Mid-East 25 Inch Lyre Harp 16 String w/String Set, Gig Bag and Tuner
This lyre harp has 16 metal strings that are each 25 inches. Features inlaid arms and stars carved on the soundboard that add to the beauty of the instrument. The body and arms are Sheesham and the Sound-Board is a Birch Ply.
When you are not playing, you can hang it up as a piece of art; it's that pretty. Tuning tool is included. Hold it upright on your lap, and pluck both sides of the strings. Or lay it flat and pluck it. There are a few suggestions for tuning. An authentic tuning derived from Judaic worship music, where the instrument was used to accompany the singing of the Chazzan, also known as a Cantor.
In the early Middle Ages in Eastern Europe, the secularization of the Jewish worship music gave rise to Klezmer music. Jewish troubadours, known as klezmorim gave the music a place in weddings and other simkhes joyful events. The Klezmer music eventually blended with Slavonic, Greek, Turkish, Gypsy and even American jazz tempos and rhythms.
Specifications:
Key of D, tuning from longest to shortest: D E F# G A B C# D E F# G A B C# D E
Guitar wire can be used to replace the strings. Approximate gauges are:
String 1: 0.028 inches (0.711mm)
Strings 2-4: 0.024 inches (0.609mm)
Strings 5-7: 0.017 inches (0.432mm)
Strings 8-10: 0.014 inches (0.355mm)
Strings 11-13: 0.012 inches (0.305mm)
Strings 14-16: 0.010 inches (0.254mm)