Lyre Harp with Nylon Case, 16 String Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)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

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Harp. Origin Country: Pakistan. 10 lbs. Made by Mid-East.
25", 16 metal strings, with nylon case and tuning tool, inlaid arms and stars carved on the soundboard add to the beauty of this instrument. Key of Dfrom 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 stringsApproximate gages re:.028, .025, .025, .025, .017, .017, .013, .013, .013, .013, .011, .011, .011, .010, .010, .010

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