For more information on the harp models we sell, click on a logo or harpmaker name above.
Harps are probably the most ancient stringed instruments. Their beautiful sound and graceful aesthetic form have magically enticed man for many centuries. And even today, that fascination lives on.
In Ireland and Scotland, harps (in the form that we now know them) were first evident in the 9th Century A.D. These early harps were strung with metal strings, and the sound box was usually carved from a single log. They were a focal point of Celtic music, reaching their greatest use between 1000 and 1750 A.D. A bit later these small harps were strung with gut and played in the royal courts of Europe. Gradually, they evolved into the pedal harp used today in orchestras. Celtic or folk harps have recently made a resurgence in the music world. A wide variety of music is played on these instruments, including early, classical, folk, Renaissance, popular, and original music.
Lever harps (also called Celtic harps, non-pedal harps, folk harps, or Irish harps) are tuned diatonically: a do re mi scale, like the white notes on the piano. The strings are color-coded to help you find your way. Cs are red, and Fs are blue or black. Lever harps usually have sharping levers on each string which can be used to raise the pitch of the string one-half step, making a sharp.
At the Sylvia Woods Harp Center we help people of all ages fulfill their dreams of owning and playing one of these magical instruments. You, too, can learn to play the harp! No previous musical experience is necessary. Even as a beginner, the harp sounds pleasing; just running your hand over the strings creates lovely tones. And with the help of Sylvia Woods' book Teach Yourself To Play the Folk Harp, soon you can be playing beautiful music on your new harp.
Click (or double-click) the arrow to hear Sylvia Woods discussing the 3 types of harp backs.
Click (or double-click) the arrow to hear Sylvia Woods talking about some of the woods used to make our harps.
Click (or double-click) the arrow to hear Sylvia Woods explaining how levers work.
The purpose of a sharping lever is to shorten the sounding length of a string on a lever harp, raising the pitch one half step, allowing you to play in different keys without re-tuning the harp. Our lever harps are available with a variety of levers. See each harpmaker’s pages for their levers and prices.
Loveland levers have been the industry standard for more than a decade. Made of durable Delrin, the long handles move smoothly, and have a short throw which facilitates rapid lever changes. Tone quality is virtually unaltered with the lever engaged, and the sharping action maintains string alignment. Red & blue dots on the C & F levers make them easy to find. Dusty Strings Harps uses the black Loveland levers; other makers use either black or gold.
Camac levers are nickel-plated solid metal and have a smooth, quiet action. Tone quality is virtually unaltered with the lever engaged, and the sharping action maintains string alignment. Tear drop shaped levers allow for comfort and easy grip. C and F lever handles are clearly designated in metallic red and blue, making them extremely easy to see. Triplett and Thormahlen Harps use Camac levers as an option on their harps.
Truitt levers are gold-plated brass, with a smooth lift. Tone quality is virtually unaltered with the lever engaged. The handles are flat (parallel to the neck). The C & F levers are heart-shaped, and all others round. Truitt levers are more expensive than Loveland or Camac levers and will increase the price of the harp. See each harpmaker’s page for pricing.
Performance levers are installed on Lyon & Healy harps. Made of brass coated with Teflon, deployment is smooth and effortless. With the lever engaged, tone quality is practically unaffected and string alignment is maintained. Plastic caps on the end of the levers are colored either clear, red or black, and make the levers comfortable and easy to see.
Robinson levers are made of brass. The lever handle is flat with a rounded head. Even though they are not as comfortable to use as Loveland, Truitt or Camac levers, their low cost makes them a good addition to harps like Sharpsicles to help keep down the price of the harp.
Triplett’s blades are made of hand cast bronze with a decorative Celtic knotwork design. Rather than gripping the string like flip-up levers, the blade is turned sideways, making contact with the string and shortening its vibrating length. The accuracy and ease-of-use is reduced, compared to the other levers. Blades are great for wire-strung harps because they do not grip the string, causing less breakage than with flip-up levers.
