What is a lap harp?
The lap harp is commonly referred to as a plucked psaltery type of instrument. This lap harp is usually built in a trapezoidal shape and has 15 strings. The player uses one hand to play although the adventurous player can find ways of using the second hand to make more creative sounds. No music background is required with this instrument. A lap harp can also refer to a regular folk harp such as that with levers that is made on a smaller scale to be held on the lap. They are usually 22 to 26 strings, played with both hands and require some music background to play. But when we refer to a lap harp on this page it is to the psaltery type of lap harp.
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What is the history of the plucked psaltery lap harp?
There have been many forms of plucked psalteries dating back many years. In fact, a passage from the Bible in Daniel 3:10 states"...everyman that shall hear the sound of cornet, flute, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick shall fall down and worship...". Basically, a psaltery consisted of a series of wires strung over a flat soundboard and were made in different sizes. Medieval varieties often used gut or horsehair for the strings. Now metal wire is used. There was little interest in the lap harp in more recent centuries until about 18 years ago when TK O'Brien's got actively involved in promoting his version as as wonderfully simple and satisfying instrument that gives non-musicians immediate rewards in making music. Since then there has been a huge resurgence in its popularity causing a lot of builders to try their hand at it as well. In fact, some of the big box stores have even started importing them.
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How is the lap harp played?
The plucked psaltery lap harp is most often played by using music cards or sheets that fit under the string area so that the player doesn't have to refer back to a music book to play. The player plucks the strings where indicated on the music cards underneath the strings. A pick or finger can be used to pluck. By following note-to-note and plucking, the player creates the song. Usually there is room for just one verse on the card so to play the complete song, the player repeats as needed. You can see the lap harp being played by Karin Lyle from Balsam Gallery in Waynesville, NC on videos on TK O'Brien's website.
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Who can play the lap harp?
Almost anyone can play it. Generally, children can start as young as 3 or 4 although it is dependent on their interest and finger dexterity. By 5 to 6 most children are able to play easily. Although children play the lap harp, we find more adults thrilled to finally have an instrument they don't have to take lessons in order to play. Even adults with the ability to play more complex instruments find enjoyment with the simplicity of the lap harp.
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How much can I expect to pay for a lap harp?
You will pay more for an instrument made of instrument grade standards than one that is not. There are 3 main aspects of instrument grade standards. One, the use of instrument quality tuning (zither) pins. Two, the use of hard maple wood for the tuning block to ensure tuning stability. Three, the use of graduated string diameters for optimum sound. Often, cheap lap harps such as those made overseas are not made to instrument grade standards and thus will have poor performance.
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What kind of music can be played on the lap harp?
TK O'Brien's lap harps have 19 different music packs available in assorted categories. But if you are able, you can chart your own selections to play as well. It should be in the key of G. Our Blank Pack has cards for this purpose along with a conversion chart to convert music in other keys into the key of G. Not all music can be converted given the range restrictions of some tunes. One source of frustration for owners of some other lap harps is the limited, if any, selection of additional music. And not all music is interchangeable since the size of other lap harps vary. We have a sample that can be printed out to see if our music is able to be used in other lap harps. Print it out on 8 1/2 x 14 paper, cut to shape and slide under the strings of your non-TK O'Brien lap harp to see if the dimensions and string spacing work. Click here to view the sample song in PDF format.
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Can the lap harp accompany other instruments?
The lap harp as you will see on this site is tuned to the key of G and has a range of 2 octaves. So if the instruments you want to accompany are tuned to G you may have success. Also, this lap harp can be partially re-tuned to play with mountain dulcimers using the number tablature dulcimers use. Specifically, the tunings of Mixolydian key of D (DADD), Ionian key of D (DAA) and key of C. You won't have 2 complete octaves in these tunings but should be able to play most songs from these sources. Our Advanced Information Pack has the details of re-tuning. It is not recommended to re-tune this instrument except as instructed due to the high probability of string breakage. Also keep in mind that this instrument does not have huge volume as it is a small instrument so its voice may be drowned out unless you amplify it.
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Where can they be found?
TK O'Brien's Lap Harps can be found at many fine music stores (predominately folk music type shops) as well as gift and handcrafted type stores. As well you will find them on our web pages.
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Where are they made?
TK O'Brien's lap harps are made in the US. The philosophy of supporting local business and US business is of utmost importance in preserving our local heritage.
