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Harps, Lyre

The oldest known depiction of lyre harps, are dated to 2800 BC in Sumeria. The basic design of a lyre is a sound box, or resonator, with two arms connecting a crossbar, and having strings that run parallel with the length of the instrument. The Sumerians held the lyre vertically, with the crossbar at the top. The Egyptians played their lyres with the crossbar pointing out away from their body. The lyre was also known to the ancient Greeks. It was said that Hermes, the messenger of the gods, made the first lyre from a tortoise shell. The use of the Lyre was widespread in the ancient world. In the present day, the lyre is limited almost exclusively to parts of Africa and Siberia. Across time and geography the lyre has changed in many ways. The number of strings, how the instrument was held, and whether it was plucked, strummed, or played with a plectrum has varied. Depending on the style and size, lyre strings have been played from one or both sides.

In the early Middle Ages in Eastern Europe, the secularization of the Jewish worship music gave rise to Klezmer music. Jewish troubadours, known as klezmorim gave the music a place in weddings and other simkhes (joyful events). The Klezmer music eventually blended with Slavonic, Greek, Turkish, Gypsy and even American jazz tempos and rhythms. For Klezmer music try the Misheberakh mode which is: E F# G A# B C# D E.

Two alternative tunings that work well with singers comfortable sing in the Key of G are (again bass to treble): E F# G A B C D E (Natural minor) and D E F# G A B C D (E is tonic). Notice, in the second tuning, all the notes are the same but you're starting on D rather than E.

To see our other types of harps, view our Main Harps Page.

SPECIAL NOTE - No Warranty on Strings: Whether you purchase an instrument on-line or in a neighborhood store, manufacturers recommend that you change the strings on your instrument as soon as you receive it. Your instrument has completed a long journey to your home. During this time the strings WILL oxidize and this may shorten their life expectancy and may reduce their sound quality. On occasion instruments may arrive with a broken string, therefore, it is recommended that you purchase a replacement set of strings and consider changing your strings as soon as it arrives. Learning to change strings should be the first lesson learned when embarking on the journey of playing a new instrument.

( HLRE ) 8 String Lyre Harp The solid rosewood body lends itself to the soft gentle curves of this eight string lyre. The eight metal strings provide a classical sound that is enhanced by the solid spruce soundboard. When you are not playing, you can hang it up as a piece of art; it's that pretty. Tuning tool, extra string set included. Hold it upright on your lap or as you walk, and pluck both sides of the strings. Or lay it flat and pluck it. 10 inches wide by 17 inches long, 2.75 inches deep. Made in Pakistan.

Only: $220.00

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( HLRP ) Lyre Harp with Nylon Case, 16 String 25", 16 metal strings, with case, inlaid arms and stars carved on the soundboard add to the beauty of this instrument. Key of D from longest to shortest: D E F# G A B C# D E F# G A B C# D E Guitar wire can be used to replace the strings Approximate gages re: .028, .025, .025, .025, .017, .017, .013, .013, .013, .013, .011, .011, .011, .010, .010, .010. Made in Pakistan.

Only: $275.00

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( HLRT ) 10 String Lyre Harp The solid rosewood body lends itself to the soft gentle curves of this ten string lyre. The ten metal strings provide a classical sound that is enhanced by the solid spruce soundboard. When you are not playing, you can hang it up as a piece of art; it's that pretty. Tuning tool and extra string set included. 8.25 inches wide by 16 inches long, 2.75 inches deep. Made in Pakistan.

Only: $180.00

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( HLLT ) Lyre Harp, 10 String, Lacewood The solid lacewood body lends itself to the soft gentle curves of this ten string lyre. The ten metal strings provide a classical sound that is enhanced by the solid spruce soundboard. When you are not playing, you can hang it up as a piece of art, it's that pretty. Tuning tool and nylon case are included. Hold it upright on your lap or as you walk, and pluck both sides of the strings. Or, lay it flat and pluck it. 8.25 inches wide by 16 inches long, 2.75 inches deep. Made in Pakistan.

Only: $180.00

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( RBSLH10 ) Roosebeck Lyre Harp String Set (10) The ten metal strings in the Roosebeck Lyre Harp set provide a very classical sound. The authentic tuning is derived from Judaic worship music, where the instrument was used to accompany the singing of the Chazzan, also known as a Cantor. This style of tuning uses the Chazzanut mode. Made in USA.

Only: $13.90

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( RBSLH16 ) Roosebeck Lyre Harp String Set (16) The sixteen metal strings in the Roosebeck Lyre Harp set provide a very classical sound. The recommended tuning as outlined below specifies the octave as well as the note. This tuning is in the key of D and spans two full octaves plus one. The strings are steel with the lowest four being nickel wound. Made in USA.

Only: $15.90

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( RBSLH08 ) Roosebeck Lyre Harp String Set (8) The eight metal strings in the Roosebeck Lyre Harp set provide a very classical sound. The authentic tuning is derived from Judaic worship music, where the instrument was used to accompany the singing of the Chazzan, also known as a Cantor. This style of tuning uses the Chazzanut mode. Made in USA.

Only: $11.90

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Ethnic Musical Instruments