![[picture of 34 string harp]](http://www.scorhill.demon.co.uk/34st.jpeg)
34 String Celtic Harps.
The distinctive sound—clear and clean—is the most frequently admired characteristic of Peter Brough's Celtic harps. And indeed, achieving outstanding acoustic clarity was the prime aim when this inventor-craftsman set out, in the 1980s, to create a ground-breaking design for a new harp. He believed that bringing leading-edge engineering thinking and materials technology together with the best of craft traditions could give rise to an instrument significantly different from anything seen before—and one enabling its player to enjoy important benefits.
His objectives were musical and practical. The clarity of sound had to be achieved along with consistent tone across the instrument's range. The harp should feel precise to the player; the tension of all of the strings should feel even. Striking visual elegance was another criterion, so that the harp's looks would accord with its sound; stability, physical robustness and reliability were equally essential. In short, everything on the ‘wish lists’ of professional performers, aspiring amateurs, or more knowledgeable student musicians.
Peter Brough applied the same ‘think outside the box’ approach to levers. Apart from pitch, the sound of a string with a lever applied had to be indistinguishable from that of the open string—clear, clear, clear!
Listen to international clarsach artist Corrina Hewat playing one of Peter Brough's harps on, for example, the Bachue CD A Certain Smile to understand how well he achieved his aims. (The fact that increasing numbers of other leading harpmakers now fit Brough levers on their best instruments tells you something too.) Better still, visit Devon and ‘test drive’ one of these exceptional harps for yourself. This webpage sets out to answer your questions —to give a picture of the instruments. But you really need to experience the sound and feel . . . and there's only one way to do that.
There are two models. The first has a tone slightly brighter than, and a string tension very similar to, those of many concert harps. These factors make it seem—and feel—very familiar to pedal harp players. The second, with lighter string tension and an ultra bright tone, has been described as ‘the clarsach player's dream instrument’.
The neck pillar and body are built from cherry wood. The trim is sycamore, and the soundboard crafted from sitka spruce. Highly stressed parts of the harp contain carbon fibre and other synthetic reinforcement—the benefits being lighter weight coupled with greater strength.
Every harp is fitted with a full set of Peter Brough semitone levers, cast in bronze and polished.
34 strings from 1st octave 'A' to 6th octave 'C'. Strung in gut from 1 'A' to 5 'C' and in wire from 5 'B' to 6 'C'.
Height 1.35 m (53"). Width across soundboard 0.305 m (12"). Weight approx 10.5 Kg (23 lbs).
Because each harp is hand-built, there is some scope for individual variation in the matter of decoration.
Soft carrying covers - Replacement string sets - Hard flight cases (built to order)
Is supplied with a tuning key and full care and maintenance advice and is individually numbered and signed.
The April 2003 price is 4,600 UK Pounds. A deposit of one third of this amount is requested with your order. Cases and replacement string sets are extra. Please note Peter Brough is not registered for VAT. Because each harp is hand-built to your order delivery time can vary; please phone or email for the current situation.
Please ring or email for an appointment to try out these harps in Devon. There is also occasionally an opportunity to play them at music events. e-mail the maker.
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