H. Bryan & Company

The string specifications on this chart are based on Bow Brand Gut harp strings.  I use their “standard” gauge for most modern (post 1935) pedal harps, the “Lever Harp Gut” for Erard Gothic harps, early American harps (L&H, Wurlitzer, late Browne’s etc).  These Lever h...

If the harp under consideration is a new instrument or if it is one with a new soundboard, it will, to some degree, open up and become more responsive with time. However, time and playing will not turn a harp that sounds dead and unresponsive when new into an excellent...

A little homework will greatly increase the odds that the chosen instrument will be satisfactory. The following items may seem elementary to the experienced harpist, but they are all worth considering when choosing a new harp:

Size is the first consideration that comes...

A testing sequence that has proven efficient includes:

• Play something familiar on the harp to get an overall impression. Both harpists should do this, and perceptions from both the playing position and the audience position discussed.

• Check the instrument for...