Lyre Harp

Origin of the Lyre Harp
Description of the Lyre Harp

Origin of the Lyre Harp

The oldest known depiction of a Lyre is 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.

Description of the Lyre Harp

Mid-East’s Lyre Harp has an over all length of twenty-five inches. The two asymmetrical rosewood arms and the crossbar are inlaid with Celtic Knot-work. Sixteen metal strings run from the tuning pegs on the crossbar to the base of the soundboard. The strings pass over a brass bridge that is positioned diagonally across the face of the soundboard. On either side of this bridge are rosette sound holes carved into the soundboard. These strings are tuned by turning the pegs. The tuning tool is included. A padded nylon case is included for storage and transportation of your lyre.

Tags: Lyre Harp, Plucked, String

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