Foreign harps

The Leipzig harp

Dated to the 16th century

Kept at the Museum für Musikinstrumente, Leipzig, Germany

"Gothic" design;
25 strings, longest 76.5cm.

This instrument is of the typical Continental 'Gothic' form with gut strings and buzzing bray pins.

The wood is reported by the Museum to be walnut. The soundbox is constructed in two halves glued together like a clamshell. The curious double-peaked profile is produced by a small piece of wood fixed into the joint between the neck and the pillar, which may well not be original.

There is a good photograph and description in German on the Museum website. The Museum has a brief technical report available and has said that it is currently working on full technical drawings.

Simon Chadwick