How the cross-strung harp makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the cross-strung 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.
Players shape its sound through technique and materials; the resonating body filters the raw vibration, boosting some harmonics and damping others.
From Wikipedia
The cross-strung harp or chromatic double harp is a multi-course harp that has two rows of strings which intersect without touching. While accidentals are played on the pedal harp via the pedals and on the lever harp with levers, the cross-strung harp features two rows so that each of the twelve semitones of the chromatic scale has its own string.
Other harps
Frequently asked questions
What does a cross-strung 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 cross-strung harp?
It is classified as harps (Hornbostel–Sachs 322.212.2).
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q2353374 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Cross-strung harp – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Creator:Pleyel, Wolff, Lyon & Cie. – CC0 1.0