Roosebeck Gothic Harp User manual

Gothic
Harp
As with any ne wood furniture, humidity is your
biggest concern. Fluctuations in temperature and
humidity will cause the natural wood to swell and
contract, altering the amount of tension the strings
place on the instrument.
Here are some simple tips to care for your Gothic Harp
- Use a dry so cloth for dusting
- Use a damp so cloth for cleaning
- Avoid extreme temperatures
- Avoid extremely dry conditions
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Avoid using abrasives
Instrument Care
Gothic Harp
Accessories
String Sets, Cases and other
accessories are available at
www.mid-east.com
– Owner’s Guide –
www.mid-east.com
© Copyright 2015. Mid-East Mfg. Inc.
Gothic Harp

Gothic harps appeared during the middle of the 14th century,
remaining popular throughout Europe
into the early 17th century. Compared
to earlier harps, the Gothic Harp was
tall, while still small and light by modern
standards.
ey were strung with gut strings at
a much lower tension than we are
accustomed to today. e bray pegs, along
the center of the soundboard, lightly touch
the strings at their base. e plucked
strings buzzed against the pegs. is
contact was essential in exciting the upper
harmonics of the notes; an admired sound during the instrument’s
heyday.
Originally, the soundbox was hollowed from a single plank of
hardwood, giving the harp a distinctive plucked sound that
complimented the lute. e gothic harp was played solo, to accompany
vocals, or in consort with vocals and the Lute. Earlier models had 19
to 22 strings, later harps known as early Renaissance harps were larger
and had 26 to 30 strings.
is Early Music Shop (EMS) design is an historic
reproduction. e Gothic harps have a very graceful
line, with a seemingly too thin arm. ey are not free
standing. Each string runs from the tuning peg in
the arm, past a bray peg, to a hole in the center of the
soundboard. e string is held in place by the bray peg.
Since the strings are changed from the front, there are no
holes in the back of the harp. e number of strings and
the length of the harp can vary.
e tuning varies according to the length of the
instrument. In general the Gothic harp is tuned
lower than a similarly sized modern harp. e
EMS designed 19 string Gothic harp is tuned
F3-C6. e EMS designed 29 string Gothic harp
is tuned F2-F6. e strings are color coded, all
F’s are Blue and all C’s are Red.
Important note regarding construction.
Under the tension of tuning, the shoulder of the
arm will lean forward. is will cause a slight
gap between the base of the shoulder and the soundbox. is gap is natural
and should be expected. In anticipation of this gap a solid brass stability
rod is installed in the shoulder during manufacture. e stability rod passes
from the shoulder into the upper block of the soundbox.
is stability rod transfers the tension of the strings to the body of the harp.
erefore, the slight gap that develops is not a structural concern. It is best
to leave this gap open, do not use ller. If the harp is de-tuned, such as
during shipping, the gap will close.
Gothic Harp
History Gothic Harp
Tuning
Gothic Harp
Description
When a string breaks, the strings to either side are under greater tension
and more likely to fail. erefore, always replace a broken string as soon as
possible. To replace the string, rst remove the old string. Pull out the bray
peg and remove the broken string from the soundboard. Note the knot in
the end of the string. Make sure your replacement string, is the same gauge
and color as the broken string. Tie a knot in one end; do not leave too
much string hanging past the knot. Slip the knotted end into the hole in the
soundboard. Replace the bray peg. Look at the bray peg, there is one at side
on the post. e at side should face up. en take the free end of the string
and slip it through the hole in the tuning pin. Pull it through all the way but
do not pull it tight. en start to turn the tuning pin. You can cut the string
so there is just a half inch of free string, tuck that end under as you tune.
Remember this is a new string and will need slow tuning to stretch in.
Gothic Harp
Replacing Strings
A gap between
shoulder and the
soundbox should be
expected.