Types of Lyre Harps with String Details
A lyre harp is a stringed musical instrument historically used in storytelling and rituals in ancient Greek and Mesopotamian cultures. Though its construction and tone vary significantly, it is comparable to a small harp. Today, Harps have many types including lyre harps which are common in Highland regions, particularly in Scotland and Ireland. They have been using it for centuries. However, lyre harps further have different variations that we will discuss in this article. First, allow us to talk about the number of strings and their roles.
Role of Strings in Lyre Harps
Lyre harps have a horizontal yoke, two upright arms, and a hardwood resonating body. With tuning spikes for pitch control, strings extend from yoke to body, frequently over a soundboard. Depending on cultural background and musical intent, lyre harps may contain more or fewer strings than the typical 7-24.
Every string has a distinctive tone, resulting in a unique sound. The music produced by plucking these strings. They are amplified by vibrations that go through the body. A large number of strings usually produce brighter tones, while lower ones are identical to deep sounds. Moreover, the string’s tension, length, and material significantly influence the sound quality.
Types of Lyre Harps
Lyre harps come in 2 shapes primarily: oval shape and triangular shape. Oval shapes usually represent ancient Greek harps while the triangular shapes talk about the Celtic lyre harp. Our list today comprises instruments with both particular designs.
Rosewood Lyre Harp with 10 Metal Strings
Let us start with the Rosewood Lyre Harp with 10 Metal Strings. As the name reveals this product has 10 strings which means it can produce deeper sounds. Similarly, its craft with rosewood discloses how strong it is. After all, this lyre harp is hand-made, producing Celtic music that talks about its historical value. The rest of the specifications are:
- It has tuning keys crafted with shiny silver brass. Buyers also get rosewood handles, making harp the strong and easy to grip while tuning.
- The package includes many other things including a tuning wrench, an extra set of strings, and a carrying bag.
- The beautiful Celtic pattern on it and the wooden saddle offer a traditional look. It also makes the sound clearer and richer.
- Above all, this musical tool is easy to operate. The metal strings feel nice under the fingers when musicians pluck them one by one.
Lyre harp with 10 Strings Natural Chain Style
The next one on our list is the one that has global recognition because of its excellent sounds and smooth finishes. Like the previous one, our Lyre harp with 10 Strings Natural Chain Style is also made with rosewood, which has a good reputation for being strong enough. The chain style makes it attractive, while it can be used as an art piece when not playing. It offers the following properties:
- Lyre harps come with 10 tuning pins to adjust the tightness of each string.
- Buyers get a tuning wrench as well to rotate the pins.
- Above the holes, there is a wood saddle helping to produce different sounds as a result of string vibrations.
- The length of this harp is 16 inches while the width is 9.5 inches, which means that it is easy to grip as well.
- To keep all the components secure, a bag is also provided.
Black Lyre Harp With Red Flowers 10 Metal Strings
Those looking for a classical and beautiful lyre harp should consider buying a Black Lyre Harp With Red Flowers 10 Metal Strings. It also has 10 strings while the overall oval shape makes it attractive. However, the primary attraction is the combination of black and red. The board has a design in red and smooth finishing on rosewood offering a unique experience. Buyers also enjoy the following properties:
- Stainless steel keys to adjust the strings.
- Small holes for each metal string to get them in an accurate position for desired sounds.
- The package includes a tuning key and bag to keep the tools and belongings.
Lyre Harp Black Rosewood with 10 Metal Strings & Golden Flowers
The final lyre harp with an oval shape in our list today is the Lyre Harp Black Rosewood with 10 Metal Strings & Golden Flowers. Its aesthetics include a beautiful Celtic design on board with 3 golden flowers in a triangular pattern. The existence of 10 metal strings ensures deeper tones that are common in Highlanders. The rest of the features are:
- It is a hand-made product with rosewood natural grains representing durability and tradition.
- There are silver brass chrome finish keys fitted with solid rosewood.
- Saddle wood in the middle of the golden flowers transmits vibrations to get a clear tune.
- The rest of the accessories are a tuning key, string set, and bag.
Rosewood Lyre Harp with 18 Metal Strings
It’s time to talk about a lyre harp with Celtic style having 18 metal strings. This number of strings favors the brighter tones which are part of Scottish and Irish events, especially the Ceilidh. The Rosewood Lyre Harp with 18 Metal Strings has two edges on the top while the lower part has a round shape making it unique in appearance. Furthermore, it offers the following traits:
- This lyre harp has 18 metal strings which means it can produce a significant number of tones.
- The top has tuning steel pins while holes on the buttons hold the strings.
- Its craft with rosewood votes for its longevity.
- Like other harps, it also comes with a tuning key, a string set, and a bag.
Irish Celtic Lyre Harp 9 Strings
Everyone might know that Ireland stands on the list of countries that use lyre harps the most. The impact of Celtic culture on this country is significant, that’s why they prefer Celtic harps. So, the next product on our list is an Irish Celtic Lyre Harp 9 Strings. Users get the characteristics mentioned below:
- The top has a harmonic curve including tuning and bridge pins.
- Bridge pins hold the strings and keep them in an exact position.
- Tuning keys are arranged uniformly while a wrench helps to change the pitch of sound.
- This harp is ideal for traditional festivals.
Irish 12 String Celtic Lyre Har
Let us talk about another lyre harp which resembles the Irish Celtic Lyre Harp with 9 Strings while the only difference is the number of strings. An Irish 12 String Celtic Lyre Harp has 12 strings which means it has the capability to produce more classical sounds and make the events attractive.
Irish Celtic Lyre Harp 15 Strings
The last product on our list is an Irish Celtic Lyre Harp 15 Strings. When it comes to musical instruments that reflect rich cultural traditions, lyre harps stand out—especially in regions with deep Celtic roots. The Irish have long embraced these harps for their soulful melodies and symbolic charm. That brings us to the Irish Celtic Lyre Harp 15 Strings. Users get the characteristics mentioned below:
- Its top features a harmonic curve fitted with both tuning and bridge pins.
- Bridge pins help anchor the strings in the correct position, maintaining stability during play.
- Tuning pins adjust the string tension, while levers allow for quick pitch changes without returning.
- The soundboard includes a line of small holes for threading the metal strings.
- Crafted from natural grain rosewood and adorned with Celtic-style engravings for a traditional look and longevity.
- The package includes a tuning key, a spare string set, and a protective carrying bag.
Buy Your Next Lyre Harp at the TUK Store
You might have chosen your next lyre harp to make your events more wonderful and might be thinking about where to buy it. We have good news for you that all of these harps are available under the same roof,
“The Utility Kilt Store.” We would like to add here that our inventory does not comprise lyre harps only but other musical instruments like flutes and bagpipes at affordable prices!
