Gothic Harps with Brays

Paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries frequently show musician angels playing 'Gothic' harps alongside other instruments of the day. These harps had bray pins and were heard all over Europe during the Renaissance, being used for accompanying court songs and sacred music, and for playing dance music. Instead of using ordinary string pegs, 'Gothic' harps were fitted with crooked wooden pegs, which held the gut strings in place and lightly touched them, causing a silvery buzzing effect. Although sounding a bit exotic to modern ears, this buzzing was familiar throughout Europe for several hundred years.

Larger than the Crathes, the Rosslyn is still a relatively portable harp. With a range descending to bass F, the Rosslyn is the ideal harp for exploring the music of the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

The soundbox is carved from a single block of lime wood, assembled in a 'clam-shell' construction.

Bray pins are fitted throughout.

Rosslyn: 26 gut strings

Range: F to c'''

Height in playing position: 119cm

The range extends down to bass C. With a deeper soundbox than the Crathes, the Urquhart harp gives a clear sound with the brays turned 'off' and gives a satisfying growl when they are turned 'on'.

Urquhart: 29 gut strings; bray pins.

Range: C to c'''.

Height in playing position: 144 cm.

Modern Clarsach or Folk Harp

Dominie: 34 strings (24 gut; 10 wire-wound).

Range: C to a'''.

Height in playing position: 118 cm.