To support your harp during and after you play. |
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