Harps & other instruments

New: Lyres. Click here for the new Lyres section of the Emporium.

It is probably easier now than at any time in the past to get hold of a good quality, well set up Gaelic harp.

Which harp to choose? It depends on your budget, and on the kind of music you are interested in.

Replica harps
The ideal is a hand-crafted, fully decorated copy of one of the museum instruments. These cost many thousands of pounds, and for best results you should commission one from an established maker. If you want to discuss the options, I am happy to offer advice. Please contact me.

HHSI Student harps
The Historical Harp Society of Ireland (of which I am hon. secretary) sells a range of student early Gaelic harps, modelled on the museum instruments and made to the Society's specifications by harpmaker David Kortier. See the Society's online harp shop for details of current models and prices.
I recommend the Student Downhill harp if you are interested in the baroque and 18th century Irish harp music. If you are more interested in the older native traditions, then the Student Trinity harp is best for this. The Student Queen Mary will suit those wanting a recognisably Scottish instrument.

Make your own harp!
Looking for plans or other info to help you build your own? I have drawn up a set of drawings and notes to help you. Click here for more details.

New: Lyres. Click here for the new Lyres section of the Emporium.