Music Outfitters®

Music Outfitters, Inc.
134 N. 1st Ave E, Ely, MN 55731
(218) 365-2889

Home | Shopping Cart | Help | SALE Items! | Contact Us



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

SPECIAL NOTE - No Warranty on Strings: Manufacturers recommend that you change the strings on your instrument as soon as you receive it. Your instrument has completed a long journey before it ever begins the final leg to your home. During this time the elements affect the strings and may shorten their lifespan. It occasionally happens that a string will fail during that final leg of the journey. Therefore, it is recommended that you purchase a replacement set of strings and consider changing your strings soon after it arrives. If you are a student you may want to change your strings every 3-4 months. If you store your instrument, you should consider changing the strings when you pick it up again.

10 String Lyre Harp ( 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. 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:
$153.00
Qty:
8 String Lyre Harp ( 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. Suggested tuning is below Middle C High to low C# D# E F G A d g b e#.. Made in Pakistan. (Out of Stock)
Only:
$189.00
Qty:
Lyre Harp with Nylon Case, 16 String ( 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:
$220.00
Qty:
Lyre Harp with Nylon Case, ASH,16 String ( HLRP-SBA ) Lyre Harp with Nylon Case, ASH,16 String
25", 16 metal strings, with nylon case and tuning tool, inlaid arms and stars carved on the ash 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:
$219.90
Qty:
Lyre Harp with Nylon Case, Spruce,16 String ( HLRP-SBS ) Lyre Harp with Nylon Case, Spruce,16 String
25", 16 metal strings, with nylon case and tuning tool, inlaid arms and stars carved on the spruce 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:
$219.90
Qty:
Lyre Harp 16 String Set ( HLRS ) Lyre Harp 16 String Set
RReplacement string set for the 16 string Lyre Harp. 16 wire strings approximately 38 inches long. Made in Pakistan.
Only:
$10.00
Qty:
Lyre Harp Nylon Case ( HLRP-NC ) Lyre Harp Nylon Case
Canvas nylon case for the Lyre Harp. The case has two straps for handles and a small zipper pocket on the side for strings and a tuning tool. Base dimensions: 3 x 10 inches; zipper length: 22 inches, top 3 x 15 inches, back length: 18 inches. Made in Pakistan.
Only:
$19.00
Qty:
String set for 8 String Lyre Harp ( HLRES ) String set for 8 String Lyre Harp
Set of 8 steel strings, approximatrely 19 inches long; with the following gages: in plain steel: .010, .012, .012, .014; in wound steel: .022, .023, .029, .029. The strings may or may not ave the ball ends. Made in Pakistan.
Only:
$10.00
Qty:

Ethnic Musical Instruments


Prices and availability of products are subject to change without notice. Product descriptions and pictures are provided with intent of accuracy; however, Music Outfitters® is not liable for errors (including prices), incorrect manufacturer's specifications or changes, or grammatical inaccuracies in any product. Please email us at bob@musicoutfitters.com with any questions.