Lyre Harp, 10 String, Walnut

10 string Lyre Harp. The solid walnut body lends itself to the soft gentle curves of this ten string lyre. The ten metal strings provide a classical sound that is enhanced by the solid spruce soundboard. When you are not playing, you can hang it up as a piece of art; it's that pretty.

Accessories Included:
Roosebeck Harp Tuning Tool, Small (code HPTS); Gig Bag; and Extra string set.

To Play : Hold it upright on your lap or as you walk, and pluck both sides of the strings. Or lay it flat and pluck it.

History and Tuning : In the early Middle Ages in Eastern Europe, the secularization of the Jewish worship music gave rise to Klezmer music. Jewish troubadours, known as klezmorim gave the music a place in weddings and other simkhes (joyful events). The Klezmer music eventually blended with Slavonic, Greek, Turkish, Gypsy and even American jazz tempos and rhythms. For Klezmer Music try the Misheberakh mode which is: E F# G A# B C# D E F# G

A more authentic tuning derives from Judaic worship music, where the instrument was used to accompany the singing of the Chazzan, also known as a Cantor. This style of tuning uses the Chazzanut mode; starting with the bass (largest strings) tune as follows: D E F G# A B C D E F.

Two alternative methods of tuning that work well with singers comfortable in the Key of G are: (again bass to treble): E F# G A B C D E F# G and D E F# G A B C D E F# (E is tonic) Notice, in the second tuning, all the notes are the same but you're starting on D rather than E. However, try an inspirational tuning of your choice.

SPECIAL NOTE ON STRINGS:

There is no warranty on strings. Manufacturers recommend that you change the strings every 3-4 months. It is always a good idea to keep an extra set of stings to replace any that may break. You should always wipe down your strings with a clean dry cloth after use. If you store your instrument, you should consider changing the strings when you pick it up again.