by Diggle

Created on: November 06, 2009

A lap harp is a small harp which as the name implies can fit into the lap of the player. They have a long and illustrious history as a instrument, having been around for over 4,500 years. Commonly available lap harps come in two forms, the plucked psaltery or a miniature version of the more familiar Celtic or folk harp.

What's the difference between the two?

A plucked psaltery style lap harp is trapezoidal in shape and has around 15 strings. This type of lap harp is quite basic. However many plucked psaltery style lap harps have a feature which allows anyone, even those who have never played an instrument before, even if they cannot read music, to quickly start plucking out a tune. Specially designed cards fit under the strings and show what strings to pluck in the right sequence to play various popular tunes. This ease of use for the beginner makes this type of lap harp a superb way to make and learn music quickly. The plucked psaltery is therefore ideal as a first instrument for children or for adults who don't want to invest time in learning to formally read music.

A Celtic style lap harp is shaped like the harps of popular imagination. It is simply much smaller. This harp does require the player to have (or acquire) musical knowledge. But it rewards this with the classic haunting and beautiful sound which only a harp has. The advantage of this kind of lap harp is the convenience of its size compared to its larger cousins. It is ideal for those who might not want to give room to a full size harp. This kind of lap harp is also often used as a second harp for travel purposes.

How much do lap harps cost?

A simple lap harp of the plucked psaltery variety can cost as little as $40. A deluxe top of the range lap harp lovingly hand carved from hard maple wood will cost a few hundred dollars. Though the exquisite sound and the pleasure of owning a fine piece of craftmanship makes the expense worthwhile if you can afford it. But between those two extremes is a range of harps to suit every budget and level of interest.

Further information.

If this brief introduction to the charms of this fascinating instrument has whetted your appitite, then head over to lap harp.org for more information and advice on lap harps.

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