What is a Harp?

Fundamentally, a harp consists of:

• a resonating box
• a neck
• strings
  
  

it may also feature:

• a front column
• a base
  
  

Furthermore, these three elements are unique to the harp:

• The strings emerge vertically from a soundbox, rather than being stretched over it.
• Every string is of a different length.
• The player uses both hands; one on each side.
  
  

There are three basic types of harp:

• The Bow harp: neck and soundbox form a bow shape, without a front pillar.
  
• The Angular harp: neck and soundbox are joined at an angle.
• The Frame harp: neck and soundbox are linked by a front pillar.