What Is a Lap Harp?
The harp family is divided into two main groups: pedal harp and non-pedal harps. Pedal harps are large, heavy and impossible to hold on your lap. There are also many sizes of non-pedal harps, which range from 60 inches down to 23 inches in height. Lap harps are the smallest. They are lightweight, portable and, yes, held on the lap while played.
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The Smallest Lap Harps
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The smallest lap harps are less than 2 feet high and weigh only 5 lbs. They have 16 strings that provide a range of 2 octaves.
Larger Lap Harps
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Most lap harps are somewhat larger, ranging from 32 to 36 inches. The average string count is 25, giving a range of more than 3 octaves. These harps weigh between 10 to 12 lbs.
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Uses of Lap Harps
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Laps harps are useful in many situations. They are a favorite of music therapists due to their portability. These small harps are easy to carry through the halls of a nursing home or hospital.
Disadvantages of Lap Harps
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The small size of lap harps is a significant disadvantage. Most harp music is written for larger instruments and require notes that are too high or too low for the small range of the lap harp. Fortunately, there is an extensive selection of music that is composed or arranged specifically for the lap harp.
Significance of the Harp
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Harps as we know them today have evolved over more than 4,500 years. They have been used throughout history for songs of war and peace, love and sadness. Their inimitable sound will continue to bring happiness and healing to any who will take the time to listen.
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