Stoney End Clairseach Harp or Other Wire Strung Harps?

[Deborah O.]

I am looking to get a wire strung harp in the future and would like some opinions on the Stoney End Clairseach Harp if anybody has one.

[Geri McQuillen]

Hi!

The type of wire harp you choose will depend greatly on what type of music you want to play and how historically accurate you want your harp to be.

[Karen Johns]

I can’t speak for others tastes, but I really like my Limerick harp from Musicmaker’s. I built this from a kit and my husband and I spent many enjoyable hours together putting it together. The new string set I will be installing will allow me to play from C below middle C to high G (26 strings) and are made from wound bronze, phosphor bronze, and steel. You can check out this model on http://www.harpkit.com . I have the walnut version. I play with my fingertips and am very non-traditional. I feel that if it sounds good to me and my listeners, then no worries

One thing I have heard is that certain types of wire strings can be more brittle or delicate than others, so that may be a consideration for you. I think it may be the brass or bronze wires. Perhaps Audrey or Liam can chime in on this subject. I just know that the wound bronze and steel strings are pretty strong. I haven’t broke one yet and I don’t play lightly.

Happy Hunting!

Karen

[tony-morosco]

When I think of good quality wire strung harps I immediately think of three names.

David Kortier

Jay Witcher

Glenn Hill

Each one is as much artist as instrument builder. If I were going to buy one my top choice would be to have Jay Witcher build me one just like the one he made for Patrick Ball. I have heard Patrick play live on many occasions and his harp is by far the best sounding wire strung harp I have ever heard.

[jennifer-buehler]

BTW, Musikmakers and David Kortier are also Minnesota builders so you should be able to get ahold of all of them.

Jennifer

[Deborah O.]

Thanks for all your replies.

[tony-morosco]

Triplett harps used to make a wire strung harp specifically designed to play with the finger-pads. It had wider spacing and lower tension with a different sound board construction than their other wire strung harps.

Unfortunately they don’t make that model any more, but perhaps you can see if you can find a used one. The company might know of someone who has one they want to sell.

[Karen Johns]

The Limerick model from Musicmaker’s has standard string

[Deborah O.]

Karen….thanks for the sound sample link…they are wonderful.

I will have to get to Musicmakers and test drive the Limerick.

[Dennis McKenzie]

You should check out Chis Caswells harps he studied under Jay Witcher back in the 70’s and makes wonderfull wire harps.

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