Harp tuned or strung incorrectly?

[elisa-thorn]

I had a woman come for harp lessons recently with a 26 string lever harp she had purchased from Tom Lee music. Weirdest thing…the instrument was tuned a 4th off of what it should have been – as in, the relative pitch was correct, but the note that was C actually sounded as F, D sounded as G, etc…
The tension on the strings felt fine, and it was strung as described in all of the online retail descriptions of it, with F as the lowest note and C as the highest note. Anyone ever come across this harp or this problem? I’m at a loss of how to trouble shoot this…can’t seem to find a contact for the maker of this harp to inquire. As I said the relative pitch was normal, so it’s fine in that respect – but having everything in the wrong key would make it difficult for her to play with others etc.

Link to the instrument below:

http://www.mid-east.com/Strings/Celtic-Style-Harp/Roosebeck-Woodlands-Harp-TM-26-Strings

[Sylvia]

Item Specifications:
UPC: 844731030215
Origin: Pakistan
Shipping Specifications:
Ship Length: 40 inches
Ship Height: 32 inches
Ship Width: 20 inches
Ship Weight: 155 lbs.

I know that would include a shipping case of some kind, but the weight?? How heavy is that harp? My goodness.
There’s a special note about strings on the ad, so I’m wondering if the strings were brought up to pitch when the harp arrived.

[elisa-thorn]

Oy!
Ha, definitely does not weigh 155 lbs! It’s a normal weight..

Anyway, I think I solved the mystery! Found a guide from the manufacturer with the correct range identified, so I can cross check with a piano. I think what must have happened is some bozo at Tom Lee must have just tuned it up to the wrong pitch once it was in the store.

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