Mid-East 10-String Lyre Harp - 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; Gig Bag; and Extra string set.

How 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 on your instrument as soon as you receive it. Your instrument has completed a long journey before it ever begins the final leg to your home. During this time the elements affect the strings and may shorten their lifespan. It occasionally happens that a string will fail during that final leg of the journey. Therefore, it is recommended that you purchase a replacement set of strings and consider changing your strings soon after it arrives. If you are a student you may want to change your strings every 3-4 months. If you are a rock star you may need to change your strings every week. If you store your instrument, you should consider changing the strings when you pick it up again.

Includes:

Extra Strings, Tuning Tool and Gig Bag
Dimensions: 15.5" x 9"
Item Weight: 1.9 lbs
Ship Weight: 4.2 lbs
Brand new