-
Best tuning for a partially levered harp
Hey all. I feel a bit stupid asking this, but I’ve had my harp playing on hiatus for well over 10 years, and I can’t remember how I had this tuned.
I have a custom made 34 string celtic harp inspired by a John Egan design in a partially levered configuration with levers on the C F A and B strings as shown.
I’ve tuned it to C D E F G Ab B and engaged the A levers for C tuning.
Problem is , I’m pretty sure this isn’t what I want. Also, the levers weren’t installed on the correct strings when I had the harp made 🙁
I play in C the most , but I need flexibility to play in the most number of correct flat keys that I can if needed.
I could tune the B to Bb and lever it to B natural, that would give me the keys of C and F, but what else could I do?
I kind of reached the level of what you might call “advanced beginner” 10 years ago, but a lot of that has leeched away over the years – including it seems , matters of keys and tunings!
I had forgotten how much fun tuning 34 strings was, haha. I’d like to get some proficiency back and at least get back to the point at which I can play all the things I used to play!
-
2 Replies
-
I bet the sound of your harp is awesome. How about tuning it to F major? That would be:
C D E F G A Bb C.
That’s my favorite tuning for my 34-string harp because I prefer the sound of the open strings in that key. That tuning gives you these keys:
.
F major or D minor, 1 flat key signature (no levers)
C major or A minor, natural key signature (raise the Bb levers)
G major or E minor, 1 sharp key signature (raise the Bb and F levers)
D major or B minor, 2 sharps key signature (raise the Bb, F, and C levers)
.
Here’s a video from Anne Crosby Gaudet that explains this tuning.
.
-
Ah yes thanks! I’ll make these changes tomorrow. As soon as you said that, I knew that was the way I had it set up before.
It does sound nice, yes. The string pitch is a bit wide though, so it was hard coming from a Dusty Strings Ravenna 34, to this one, and my lap harps are also hard to adjust to. Had to sell the Ravenna way back though due to money. This custom one was a gift 🙂 <3
Log in to reply.