Harp making

The harp is one of the oldest musical instruments in the world, dating back to at least 2500 BCE. The earliest harps, found in Ancient Egypt, were bow-shaped or angular with only a few strings. The frame harp, with a straight forepillar, developed in western Europe in the eight century with ten to twelve strings. In the fourteenth century, harps with a curved forepillar, a hollowed soundbox, and 30-36 bass strings developed in Ireland; while in continental Europe the ‘Renaissance harp’ with a thinner and less curved forepillar with 24 or more strings developed. As the harp evolved, the material used for the strings changed from hair or plant fibre, to gut, to stiffer materials such as copper and brass.

Harps continued to develop in style across Europe from the seventeenth century onwards, from double-strung, triple-strung and cross-strung harps, to the single-action pedal and finally the double-action pedal harp, which was patented in 1810 and is still in use today.

Harp making can be a marriage of traditional crafts and modern technology in many ways. There are many skills involved in harp making, depending on the type of harp being made. These can range from woodworking and metalwork on a basic folk harp to the precision engineering of a concert harp (with over 2000 parts). An understanding of design, acoustics, stress, jig and toolmaking , woodcarving, materials, adhesives, repair, finishing, strings, etc, would vary accordingly to the type of instrument being made. Makers’ skills vary and some work may be ‘farmed out’ to specialists (e.g. Computer Aided Design and Manufacture).

In the UK, several regional types of harps have evolved, influenced by local traditions and cultural preferences. Some of the main regional harp types include:

Celtic Harp (Irish Harp or Lever Harp)

• Region: Predominantly in Ireland and Scotland, but also in Wales.
• Description: This is one of the most recognizable types of harp in the UK. It typically has a smaller size and a range of around three octaves. It features levers on the strings that can be used to raise the pitch of a note, creating sharps or flats. It is commonly used in folk music.

Clarsach (Scottish Harp)

• Region: Scotland.
• Description: A traditional Scottish harp, usually smaller and often with wire strings, giving it a bright and metallic sound. The clarsach is a key instrument in Scottish music, particularly in the Highlands and the Islands.

Welsh Harp (Triple Harp)

• Region: Wales.
• Description: Used in folk traditions in Wales, with some variations in construction and tuning. It may also have a lever or pedal system depending on the model. It plays a central role in Welsh music and culture.

Irish Harp

• Region: Ireland.
• Description: The Irish harp (often referred to as the “official harp of Ireland”) has a distinctive triangular shape and is usually played with the fingers, with no pedals, although modern versions may have levers. This harp is deeply embedded in Irish history, with iconic examples dating back to medieval times.

Chromatic Harp

• Region: Found across the UK, though more common in contemporary settings.
• Description: This type of harp has a more complex mechanism that allows the harpist to play all the notes of the chromatic scale. It is used in various musical genres, including classical and contemporary music.

Pedal Harp

• Region: Found across the UK, more common in classical settings.
• Description: The pedal harp, also known as the concert harp, is the largest and most complex type, with pedals that allow the player to change the pitch of the strings, giving it the ability to play in any key. It is predominantly used in orchestral and solo classical music.

Each of these types of harps reflects the rich musical history and regional distinctions of the UK, with unique sounds and styles suited to their respective cultures.

• String making
• Cover making
• Gilding
• Decorative arts
• Tool making
• CAD / CAM work

• The United Kingdom Harp Association
• The Clarsach Society

There are very few formal opportunities available in harp making.

Teifi Harps are in the process of setting up a training company, see video for more information.

Individual makers:

• Ardival Harps
• Clive Morley Harps Ltd
• Tim Hampson
• Steffan Jones Harps
• Jonathan Letcher, Silver Spear Harps
• Mark Norris
• George Stevens
• Teifi Harps
• Alun Thomas
• Derwent Harps
• Neibisch & Tree Harps

Crafts businesses that employ two or more makers:

• Pilgrim Harps
• Starfish Harps
• Hand on Harps

• The International Harp Museum, History of the Harp
• Harp.com, History of the Harp
• HarpHistory.info
• Eydmann, Stuart, In Good Hands

Our thanks go to our 2025 reviewers:

• Teifi Harps

We consult with a wide range of practitioners and organisations to review and update the Red List. Some choose to remain anonymous but all feedback is taken into account.

If you would like to suggest any changes or additions to this page please contact us here