The vast majority of modern lap harps are designed either as
student instruments with economical plywood components, or as
therapy harps with low tension and soft voices. Neither
variety is particularly useful for professional performance,
stage work, or recording.
This has always struck me as an enormous shame. For most
of its four thousand year history, the lap harp was the
instrument of choice for professional musicians. It was
light enough to be carried from venue to venue on one's back,
and, if built for the purpose, could command and hold the
attention of a large audience, and provide a musician with more
than enough dynamic range and depth of tone to challenge his or
her talent to its limits.
It is time to reintroduce the idea of the truly stage-worthy
small harp to the harping community.
The Niamh 27 string lap harp is designed to the same exacting
standards as our floor harps. Its soundboard is broad,
asymmetric, and compound tapered, made from unveneered premium
quality tone-woods. Moderately high string tension permits
a dynamic range that is unprecedented in such a small harp, and
you will be amazed by the power, richness and balance of its
voice. Its twenty-seven note range offers the harpist a
full octave below middle C for bass arrangements.
However, despite its disproportionately huge voice, the Niamh
still weighs in at a diminutive 9-11 pounds (depending on wood
selection). This is a harp that can accompany you
anywhere.
The
Niamh also makes a fantastic instrument for therapy work.
One can always play softly on a powerful harp -- it is the
reverse that is tricky.
Most musicians will be happiest playing the Niamh with the
guitar strap we provide as a standard feature, but for those who
prefer to play a lap harp without holding its weight, a
lightweight, folding stand is available at additional
charge.
• Height: 35"
• Soundboard width 14.5"
• Weight 9-11 lbs
• Range C below middle C to A. 3 2/3 octaves.
• Solid
Cherry, Maple, Sapele or Walnut frame
• Solid
Spruce or Western Red Cedar soundboard
• Sturdy
Cavallaro carrying case
• C and F
Camac Levers.
$2070 Canadian
Add B Camac levers, $60
With full Camac levers, add $380
4 leg folding performance stand, add $225
Hard Colorado Flight cases also available
Our performance
stand lets you play the Niamh just as comfortably as you'd play
a floor harp, and collapses for easy transportation.
While you can
comfortably play the Niamh on the 4 leg stand without tilting
the harp back, the less pronounced angle of the four leg stand
makes tilting a comfortable, stable option as well. The
rear two legs are free to pivot slightly at the point of
attachment, which permits the stand to be self-levelling on
uneven floors or for outdoor performances.
