Student Trinity harp

Normally, I only sell this model of harp through the Historical Harp Society of Ireland. However, this particular harp developed a crack in the soundboard shortly after being strung up. I have since added the walnut string rib which covers the repaired crack. The harp is as good, if not better, than new, but to simplify any future warranty questions, I am selling it directly, and guaranteeing it personally.

If you are not familiar with wire strung harps, you must be told that the playing technique is a bit different. The strings are brass or silver wires, and are played with the fingernails. Successful technique also involves damping the strings as part of the operation, as the metal strings ring for a very long time. As to why anyone would want to play such an instrument, the answer is easy- the sound is entrancing, to say the least.

One other thing you should know- there are no access holes in the back of the harp. Restringing is done by fishing through the small soundholes in the front of the soundbox. Honest.

Here is what the HHSI has to say about this harp (text taken from their website-http://www.irishharp.org/shop/harp.htm )

The Trinity College harp, preserved in the Long Room of Trinity College Library, Dublin, was for many years known as the "Brian Boru" harp. Brian Boroihme or Brian Bóruma mac Cennétig (926 or 941 - 23 April 1014) was High King of Ireland. Given that he lived in the 10th-11th centuries, and the harp was constructed in the 15th century, this is nothing more than romantic nonsense, and we prefer to use the more correct name "Trinity College harp".

In the Spring of 2005 the HHSI was looking to buy some harps for the use of students at our annual summer school, Scoil na gCláirseach, in Kilkenny in August. However it quickly became apparent to the Society that there was nothing on the market that was cheap enough for students, but which adhered to the historical designs exemplified in the surviving museum instruments.

The HHSI has therefore been working with the world's leading expert in the building of accurate, high quality, measured student early Irish harps, David Kortier, of Minnesota, and is now pleased to present the first model in its new line of student replica early Irish harps.

HHSI Student Trinity: features and specification

29 strings, G to f'''
Two adjacent strings tuned to the note g below middle c' (an octave above the lowest note G), known as "na comhluighe"
20 brass strings; the lowest 9 of sterling silver
The positioning of the pegs and shoes copied from David Kortier's measurements from the medieval original in Trinity College library, Dublin, ensuring accurate historical string spacing and angles, the bass strings being closer spaced
Overall length 341/2" (88cm)
Unitary neck-pillar construction laminated by David Kortier from cherry wood
Pieced soundbox respecting wood grain orientation, from American black willow
Mortice and tenon joint at top of soundbox, bolt at base
Metal string shoes
Tapered through tuning pins to fit standard pedal harp size tuning key

Price of $2,800 includes travel case, stringing chart, tuning key, and shipping in the US or Canada..

Click for Purchasing Instructions.