How to Choose a Harp

The Harp Is Not Just for Orchestra Musicians

When someone says harp, most people picture a huge instrument from a symphony orchestra, with a woman in an elegant dress playing a few notes before the violins come in. But that is only one face of this instrument.

Today there are harps that fit in a backpack. Harps you can learn to play in a few weeks. Harps that make a wonderful gift for a child or an adult who has never played before.

What Types of Harps Exist and Which One Is for You?

Concert Harp

The large, orchestral kind. It has 47 strings, weighs around 35 kilograms and costs thousands of euros. Beautiful, but completely unnecessary for a beginner.

Folk Harp and Lap Harp

This is where it gets interesting. A folk harp typically has 22 to 36 strings and fits on your lap or on a stand. A lap harp is even smaller, played literally resting on your lap. Both sound wonderful, both can be learned without a conservatory and the price is much more approachable.

Lyre Harp

Small, round, with a short scale. The sound is gentle and meditative. Great for relaxation, music therapy or as a first contact with string playing. Shamann Moonlire harps belong exactly to this category and are currently one of the most popular choices on the market.

What to Look for When Choosing a Harp

Number of Strings

The fewer strings, the easier it is to start. For a complete beginner, 8 to 11 strings is the ideal starting point. You will learn your first melodies quickly, you will not get lost and the instrument will not feel overwhelming. As your skills grow you can move up to 15 strings and beyond.

Material and Sound

Wood sounds warmer and fuller. Metal frames are more durable and the sound is brighter and more bell-like. Both have their charm and it depends on what resonates with you more.

Who Is the Harp For?

Children from age 5 can handle small 8-string models without any problem. Adult beginners are happy with 11 or 15 strings. And those who want to play compositions and develop their skills will reach for a folk harp with more than 20 strings.

Shamann Moonlire Harps

Shamann Moonlire harps gained popularity quickly and it is no coincidence. The sound is clean, the tuning precise and the build quality convinces even those who did thorough research before buying. If you are looking for a harp that will not disappoint, this is a good place to start. The series has two lines. Fullmoon has a rounded, full shape and a richer resonant sound. Crescent is slightly lighter and more compact but does not compromise on sound. In each line you choose from three sizes:

Moonlire Fullmoon 8 notes is the ideal first step. You will be playing your first melodies within an hour and the sound will surprise you with how full a small instrument can sound.

Moonlire Fullmoon 11 notes is the sweet spot. Enough strings for real melodies, still a manageable reach, sound that is a notch fuller. This is the model we recommend for most beginners.

Moonlire Fullmoon 15 notes is for those who think ahead. If you know that the harp will captivate you and you want to play more from the very beginning, this is your choice.

The same applies to Crescent 8, Crescent 11 and Crescent 15. The difference lies in the shape and the slightly different character of the sound.

Caring for Your Harp

The harp is not an instrument that demands much. Store it in a dry place without extreme temperature changes. Check the strings regularly and replace any that are loose or broken in good time. Shamann also sells replacement string sets so you never have to worry about being left without music. You will find the full selection of harps at Muziker in one place.

Frequently Asked Questions About Harps

Is the Harp Suitable for Beginners Without Musical Training?

Yes, and this surprises many people. Small folk harps and lyre harps do not require reading sheet music. You just need to find the right tone and play by ear or with simple tablature. Most beginners are playing their first melodies within a few hours.

From What Age Can a Child Play the Harp?

Small models with 8 strings are suitable from age 5. A child can hold them easily, the strings are not too tight and the sound motivates them to keep going.

How Much Does a Harp Cost?

Small lyre harps start at a few tens of euros. Folk harps with 20 or more strings range from 200 to 800 euros.

Can You Play the Harp Without a Teacher?

On small models, yes. There are plenty of videos, simple tablature guides and online community groups. For a concert harp we recommend a teacher, but with folk harps and Moonlire models you can manage the basics on your own.