Harps of Praise
Hostetler Woodworks’ Harps of Praise
Welcome to Harps of Praise! We are the Reuben Hostetler family and Harps of Praise is the name we have chosen for the home business/ministry the LORD has given us. Reuben builds the harps, and four of our children, Joel, Darlene, Daisy, and Joshua, have enjoyed learning to play them.
We offer highest quality affordable harps, for both beginning students and professionals. Our harps come in all sizes, from a 15-string lap harp to a 36-string large harp. We also build psalteries and bowed psalteries.
These beautiful instruments are carefully and individually handcrafted, using solid hardwood. The soundboard is made of aircraft birch, the strongest, lightest, and highest resounding material available. Much time is spent finishing each instrument, hand-rubbing to a smooth, satiny luster, which is sure to please you!
Most importantly, and best of all, our harps are known for their lovely sound: the clear, sweet, ringing tones of the lap harps, and the rich, majestic resonance of the large harps.
We also offer instrumental harp recordings by Harps of Praise, how-to books, sheet music, musicards, padded harp and psaltery covers, harp stools, and tuners.
Feel free to contact us. We look forward to serving you and helping you fill your home with heavenly music!
Praising the Lord with the harp,
Reuben & Naomi,
Joel & Helena,
Darlene & Levi,
D & S,
Joshua & Suzanne,
Jewel and Jonathan Hostetler
Click a button below to be taken to that section, or Contact Us with any questions.
Psalteries
Psaltery
15 strings
Range: 2 octaves starting at middle C
Price: $200
Shipping: $30. This instrument ships via UPS.
A set of song sheets is included for under the strings.
If your child isn’t quite ready for a harp, but is ready for a simple, yet beautiful instrument, consider this psaltery. With the set of song sheets, it’s very easy for a young child to use the pick and play songs.
“I play this just like a harp.” —Darlene
It’s a beautiful little instrument, with a metallic sound.
Bowed Psaltery
32 strings
Range: Middle C to G
Price: $345
Shipping: $30. This instrument ships via UPS.
The Bowed Psaltery is very easy to learn. It’s played with a bow, and sounds similar to a violin. Better than one bow is playing with two bows!
“I’ve just started playing with two bows and it adds such a beauty to the music. Sometime I’d like to try three!” —Darlene
The Bowed Psaltery is such a neat instrument! You can play in any key, since the one side is just like the white keys on a piano, and the other side is just like the black keys.
Harps
Little Lindsey Baby Harp
10 strings
Size: 13″ tall
Weight: Approximately 12 oz.
Price (without sharping levers): $150.00
Shipping: $25. This instrument ships via Parcel Post.
We now make all our Little Lindsey Harps out of solid wood, such as Cherry, Maple, Oak, etc. The wood burning designs vary: Butterflies, ivy, flowers, hearts, birds, etc.
These sweet little harps will delight any young child. We made one for a friend of ours who requested one for her 3-year-old daughter. She just loved it, and carried it everywhere. It was a “real harp” she could play!
The Little Lindsey Harp is primarily a child’s toy or a home decoration. For this reason, it does not have a soundbox or much tone. To keep the price low, we do not spend as much time on the finish as we do on our other harps.
However, we have even sold a Little Lindsey Harp to an elderly lady, and she is learning to play it! She loves it. It has 10 strings, and it reminds her of King David’s harp in the Old Testament.
This harp was named after our precious little foster girl whom we loved dearly and had for 16 short months.
Rippling Brook
16 strings
Range: G above middle c to a”
Size: 22 1/2″ tall
Weight: Approximately 4 lbs.
Price (without sharping levers): $550
Shipping: $50. This instrument ships via UPS.
This is a real harp for your child to learn on! Even an adult can enjoy making music on it.
Shepherd Harp
22 strings
Begins at G below middle C
Size: 37″ tall, 13″ wide
Weight: 11 lbs.
Price: $850
Added cost for Sharping Levers:
Loveland levers…$15.00 per string
Universal levers..$17.00 per string li
Truitt levers……..$20.00 per string
Shipping: $95. This instrument ships via UPS.
The Shepherd Lap Harp is excellent for a young beginner and has surprising sound for its size.
This was the first harp Papa made, and we children loved it.
“We had a 4-year-old foster girl, and she loved playing this harp. It seemed she was just drawn to it.” —Darlene
Limerick Lap Harp
26 strings
Range: F to c”
Size: 31″ tall, 13″ wide
Weight: 12 lbs.
Price: $1,500
Added cost for Sharping Levers:
Loveland levers…$15.00 per string
Universal levers..$17.00 per string
Truitt levers……..$20.00 per string
Shipping: $110 This instrument ships via UPS.
This lap harp has such a sweet bright sound, and people are surprised what all can be played on it. We have been told this harp took first place as the best sounding lap harp at a harp festival.
Celestial Lap Harp
27 strings
Range: E to c”
Size: 31″ tall, 13″ wide
Weight: 12 lbs.
Price: $2,500
Added cost for Sharping Levers:
Loveland levers…$15.00 per string
Universal levers..$17.00 per string
Truitt levers……..$20.00 per string
This harp is also available in an optional B-Tuning for: $100
Shipping: $110. This instrument ships via UPS.
Tuned to E flat, you get the advantage of the lowest E and a maximum of keys to play in.
A great harp teacher recommended that we build a lap harp that starts at E instead of F. So that’s what we did, and have really enjoyed the finished product. Not only is it a lovely harp, but also has beautiful sound. It is our favorite lap harp!
Note: This harp is pictured in Curly Maple Wood, which is $100.00 extra.
Gothic Harp
31 strings
Range: Low E to g”
Size: 58″ tall, 17″ wide
Weight: 22 lbs.
Price: $2,300
Added cost for Sharping Levers:
Loveland levers…$15.00 per string
Universal levers..$17.00 per string
Truitt levers……..$20.00 per string
Shipping: To insure a safe delivery, a sturdy wooden box is built for the harp to be transported in. The shipping cost is $200
This harp produces sweet, full-bodied tones, and is an ideal size for harpists between the ages of 8 and 11. The Gothic Harp is versatile for both children and adults, for beginners and more advanced performers. The string spacing is a little narrower than the Large Gothic and Majesty Harp.
Large Gothic Harp
36 strings
Range: Low C to c”
Size: 66″ tall, 17″ wide
Weight: 26 lbs.
Price: $3,700.00
Added cost for Sharping Levers:
Loveland levers…$15.00 per string
Universal levers..$17.00 per string
Truitt levers……..$20.00 per string
Shipping: To insure a safe delivery, a sturdy wooden box is built for the harp to be transported in. The shipping cost is $250.
The Large Gothic Harp has five octaves of rich baritone resonance.
This harp is taller and wider at the shoulder than the Majesty, so when playing, a 24″ stool works best.
At 26 pounds, it’s fairly easy to carry. It can be easily transported in a mini van.
The string spacing on this harp is the same as pedal harps, (concert spacing) so it’s easy to switch between the two.
Note: We now build the harps with ovals down the back board instead of hearts. We still do the hearts upon request ($25.00 extra)
Majesty Harp
36 strings
Range: Low A to a”
Size: 62″ tall, 16″ wide
Weight: 37 lbs.
Price: $3,300
Added cost for Sharping Levers:
Loveland levers…$15.00 per string
Universal levers..$17.00 per string
Truitt levers……..$20.00 per string
Shipping: To insure a safe delivery, a sturdy wooden box is built for the harp to be transported in. The shipping cost is $250.
The Majesty Harp not only has an attractive design, but also incredible sound!
We’ve heard these comments about this harp:
“It sounds like a pedal harp.”
“My pedal harp just doesn’t have the same sound.”
“It sounds like it’s amplified.”
Some people have asked us if there’s an amplifier in the back when we play, and they’re surprised to find out that there isn’t.
Everyone loves the rich, deep, resonant sound. It’s easy to get a lot of sound compared to pedal harps with gut strings and tight tension. To say the truth, it is the best sounding harp we’ve heard.
Another convenient thing about the Majesty Harp is that the string spacing is the same as pedal harps, so you can easily switch from one to the other.
This is our most popular large harp, starting at low A and ending at high a”. One advantage of this harp over the Large Gothic Harp is that it can be played using a regular kitchen chair.
Note: We now build the harps with ovals down the back board instead of hearts. We still do the hearts upon request ($25.00 extra)
Lap Harp Stool (To Set Lap Harp On)
Size: 16″ tall, 14″ wide
Weight: 7 lbs.
Price: $95
Shipping: $25. This stool ships via UPS.
This beautiful Lap Harp Stool is available in cherry, walnut, or maple. It is pictured in natural cherry wood.
The Lap Harp Stool is for the Limerick or Celestial harp to set on.
21″ Gothic Harp Stool
Size: 21″ tall, 17″ wide at the base
Weight: 10 lbs.
Price: $90
Shipping: $35. This stool ships via UPS.
We have beautiful stools to go along with our harps! They are made out of oak, but can be stained to match your harp.
Sit on this stool when playing a Limerick, Celestial, Gothic, Large Gothic, or Majesty Harp.
This stool is not padded.
24″ Gothic Harp Stool
Size: 24″ tall, 17″ wide at the base
Weight: 10 lbs.
Price: $95
Shipping: $35. This stool ships via UPS.
We have beautiful stools to go along with our harps! They are made out of oak, but can be stained to match your harp.
Sit on this stool when playing a Limerick, Celestial, Gothic, Large Gothic, or Majesty Harp.
This stool is not padded.
Padded harp and psaltery covers
We offer durable, padded harp covers, which are essential to keep your harp protected while transporting it.
Our padded instrument covers are made from upholstery material. They open down the front and close with velcro.
The color varies from time to time, but it’s usually some shade of gray, blue, or tan. We have also had black and burgundy in the past. Please contact us to find out which color we have in stock.
31-string Gothic Harp Cover
Price: $150.00 • Shipping: $20.00
Large Gothic Harp Cover
Price: $175.00 • Shipping: $20.00
Limerick/Celestial Lap Harp Cover
Price: $95.00 • Shipping: $15.00
Majesty Harp Cover
Price: $175.00 • Shipping: $20.00
Shepherd Lap Harp Cover
Price: $95.00 • Shipping: $15.00
Psaltery Cover
Price: $30.00 • Shipping: $15.00
Bowed Psaltery Cover
Price: $45.00 • Shipping: $15.00
Tuners
Need to stay in tune? Buy a tuner!
Our electronic Korg tuners are great for keeping your harp in tune. All you do is press the power button, and pluck the harp string. The electronic hand shows you exactly what pitch your harp is on, and will show if the string is sharped or flatted. Then you just use your tuning wrench, and turn the tuning pin until the string pitch matches the tuner.
Note: We no longer carry the Korg CA-30 Tuners, as pictured. We now have a newer version: the CA-1. They are white instead of black.
Price: $25.00 • Shipping: $4.00
Instrumental harp recordings by Harps of Praise
Our prices are as follows (unless otherwise specified):
Price: $14.00 (for a cassette tape, +$8 for CD) • Shipping: $1.80
Please ask about quantity discounts!
He Leadeth Me
This recording is all sacred, instrumental harp music. Harp solos, duets, trios, and quartets are played by the four Hostetler children. Produced in 2004.
Over 1 hour of beautiful harp music played on 36-string and 26-string lever harps.
Song Listing on This Recording:
Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart
As the Deer / I Come to the Garden
‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus / All the Way My Saviour Leads Me / Trust and Obey
When Peace Like a River
Under an Eastern Sky
Beneath the Cross of Jesus
Day by Day
He Leadeth Me
Saviour, Who Died for Me
Nearer, Still Nearer / Near to the Heart of God
My Jesus As Thou Wilt
Safe in the Arms of Jesus
In Heavenly Love Abiding
When We See Christ
Contact Us to order
My Destiny
Adoption has taken on new meaning for us since bringing our little girl home. We chose her, and paid the price for her because we loved her. We hope that these songs will stir your hearts to rest in the promises of God, the source of all true comfort, hope, and healing. Produced in 2006.
One hour of beautiful harp music played on 36-string lever harps and a 26-string lap harp. Vocals by the Reuben Hostetler family.
Song Listing on This Recording:
Bless the Lord
O Jesus Grant Me Hope and Comfort
Lord, Your Will / I Will Trust in You
Once Upon a Cross
Because He Lives
Jesus Loves Me (Instrumental)
My Father Planned It All
In His Time / You Are My Hope / Joy in the Morning
My Destiny
I Am Adopted
Precious Jewels (Instrumental)
A Brand New Song
In Thee Only Do I Live
Come Holy Spirit
Go Reach the World
I Heard the Sound of Voices
Contact Us to order
How Great Thou Art!
This recording is all sacred, instrumental harp music. Harp solos, duets, trios, and quartets are played by the four Hostetler children. Produced in 2002.
More favorite hymns played on 36-string and 26-string lever harps. 72 minutes long.
Song Listing on this CD:
All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name / Crown Him / He Is Lord
Holy, Holy, Holy / Glorify Thy Name
The Comforter Has Come
Sweet Hour of Prayer / I Need Thee / God Answers Prayer
Great God of Wonders
I Know Whom I Have Believed
‘Tis Marvelous and Wonderful
To God Be the Glory
Praise Him! Praise Him!
How Great Thou Art!
Beautiful Saviour
“Meveye” (Marvelous)
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Be Thou My Vision
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow
Hallelujah Chorus (abridged)
Contact Us to order
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
This recording is all sacred, instrumental harp music. Harp solos, duets, trios, and quartets are played by the four Hostetler children. Produced in 2001.
1 hour of favorite hymns played on 36-string and 26-string lever harps.
CD is permanently out of stock. Only cassette is available.
Song Listing on this Cassette:
Holy God, We Praise Thy Name
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
Come Thou Fount
When I Saw the Cleansing Fountain
Marvelous Grace
Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross
Walking in Sunlight
Amazing Love (And can it be…)
Man of Sorrows
Blessed Assurance
Jesus Paid it All
Amazing Grace
Hallelujah! I Have Found Him
A Wonderful Saviour Is Jesus
Our Great Saviour
Face to Face
Contact Us to order
***
Harp Music Comments
Here are some comments we have received from customers who purchased our harp music recordings:
“I was in the hospital laboring with my child, and was listening to your CD. Everyone wanted to stay in my room…”
“We listen to your CD everyday. I’m afraid it will wear out soon.”
“I listen to your CD if I’m having a stressful day. It just calms me.” —Agency worker
“I listen to your CD over and over again. I just love those bass notes!”
“We had your harp CD playing while my mother was passing away.”
“Your music is so worshipful.”
“Thank you for sending the CD…I sure am enjoying it. It is the most beautiful praise music that I ever heard.”
“Thank you for the CD of beautiful harp music… we have the CD playing where I work, and several customers have also commented on the beautiful music.”
“I would like you to know what a blessing your tape has been to my husband and me.”
“…it is beautiful. We are playing it in our Chiropractic office for background music, and get lots of favorable comments….”
“We really appreciate the beautiful, soothing, inspirational music!”
“I enjoyed the cassette so much, I would like to have 2, and share the second one with someone.”
We want to give the LORD all the glory for these comments. Without him it would not have been possible to make the recordings. Each song has been prayed over, and each recording dedicated to Him.
Learn-how books
Learning to Praise the Lord With the Harp
Price: $30.00 • Shipping: $5.50
Did you know you can teach yourself to play the harp?
Learning to Praise the Lord With the Harp helps beginning harpists/harpers learn the basic techniques of playing the harp using hymns, spiritual songs, and exercises. This teach-yourself book has plenty of illustrations and is easy to understand, yet thorough and informative, making it an excellent resource for beginners. We used this book when we started playing, and it has been an answer to prayer. 154 pages.
Here are all the songs and topics it covers:
Included are: Bar lines, Brackets, Clefs (Treble and Bass), Components of the harp, Definitions, Dynamics, Endings.
Exercises:
Beginning Arpeggios, Blocking Arpeggios
Arpeggios and Harmonics
Counting- 3/4 timing, 4/4 timing
Fifths, Sixths, & Octaves
Fingers – 1-2
” – 1-2-3
” – 1-2-3-4
Fly Placing, Fly Placing Arpeggios; Beginning Glissandos, Double Glissandos, Turnaround Glissandos, Harmonics, Intervals, Passing over and under, arpeggios, Passing over and under, scales, Passing under, arpeggios and chords; Placing Fingers 4-3-1 & 4-2-1, Placing – misc. Replacing fingers 1-2 & 1-2-3, Replacing fingers 1-2-3-4, Rolled chords, Rolled chords and arpeggios, Slides – 4th finger, Slides – thumb, Slides – thumb to chords, Single note to 2- note chords, Single note to 4- note chords, Thirds.
There are also helpful illustrations in this book. The illustrations show you how to do the following:
Glissandos, Hand and Finger exercises, Harmonics, Muffling, Passing over and under, Placing Fingers 1-2 & 1-2-3, Placing Fingers 1-2-3-4, Placing Fingers 1-3 & 1-4, Playing Position, Sliding Thumb for consecutive 3rds, String Identification.
The following are also included:
Gestures, Glissandos, Grand Staff, Harp Care, Hold Sign, How to Replace a String, Identifying strings and octaves, Key Signatures & Scales, Ledger lines, general Lever Setting, Key of C Lever Settings, Key of F Lever Settings, Measures, Pedal harp charts, Pick-up notes, Placing & Playing, Playing Position, Repeat Bars, Replacing, Rests, Rhythm, Staff, String Identification, Things that encourage true worship, Tied Notes, Time Signatures & Triplets.
All this seems a lot more complicated than it is. It’s explained very simply and well. We, who had no background of playing other instruments, were so delighted to find this book. The same one who wrote it, also has sheet music for more advanced players.
Here are the song titles in this book:
A Charge to Keep I Have
All Creatures of our God and King
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Amazing Grace!
Amen – Threefold
And Can It Be?
Be Still and Know
Be Thou My Vision
Blessed Be the Name
Blest Be the Tie That Binds
Break Thou the Bread of Life
Channels Only
Church Bells
Doxology
Footsteps of Jesus
For the Beauty of the Earth
From Every Stormy Wind That Blows
God Be With You
God Is so Good
How Great our Joy
I know Whom I Have Believed
I Sing the Mighty Power of God
I Will Sing of My Redeemer
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Jesus, Lover of My Soul
Jesus Loves Me
Jesus Shall Reign
Jesus, Stand Among Us
Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee
Jewels
Joy to the World
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
Lead Me, Lord
Like A River Glorious
Marvelous Grace
Master, the Tempest Is Raging
My Saviour’s Love
Nearer, My God, to Thee
O May Thy love Inspire My Tongue
(Tune: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross)
O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus
O Thou in Whose Presence
O Wonderful, Wonderful Word!
O Worship the Lord
Oh, the Blood of Jesus
Praise to God, Immortal Praise
Saviour, More Than Life
Search Me, O God
Silent Night! Holy Night!
Take the Name of Jesus With You
Teach Me, O Lord
The Master Has Come and He Calls Us
There’s a Fountain Free
Thou Wilt Keep Him in Perfect Peace
Trusting Jesus
We Give Thee But Thine Own
When I See the Blood
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Wonderful Peace
Learning to Praise the Lord – Workshop Supplement 1
Price: $9.00 • Shipping: $4.00
Need further instruction?
In addition to Learning to Praise the Lord With the Harp, we offer a workshop supplement series.
(All levels may play together—Refers to Basic Instructional Book)
For solo or group: 4 levels of “Praise to God, Immortal Praise” in the keys of C and F. Includes a 3-part canon: “Holy Father, Teach Me Your Ways” (Dona Nobis Pacem)
29 pages.
Learning to Praise the Lord – Workshop Supplement 2
Price: $15.00 • Shipping: $4.00
Need further instruction?
In addition to Learning to Praise the Lord With the Harp, we offer a workshop supplement series.
(All levels may play together—Refers to Basic Instructional Book)
Levels 1–4 of “Sweet Hour of Prayer” and “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name”
63 pages.
Praise the Lord With the Harp, Volume 1
Price: $10.00 • Shipping: $4.00, choose either the Lever Harp or Pedal Harp edition
After you’ve mastered the technique of playing the harp, we have sheet music, which you’re sure to enjoy!
This book is volume 1 of “Praise the Lord With the Harp” series. (Sheet music style; no instruction included.)
Includes “Rejoice the Lord is King,” “Crown Him With Many Crowns,” “Christ We Do All Adore Thee.”
21 pages.
Praise the Lord With the Harp, Volume 3
Price: $12.00 • Shipping: $4.0, choose either the Lever Harp or Pedal Harp edition
After you’ve mastered the technique of playing the harp, we have sheet music, which you’re sure to enjoy!
This book is volume 3 of “Praise the Lord With the Harp” series. (Sheet music style; no instruction included.)
Includes “Hallelujah Chorus.” For solo pedal harp and/or 3 pedal or lever harps.
41 pages.
Harp Music & Movie Clips
Below you’ll find MP3 sound clips from each of our harp music recordings. Beneath those you can watch videos of our different harps being played.
Amazing Grace
Track 12 of Hallelujah! What a Saviour!
Produced in 2001.
To God Be the Glory
Track 8 of How Great Thou Art!
Produced in 2002.
Day by Day
Track 7 of He Leadeth Me
Produced in 2004.
My Destiny
Track 9 of My Destiny
Produced in 2006.
Please visit our harp music section for more information, or Contact Us to purchase Harps of Praise recordings.
Movies
Here are some short movie clips of our instruments being played.
Please note: These files are intended for users with a high-speed internet connection. You may have difficulty watching these movies if you are using a dial-up connection.
Plucked Psaltery
Plucked Psaltery (with song sheet)
Bowed Psaltery
Shepherd Lap Harp
Limerick Lap Harp
Large Gothic Harp
Majesty Harp
Transporting Your Harp
No question about the Psaltery or Bowed Psaltery! Just go ahead and put them in your VW Bug. 🙂
The lap harps we offer are very easy to transport. There’s no need for a van.
For the 31-string Gothic Harp, a car should work well.
If you plan on frequently transporting the Large Gothic Harp, a mini van would be helpful.
The Majesty Harp fits well in a car. If you use a car, it will likely be your passenger. Just put the seat down and lay it on its side in the passenger seat, with the levers up.
Comments
Custom Sized Davidic Harp customer says:
It came! It came! It came tonight by Fed Ex. YOU ARE A MASTER CRAFTSMAN! Reuben, do you realize what an awesome instrument you created????? I know that God had his hands all over you when you crafted this instrument for His use. I let is warm up for as little time as safely possible and then I tuned it and tuned it again and played it for the last 3 hours! WOW…..it’s amazing! The big, rich sound from it and how easy it is to play AND how comfortable I am with it in my arms and my ear up against the wood, feeling like I have become a part of the instrument being used by God! WOW! You did such a terrific job. I love the satin finish on the walnut wood. I can’t thank you enough. You did such a wonderful thing for me. Please have satisfaction in knowing that you created a one of a kind instrument and perhaps only the second 10-string harp with sharping levers ever made! I will carry it with me and play it often. I will use it for prayer and intercession as God intended and King David exemplified. Praise the Lord! Thank you Reuben. God Bless Your Family, God Bless Your Business and may God Bless You Abundantly. -PA
Little Lindsey Harp Customer Says:
The harp is darling! – OH
The harp arrived today—it is so sweet! I know my granddaughter will love it.
The harp arrived a couple of days ago and it is even more lovely than I thought it would be! Thank you so very much! It will be so much fun to introduce the children in Sunday school to it in January.
Psaltery customer says:
Just wanted to let you know we got this today. It is beautiful, and I love the heart cutout in the middle.
Our 7 year old daughter really likes the Psaltery that she received on her birthday this last week.
Bowed Psaltery customer says:
I love the Psaltery. Thank you! You and Joel did a fine job on it and I could sit down and play it immediately when I got home.
Shepherd Lap Harp Customer Says:
I am writing to let you know that my Shepherd Harp arrived here safe and sound today! It is very beautiful – I really like the Truitt Levers on it and the finish is so nice! I tuned it up just once and I have enjoyed playing on it. It has a very sweet sound! Thank you so much! – CO
OUR FIRST INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENT!
The harp arrived today! Such a surprise. I thought it would take at least 6 weeks. What a truly lovely thing it is…. I just LOVE the colour of the wood, with that delicate slightly rose tone in it. Your photography adds that touch which really makes it a little girl’s harp. From what I could make out so far, the sound is very sweet, though, of course, we won’t really know until the strings hold the notes… – Australia
Our harp arrived today in good condition. It is a beautiful instrument, and was very well packaged. You all have done some fine workmanship.- IN
Limerick Lap Harp customer says:
We wanted to thank you for another beautiful harp! We are impressed with the quality of the sound.
Thank you so much for my harp. I enjoy it so much, I can’t step away from it. – IN
What a blessing… She cried with joy when I presented it to her… – PA
…the woodwork was very good…-Singapore
Celestial Lap Harp customer says:
It’s here……..It’s here………..It’s wonderful……….It’s all I expected and more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you, thank you, for your anointed craftsmanship. You truly are a Master’s master craftsman. The instrument you have made me will be put to heavenly use.
The harp arrived……..very well packed……….and in perfect condition. I have been tuning and playing for the last couple of hours. Words cannot express the joy I feel over this beautiful instrument.
Just want to tell you how happy we are with our Celestial harps. For now our Troubadours are just sitting! The Celestial harps are holding tune well now and seem to have as much resonance and volume as the Troubadours. They are a joy to play. Thank you for our wonderful new Celestial harps. They are truly works of art. – OH
I got it this afternoon! That was fast! It is so much better than I even thought it would be! Both the look and the sound are gorgeous, and I can’t even put it down to do my homework! Thank you so much! I’m so glad I bought one from your company instead of bidding on one on Ebay. – LA
My harp is here!!! Charlie and I went into town today to pick it up. Darlene, you’re right… it is beautiful and I can’t wait to play beautiful music with it! Thank you…both of you for your time and talent put into my harp. – MT
Yeah!! We received the harp. It’s a beautiful instrument and sounds very nice (considering what little I know about music). – CO
I received my beautiful Celestial harp and am delighted with the sound! The workmanship is wonderful. – FL
The harp arrived Tuesday, and I am thrilled with it! It came through shipping just fine (you did a wonderful job packing it), and it is absolutely beautiful. The wood is lovely, the tuning pegs turn smoothly (this is more important to you if your other harp has pegs that stick!), and the levers are well-adjusted, too. Most important to me was the sound; I’d been praying that the Lord would give it a sound that would be a blessing to those who heard it, and He has entirely answered my prayer. It sounds better than any lap harp I’ve ever heard, and that’s before the tuning has settled in! – CA
31-string Gothic Harp customer says:
We are really enjoying the harp!! All of us! In fact we are already figuring how to get another smaller one like a Celestial Harp or something. So many want to play and are picking it up quickly. I could hardly keep them at school work today! – OH
…the Harp is absolutely beautiful and I am thrilled to have it and learn to play. – OH
Large Gothic Harp customer says:
Wanted to let you know that the harp arrived today. Beautiful!
Just a note to tell you that we are enjoying the harp… You may use our name as a reference for someone interested in buying a harp.
I would like to express appreciation for the time, effort, and thought you put in making the harp. It is a beautiful looking and sounding harp….
Majesty Harp customer says:
The Majesty has made it safely home and it truly is majestic. I just love it!!!!! It has a beautiful sound and I was thrilled when I turned it around and saw the hearts all down the sound box! – MI
The harp arrived today. We love it!… It looks beautiful and sounds very lovely.
Our new harp was delivered an hour ago and it is beautiful. Thank you!
I want to thank you so very much for the new beautiful harp that I own! I am so delighted with it! When I see my new Majesty harp standing in our living room, it is so lovely that it’s almost hard for me to believe that it is mine! It is the most beautiful harp that I own and one of the most beautiful harps that I think I’ve ever seen!! I also love the finish on this harp…. it is absolutely flawless and it is the best finish I have ever seen or felt on any harp! The curly maple wood that you used is also so beautiful… the grain in the wood is really something and it is everything that I wanted! Best of all though is the sound… it is so rich and majestic and is the best sounding lever harp that I have ever played on! Whenever I play, it makes me just want to keep playing!:-) The Truitt levers are also so nice! I’ve played in many different keys already with the levers up. They were so precisely installed and work very well! Another thing that I wanted to mention is that this harp is holding it’s tune so well, I can’t believe it! I’ve only tuned it up once and that was right after I got it. It still sounds pretty much in tune! Did you make the tuning wrench that was sent with my harp too? I really like it! I just want you to know that I just love my new harp from top to bottom (I especially like the base frame of this harp!) The harp was truly worth all the wait and every dollar it took to buy it! Your workmanship and service are excellent and it has been a joy for me to purchase a harp from your family! I am sure that I will have many years of musical enjoyment in praising the Lord with this harp! – CO
Many thanks to all of you for the beautiful harp. It sounds so perfect and so far I have had 2 lessons! Thank you for your help to me and to your father for all his hard work in making the harp. It will be a joy for many years to come. – OH
We have been wanting to write and let you know how pleased Elaine has been with her new harp. She has a hard time of leaving it alone!! Tomorrow she will be playing for a wedding nearby… We are very pleased with your workmanship in making this instrument. – IL
The harp came yesterday and we were able to get it home last night. It is absolutely beautiful. It was packed very well. My daughter loves it. – TN
Thank you- you did a wonderful job!
It arrived and looks great. It’s lovely – just beautiful! – IL
I received the harp June 17th. It is beautiful and has great sound. – CO
Thanks so much! The harp looks beautiful and sounds great!
The harp arrived today! It’s just beautiful!! -AL
How to Order
Our harps are available in cherry, walnut, or maple with a birch soundboard.
We offer 3 types of sharping levers:
Loveland Levers..$15.00 per string
Universal Levers..$18.00 per string
Truitt Levers..$20.00 per string
The harp comes to you with a tuning wrench and extra strings.
Additional options are available for extra cost: 5% for all stained items, $25 for decorative hearts, and $25 for heart-shaped holes in the back of the soundboard. Extra cost will be figured for using Curly Maple, or any other specialty woods.
To place an order, Call or Contact Us. We need a down payment of at least half of the sale price when you place an order.
If you need further help or information, please contact us. We enjoy working with our customers!
Warranty
All of our instruments are guaranteed against defects in workmanship or materials for 5 years from the date of purchase except in the case of misuse or neglect.
We are committed to having you totally satisfied with your instrument.
Harp Q & A
Harp Question and Answer Time
Is it hard to learn to play the harp?
To tell you the truth, I believe it’s easier learning harp than it is piano. You set the harp to whatever key you want it, and you’re ready to go! The harp is like a piano set upright. The low notes at the bottom, the high notes at the top.
Did you take lessons?
We got four concentrated lessons from a harp teacher. She taught us the hand technique and chords and a few other basic things. We were so happy to find the book, Learning to Praise the Lord With the Harp, and continued with that.
How long did it take you to learn?
Well, it depends what we’re talking about. We were playing simple chords in 2 weeks, songs in 4 months, and as we kept on going, by God’s grace, became more advanced. Every time we sat down to play, we would ask the Lord to “help us to learn fast”!
Did you play any other instrument before you learned to play the harp?
Basically not. We had a keyboard and an organ, but I never got really good at it. Daisy, Joshua, and Joel didn’t either.
Is it best for my child to learn piano before harp?
We children didn’t, and we made out fine. Actually, we think the harp is the best instrument for learning to read music and for understanding scales, chords, and key changes-easier to understand than piano or guitar.
Do I need to start out with a Lap Harp?
No. Actually starting out with a larger harp seems to be easier because you have more strings to play on. We started out with the Shepherd Lap Harp, and we were able to learn some, but when we graduated to the Gothic Harp… Wow! What a difference!
I have a 10-year-old daughter that has been asking for a harp. Which one would you recommend?
We would recommend a 31-string Gothic or Lap Harp. The general rule is: 5-7 years, Lap Harps; 8-11 years, 31-string Gothic Harp; 12 years and up, Majesty Harp or Large Gothic Harp. Of course, even an adult can play a Lap Harp!
Why are some of the strings colored?
It helps you know where you are going. The red strings are C, and the blue or black ones are F.
What are the strings made out of?
The lower strings are copper core and nylon wound, and the upper strings are nylon.
Does the type of wood used make a difference in sound?
Yes, it does. The cherry has a brighter sound, walnut has a more mellow sound, and maple is sort of in the middle. Our personal preference is the walnut, but the others sound very beautiful also.
What are the sharping levers for?
They are for playing the accidentals in your music, and also for changing keys. Each lever raises the note a half step. Note: It is possible to change keys during a song.
What is the difference between the Loveland and Truitt Levers?
The Truitt Levers are said to produce a truer harp sound than the Loveland Levers when sharping notes. Although Loveland Levers work well, Truitt Levers are more precise and easier to flip.
Where can I find a harp teacher?
You can try calling around to universities, colleges, or high schools, and ask for the music department. Music stores can also be helpful.
If the Majesty Harp has better sound than the Large Gothic Harp, why is the Large Gothic Harp more expensive?
The Large Gothic Harp takes longer and is harder to build.
Is the harp played in relative pitch or perfect pitch?
You can play in both relative and perfect pitch.
How young should you start?
It depends a lot on the interest of the child. We’ve heard of a 5-year-old starting lessons. We also had a 4-year-old foster girl who loved “playing” the Shepherd Lap Harp.
Do you ever give lessons?
Sometimes I do. It just depends. Give me a call, and I’ll see how I can accomodate you.
Do you have sheet music for your arrangements?
Sorry to say, we don’t. I still have hopes to put some of our music on paper, but at this point it looks a little overwhelming. Nevertheless, if you have a song (sacred) that you’d like to have a harp arrangement for, let me know and I can write some music for you. I would write it according to the style that we play. You can check out our style by listening to our movie clips.
I’d love to learn to play the harp, but I’m afraid I’m too old.
We have great news for you! You’re never too old, not until you die. I’ve heard of a 90-year-old lady who still plays harp for their church service every Sunday morning! Not only that, we have built a harp for a couple in their 70’s; also a 50-year-old gentleman; plus a wife and mother. So there’s lots of hope for you. Just get your harp, and have a mind to learn!
How will I know if my child is interested in the harp?
You as parents can make the decision for your child as my parents did for me. And if your children enjoy sacred music and singing, they’re almost sure to enjoy harp music, and learning to play the harp.
If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Links
PursuingLife.com – Bible Memory Site
Offers tips for memorizing large portions of the Bible, free Bible memory software, discussion forums, free MP3 Scripture songs, and links to audio Bibles.
ErinCrossHarpist.com
Lovely harp music
charityministries.org
Excellent teaching for every area of life