The Paraguayan harp is the national instrument of the country of Paraguay. This instrument has several unique features that make it an outstanding harp.
The harp neck is designed so that the strings come from the center of the neck, eliminating the tendency for the neck to roll over to the left because of string tension as in an Irish harp.
Since the pillar and soundbox don't need to be extra strong to accommodate the "left-sidedness" of the tension, the whole instrument weighs far less than a comparable Irish harp. The traditional Sandpiper Paraguayan harp weighs just 12 pounds if not equipped with sharping levers, and just 16 pounds with sharping levers.
The harp is lightly strung, and has the largest bass volume of all harps played today. The upper register is very bright. Contrary to popular belief, virtually any type of music can be played on this harp, especially if it has sharping levers.
If you are unfamiliar with this harp, just listen to any recording by Alfredo Ortiz, the Maestro of this instrument.
Products