Harp Facts: Shop for Instruments, Accessories, Gifts

Harp Facts

As one of the oldest known stringed instruments, the harp has a history dating back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, around 3,000 BCE. In Biblical times, harps were believed to have therapeutic properties. King Saul reportedly listened to harp music, played by David, to soothe his troubled mind.

Harps come in many forms, including pedal harps (used in orchestras), lever harps (common in folk music), and historical harps like the Celtic or Irish harp. Electric and cross-strung harps are often used for modern music.

A concert harp can weight up to 70 pounds and have over 1,400 moving parts, including pedals, rods, and tuning mechanisms. They’re crafted from premium materials like spruce for the soundboard, and hardwoods like maple or cherry for the body. Harps are often ornately decorated, making them beautiful visually as well as musically.

Unlike string instruments that utilize a bow or picks, harp playing relies entirely on finger technique. Harpists use both hands to pluck strings, often playing melody and accompaniment simultaneously.

The harp is a national symbol of Ireland, appearing on Irish coins and official seals. The Celtic harp, or cláirseach, is deeply tied to Irish musical tradition and folklore.

Hands Playing Celtic Harp

More Harp Facts

A person who performs on this string instrument is called a harpist. Notable harpists include Nancy Allen, John Roy “Jon” Anderson, Alice Chalifoux, Alice Coltrane, Vincent Fanelli, Sidonie Goossens, Marcel Grandjany, Alphonse Hasselmans, Juan Hidalgo, Ursula Holliger, Pierre Jamet, Camille Kitt, Kennerly Kitt, Jean-Baptiste Krumpholz, Marco Marazzoli, Harpo Marx, Loreena McKennitt, Joanna Newsom, Carlos Salzedo, Marcel Tournier, and Nicanor Zabaleta.

Expensive Craftsmanship
Top harp makers like Lyon & Healy or Salvi have established reputations for quality, and their brand value contributes to the price. A professional-grade concert harp from these makers can range from $10,000 to over $50,000.

Harpo Marx with Giant Harp

Retro Marx Brothers Poster Print

Harpo Marx (1941) 28×22 Poster Print

Lucy and Harpo Marx

Lucille Ball invited Harpo Marx to appear on one of the most celebrated episodes in I Love Lucy history. Lucy, disguised as Harpo, performed alongside him in a hilarious “mirror” scene where they mimicked each other’s movements. Marx Brothers fans were familiar with the routine, made famous by the film Duck Soup (1933). Harpo then showcased his musical talent by performing a solo harp rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” in his signature style.

Professional Harpist Courtney Kania-Young

Courtney Kania-Young plays Led Zeppelin’s popular 1971 tune, Stairway to Heaven. Courtney is classically trained and studied at the Cleveland Institute of Music. She loves playing rock, country, and Latino style music in addition to the classics.

Best Gifts for Music Lovers

We’ve designed 2,000+ products for string instrument musicians and fans. Find a unique gift for your favorite harp player or enthusiast. Beware of inferior copycats! Our original designs are available here and in our String Kings Music Harp collection.

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Aklot 15-String Beginner Harp

Product details:

Mahogany body with a satin finish
15 nylon strings (spare strings not included)
Blue and red strings help players recognize them
Every string has a ball end and steel string post
Harp stands approximately 22 inches high
Tuning wrench
Black carrying bag and strap

Aklot 15-String Beginner Harp and Accessories – Carrying Bag, Strap, Tuning Wrench Blue and Red Color Strings Help Players Recognize them Better While Learning the Harp

Harp with Flowers

Harp String Colors
On modern harps, strings are color-coded: C strings are red, F strings are black or blue, and the rest are natural or white, helping players navigate the 47 strings quickly.

Best Harp Gifts Collection

Our Harp Gifts Collection features shirts, tote bags, coffee mugs, chef aprons, buttons, magnets, and more.

Harp Shirts and Gifts Collection

Unique Harp Gift Ideas

If you need to find a gift for your favorite harp player, you’ve come to the right place. We’re always creating new products and sharing our favorites from other designers.

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Lyre Harp Carved from a Piece of Mahogany – 19 Steel Strings – Tuning Wrench – Picks – Carry Bag Liyafy Set of 10 Replacement Strings for Lyre Harp – Durable Metal Strings with Ball End Donner Lyre Harp – 16 Strings – Mahogany Body, Copper Saddle – Tuning Wrench – Spare Strings – Carry Bag Exquisitely Crafted Mini Harp Decorative Ornament – Nicely Detailed and Proportioned – Gift Box