Finlaggan 34
A 34-string modern clarsach with medium string tension, a rich sound, good dynamic range, and generous string spacing - the flagship of the Silver Spear harp range. All Finlaggan 34's, with their distinctive profile, have a soundboard of sitka spruce; and various choices are available, including gut or nylon strings, a choice of semi-tone levers, and a range of timbers. Two of the most popular combinations are shown below.

Finlaggan 34 in rippled sycamore with all-brass Trvitt semi-tone levers and high quality nylon strings - £2,500
In European Walnut with gut strings and Truitt or Pilgrim levers - £2,700

Keills 30
Based on the shape of the clarsach carved on a stone in Keills chapel, Argyll, but built as a modern clarsach, and strung with nylon instead of wire. The Keills is designed for a lighter string tension than the Finlaggan range. Soundboards are of either sitka spruce or western red cedar, and various timbers may be used for the body and frame.

In sycamore with nylon strings and Robinson levers on the c's and f's only - £1,250
In european walnut with nylon strings and Robinson levers on all strings - £1,450

Semi-tone levers. Even the best semi-tone levers will not give quite as good a sound, in use, as an open string. Tuning a harp in C, as recommended by Alison Kinnaird in her clarsach tutor book; allows you to employ a minimum of levers when playing in the keys most used for traditional music; though many harp teachers prefer to tune to E-flat, the tuning used by classical players. If you will be tuning to E-flat, or need to change key easily while playing, rather than just setting the levers at the beginning of a tune, I suggest you select the more expensive levers, which give a slightly clearer sound, and are a little easier to engage, than the Robinson type.

Harp strings - gut or nylon? When good quality nylon strings are used, and the harp is designed to respond to them, the sound quality can be just as good as gut; and many people who try my harps at exhibitions remark on how good the nylon strings sound on them. Gut strings, which are generally preferred by traditional scottish players, are quicker to hold their tune when new, have a more natural feel, and a stronger, yet more subtle sound; while nylon have a brighter - though still very sweet and resonant - sound, are less affected by atmospheric changes, last longer; and are less expensive.

Harp bags and covers.
Fitted carrying bag for Finlaggan 34 - £165
Fitted plush dust cover for Finlaggan 34 (range of colours available) - £70
Standard carrying bag to fit Finlaggan 30 and Keills 30 - £65

We reserve the right to alter prices and specifications without notice All prices are ex-works.