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Lyre harps: A timeless sound
From its origins around 2700 BCE in Mesopotamia to its rise in ancient Greece and the Roman Empire, the lyre harp has traveled through time across centuries and cultures. During the medieval period, traveling minstrels carried the lyre harp from village to village, weaving magical stories and songs. Today, the lyre continues to captivate musicians and listeners around the world.
These beautiful instruments are made of naturally-finished wood that is printed with the notes. Light and portable, the lyre harp rests gently in your lap or arms, offering an intimate playing experience. The difference between a concert harp and the lyre harp isn’t just the size – the concert harp has a deep, resonant sound, while the lyre harp produces delicate, dreamlike melodies.
All you need to know about lyre harps
How do I play my lyre harp?
There are several ways to play the lyre harp, each offering its own unique style and sound. Popular techniques include the harp method, gliding method, guitar method, and kora-style method.
Harp Method: Pluck the strings with the tips of your thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.
Gliding Method: Glide your fingers down or across the strings, creating soft, flowing tones.
Guitar Method: Use your fingers, a pick, or a plectrum to pluck individual strings, much like fingerpicking on a guitar.
Kora-Style Method: Inspired by the African kora, this technique uses your thumbs and index fingers to pluck the strings.
For more tips and tutorials, we recommend Learning the Lyre Harp.
How do I tune my lyre harps?
Like all stringed instruments, lyre harps strings can go out of tune over time – especially if you haven’t played for a while. Our lyre harps are chromatically tuned, meaning they include all the notes in the Western musical scale (both natural notes and sharps/flats), for greater musical versatility.
Tuning your harp is simple. You’ll need a tuning wrench (included with your harp) and a tuner, then follow these steps:
Start with either the lowest or highest string and work your way across.
Pluck the string and check the pitch with your tuner.
If the note is flat, tighten the peg with your wrench. If it’s sharp, loosen it.
Continue until all strings are in tune.
If you’ve had the same strings for an extended period and noticed that they need tuning more often than usual or produce a dull sound, it’s time to replace them.
How do I care for my lyre harp?
Looking after your lyre harp will mean it stays in great condition for years to come. When not in use, store your lyre harp in a soft bag or case, and keep it in a room with stable temperature and humidity. Avoid placing your lyre harp near heaters, air vents, or in direct sunlight, as environmental changes can affect both the wood and the tuning.
To clean your lyre harp, gently wipe it down with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water, which might cause the wood to swell or stain, or furniture cleaners, as they may leave behind a residue. For the best results, use a cleaner designed specifically for wooden musical instruments.