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Music Outfitters, Inc. |
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. |