How the harp lute makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the harp lute belongs to the harp lutes: strings rise in a vertical plane over a bridge with notches, as on the West African kora.
More broadly it is one of the chordophones (string instruments), where sound comes from vibrating strings, amplified by a resonating body.
Press play above and watch the spectrum: the evenly spaced peaks are harmonics, and their relative strength is what gives the instrument its character.
From Wikipedia
The harp lute, or dital harp, is a musical instrument that combines features of harp and lute and to increase its compass of the latter. It was invented in 1795 by Edward Light, (though an earlier form is shown in The Garden of Earthly Delights (~1500) by Hieronymus Bosch).
Other harp lutes
Frequently asked questions
What does a harp lute sound like?
As one of the harp lutes, its sound comes from the way strings rise in a vertical plane over a bridge with notches, as on the West African kora.
What type of instrument is the harp lute?
It is classified as harp lutes (Hornbostel–Sachs 323-5).
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q3623687 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Harp lute – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Ted – CC BY-SA 2.0