How the African harp makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the African harp belongs to the harps: strings run at an angle away from the soundboard, each plucked open.
More broadly it is one of the chordophones (string instruments), where sound comes from vibrating strings, amplified by a resonating body.
Its timbre – the colour that lets you tell it apart from other instruments playing the same note – comes from the mix of overtones its body and resonator emphasise.
From Wikipedia
African harps, particularly arched or "bow" harps, are found in several Sub-Saharan African music traditions, particularly in the north-east. Used from early times in Africa, they resemble the form of harps in ancient Egypt with a vaulted body of wood, parchment faced, and a neck, perpendicular to the resonant face, on which the strings are wound.
Other harps
Frequently asked questions
What does the African harp sound like?
As one of the harps, its sound comes from the way strings run at an angle away from the soundboard, each plucked open.
What type of instrument is the African harp?
It is classified as harps (Hornbostel–Sachs 322.11).
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q1343310 – CC0
- Wikipedia: African harp – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Casey Lugada – CC BY-SA 4.0