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Harp Facts

The harp is a stringed musical instrument with a number of individual strings running at an angle to a soundboard. The strings are plucked with the fingers. Harps are generally triangular in shape, and are usually composed of wood. Modern harps have nylon or metal strings.

Harps vary greatly in terms of size. Smaller harps can be played in the lap. Larger, much heavier harps are designed to rest on the floor.

Harps are found all over the world–in Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America. They’re closely related to lyres, which have been popular in nearly all cultures.

Harps have been used as a political symbol of Ireland for centuries. Their likenesses have appeared on Irish coinage since the Middle Ages, including current Irish imprints of Euro coins.

More Harp Facts

Fun Fact
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.

Harpo Marx

Retro Photographic Poster Print

Harpo Marx Poster

Listen to the Harp

Played by Courtney Kania-Young

Harpist 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.

We Love Harps

Looking for more harp facts? Here are a few of our favorite pages about harps for you to enjoy:

Business Cards for Performers and Teachers

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Roosebeck 19-String Pixie Harp

Product details:

Engraved and inlaid rosewood frame with a birch soundboard for exceptional sound and strength
19 DuPont hard nylon strings
Strings range from F below Middle C to High C
Harp stands approximately 31 inches high
19 sharpening levers
Tuning tool
Extra string set

Pixie Harp with 19 Strings Harp Detail

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