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Electric harp Harp-E
I bought the electric harp called “Harp-E”. I chose the DIY kit for self-assembly the harp:
https://www.harp-e.com/collections/for-individuals
The assembly process is very easy and interesting. It gives a good feeling to build the harp, sting it yourself, tune it and regulate it as well (only 24 strings!). There is a nice video showing how to do it:
https://www.harp-e.com/pages/faq
It took me more than a week to have a stable tuning. This is very important because regulating the levers is only possible before the harp is stable. The regulating process is easy too.
Now I have this electric harp and noticed that it is not really a harp, it is different and this is important to know.
Some differences are:
Electric harp:
· sound is processed by an amplifier
· the sound comes from a loudspeaker or from a headphone
· you do not feel the vibrations of the soundboard of the harp
· the sound is not very “harpy” (it sounds electric or electronic)
· you never have the feeling that your fingers are the direct cause of the sound
· relatively cheap (Harp-E)
· less sensitive to mechanical impact
· easy to travel with it
· it is very easy to record your playing (smart phone with app)
· you can play without disturbing your neighbours (headphone or quiet playing without any device)
“Real” harp:
· sound comes directly from the harp
· you can directly feel the vibrations of the soundboard of the harp in your body (possibly with healing effects)
· the harp sounds warm, full and nice
· relatively expensive
· soundboard can be easily destroyed by mechanical impact
· travelling is more difficult
· recording is more complicated (pic-up system or microphone)
· you cannot play totally quiet
And now?
If you play the harp because you love the sound of it, you should not choose an electric harp, the disadvantages are too big and you will be disappointed (so am I). I am glad to have my “real” harps and not only an electric one.
This is my personal opinion, could be that others came to a totally different view of the electric harp.
This harpist has an extreme opinion of this kind of harps:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jW2yRFCxPpY
But:
It could be that a cheap electric harp is a starting point for younger people especially male ones to come into contact with the harp world similar to electric guitars, which many players later replace or supplement with an acoustic guitar.
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4 Replies
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Thank you, Markus! This was very interessting to read. I felt tempted by this electric harp as well but I fear I would be disapointed as well.
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I enjoyed reading your review, Markus. I don’t intend to buy a Harp-E, but I have been curious about it. How is the string spacing and tension?
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The spacing (space between strings) starts with 11 mm at the lower strings (is relatively narrow) and goes quickly up to 12 mm (normal). The tension is slightly higher than with a Harpsicle.
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Recently a review video of the Harp-E was released by Josh Layne, which adds some new and interesting aspects about this instrument:
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