Lap Harp

Harps have existed and evolved for over 4,500 years. They are one of the classic instruments of antiquity, used for songs of war, peace, love and sadness. Their unique sound can be used to bring happiness, reflection and healing to both an audience and the harpist. Harps come in two main groups: pedal and non-pedal. A pedal harp is large and heavy whereas a non-pedal harp can range in size from 60 to 23 inches tall. Lap harps are the smallest size of harp, ranging from two to three feet.

The lap harp is a fun instrument to play and a fantastic instrument to learn harp playing on. As the name suggests the lap harp is small enough to fit in the musician's lap and compared to a big harp, weighs a good deal less, which makes it extremely portable. Lap harps can be more affordable than their larger cousins and the range of lap harps for sale means that there is one to fit any budget.

A common misconception about the lap harp is that it is only suitable for beginners. In fact anyone interested in playing harps will enjoy playing the lap harp Nonetheless beginers will find a lap harp to be a great way to learn to play. A lap harp is also excellent as a second harp for a travelling harpist and many of those who purchase lap harps are accomplished harp players looking for a portable instrument to take on their peregrinations. Lap harps are also a favorite of music therapists who can easily take them into hospitals and other places.

Lap harps have fewer strings than pedal harps which means that music has to be adapted to suit the range available on smaller harps, but happily there is plenty of music arranged specifically for the lap harp available.

Please look around for recommendations on picking the right lap harp, plus basic playing and tuning advice.