How is a Celtic harp tuned?
There are several possible Celtic harp tunings, depending on whether or not your harp has sharping levers for every string (“full levers”). If you have levers on just the F and C strings, you can tune in C major and play in G (by putting up the F levers to create F-sharps) and D (with F-sharps and C-sharps).
What is the difference between a Clarsach and a harp?
Clarsach is the Gaelic word for a harp, but harps come in many different varieties from all over the world. The harp used in Gaelic Scotland for centuries was a particular type, shared with Gaelic Ireland.
What should a harp be tuned to?
The most common tunings are the keys of C and E Flat and, to a lesser extent, A Flat. In addition, individual strings can be re-tuned for special effects, or as a means of playing accidental notes (naturals, sharps or flats which are needed at some point, but do not appear in the piece’s starting key.)
How many strings does a Clarsach or harp have?
The most common number of strings for lever or Celtic harps is 34. This will allow you to play a wide range of music and is also the accepted number of strings for most exam boards. A 34-string harp can take you all the way from beginner to advanced. Harps with 36 strings are also fairly common.
What family of instruments does the Clarsach belong to?
The Celtic harp is a triangular frame harp traditional to Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. It is known as cláirseach in Irish and clàrsach in Scottish Gaelic….Celtic harp.
| String instrument | |
|---|---|
| Classification | Chordophones Composite chordophones Harps |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 322.221 (manually tuned frame harp) |
| Related instruments |
Is it hard to tune a harp?
It’s actually really easy to tune a harp and it only takes a few minutes. There are several different methods but we recommend using an electronic chromatic tuner because it is the easiest.
Can a Scottish harp be tuned to the correct pitch?
Whether it is a steel strung Scottish clarsach or a nylon strung Irish harp, the tension in the strings is so large that the harp permanently can be damaged if tuned incorrectly. However, by applying a few principles, the harp safely can be tuned to the correct pitch without professional assistance.
How big is a crimp on a clarsach tuning pin?
In Method One, a small crimp of about ¼ inch length, or 5 millimeters, is made in the end of the string. This is placed in the hole on the tuning pin, so the end of the wire will not be exposed. In Method Two, the wire is left straight and and inserted into the pin so that it goes through and comes out the other side.
Who is the best harp maker in Scotland?
Mark Norris Harps. Scottish harp and clarsach maker. Mark Norris is a harp maker based in the Scottish Borders. Renowned for his quality, made to order harps, using a mix or modern and traditional techniques with over 35 years of experience.
How many strings does a Celtic harp have?
For instruments with between 19 and 40 strings, tuning a celtic harp can be a daunting prospect. Whether it is a steel strung Scottish clarsach or a nylon strung Irish harp, the tension in the strings is so large that the harp permanently can be damaged if tuned incorrectly.