Lyre Harp, 16 String

by Mid-East

Product Features

• Handcrafted Biblical Harp, 25"long.
• Nylon Case & Tuning Tool Included, 16 metal strings.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4 x 17 x 29 inches ; 10 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 10 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B0009I0ZA8
• Item model number: HLRP
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,553 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #1 in Musical Instruments > Folk & World Instruments > Stringed Instruments > Autoharps

Product Description

25", 16 metal strings, with tuning tool, inlaid arms and stars carved on the soundboard add to the beauty of this instrument. Key of D, tuning from longest to shortest: D E F# G A B C# D E F# G A B C# D E Guitar wire can be used to replace the strings. Approximate gages are:String 1: 0.028 inches (0.711mm) Strings 2-4: 0.024 inches (0.609mm) Strings 5-7:0.017 inches (0.432mm) Strings 8-10: 0.014 inches (0.355mm) Strings11-13: 0.012 inches (0.305mm) Strings14-16: 0.010 inches (0.254mm)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good friend of many years, December 26, 2005

By 

Andrew D. Lossing "Go real." (Coquille (nowhere-ville), OR, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lyre Harp, 16 String

I have owned this instrument for four or five years, and do have quite an attachment to it. It is not the most expensive or fancy instrument you will find, but works well, has a rustic charm, and has a beautiful sound. Steel strings are much clearer-sounding than the nylon most often used for harps and lyres, and on mine at least the lowest four strings are coil, making for a more resonant chord. You can use standard guitar strings for replacements, and restringing is simple.

The negative aspects (playing an instrument for several years aquaints one quite well with those) are: a) it is somewhat delicate, and strings can be broken by knocking about; b) it is difficult to tune, as only the slightest movement to the knob will alter the pitch greatly; c) the strings are affixed to the base of the lyre, so that the ends and the small nail-stubs that the wire is tied to protrude slightly, and can scratch surfaces or skin if carelessly handled, and; d) environmental changes drive the tuning out of the strings like a vampire-slayer (odd analogy...).

Yes, those are several negatives, but rest assured that, if you are willing to learn to play well, handle it carefully and keep it in tune, it will be an excellent instrument to own. It is played more or less as a harp, and I use the lowest six strings for chords. The two full octaves allow enough for most folk or Celtic tunes, and the sounds fits them well. The soundbox resonates well, and the volume is sufficient to be heard well across a quiet room. I use mine for contemplation as well.

If you are looking to play a lyre, you will not find many like this. It has the sound and style of history.

Andrew Lossing

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Customer Service, August 4, 2011

By 

T. J. Konopka - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Lyre Harp, 16 String

At first, I wrote a 1 star bad review. However, the seller then contacted me and ended up resending extra strings so I could fix the broken ones. There was just a mix-up with the strings that came with the lyre, but they cleared it all up. The lyre sounds nice. One I replace my strings, I'll get back to having fun playing on it. Also, with the bag that it comes with, there is a pocket for the tuner and strings to sit.