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This is a general sketch layout for the Phineas model of nylon stringed neo-celtic harp. The first illustration from the left is the upper hand side, verying from right to left, whether the player is left or right handed. The second is that of the front of the harp. The third is of the rear, and the fourth is of the tuning pin side.
Signature details of this model include the wave form on the upper arm which can be seen at upper left of illustration one. A color cordinated moulding that runs up the sides of the soundboard, and of course, the figurehead. Each of these details can be moved, modified, replaced or eliminated altogether.
All design, and fabrications are done by myself alone, one piece at a time. Phineas was my first and most successful design to date as it is easy to play, light for ease of transport, and quite durable. It is made only from a choice set of woods to guarantee tonal quality, unlike the true celtic harp which will play in any combination of hardwoods over resinous lightwoods. The phineas harp has more air space inside than my other designs, and coupled with an open back gives the player much volume control during performance. There are many harps already on the market which offer all these same anemities, so why pay more for mine? The carving! All my harps are truly unique. I can't even reproduce them exactly.
This harp can be produced in 29, 33, and 36 string sizes which get proportionately taller, heavier, and more expensive. The example in photo (click it) is of a 29 stringed harp. An example like this without a figurehead is priced at: $750.00. They can then go on up to $3000.00 for an extensively carved 36 stringed beauty trimmed with precious rare woods.
For a more detailed price list for this model and Paypal© buy me buttons, do the click thing here.
This is a sketch layout for a typical Queen Mary's Harp, which is a true celtic harp. Celtic harps were heavier in construction to hold the greater tension of the metal strings. Of course this extra weight also limits, somewhat, your portability. Picked with the nails instead of plucked with fingertips, a much different sound is produced than that of the neo harp shown at top. Sound holes are incorporated in celtic construction to restrict the amount of volume and therefore the intense reverb and crecendo. More skill is needed in playing, but the audience appreciation will match your efforts. As for wind singing, it will only play itself in a force nine gale, sorry.
Signature details of this model include a moulding that surrounds the soundboard, the same waveform at the top as all my harps, a removable back made entirely of maple inlay with carved company medallion at center, carved rosettes for all soundholes, and of course the two headed carp that adorned the front of Queen Mary's actual harp.
This harp is produced in 29, and 31 stringed examples, with proportionate size and price difference. You would be suprised how many more songs can be added to a library by the additional two strings. The cost for a specimen like the one in the photo (click it) constructed of maple, birch and oak with 29 strings starts at $1500.00. Cost can go as high as $3000.00 for a solid rosewood example as seen in the clicked photo. $900.00 can procure for you a "stripped down" version with no carvings, but with identical acoustic performance.
For a more detailed price list for this model and Paypal© buy me buttons, do the click thing here.
LAP HARPS
These harps can both be bought in less detailed, 17 stringed miniature versions which have enough notes to play the cannon in d minor by Pachabel. Neato huh, and at $250.00 they are iminently affordable. For a more detailed list for these models and Paypal© buy me buttons, do the click thing here.
Want to know more?
Please e-mail at the following: executioner @ dreadwilliam.com. I walk alone and will not pester you with ads. Thank you.