FAQ
On the harp
Where can I try out a Harp·E?
The following stores have Harp·E:
EUROPE:
NETHERLANDS zingendesnaar.nl
GERMANY artefakt-musik.de
FRANCE linstrumentarium.fr
UK theharpstudio.co.uk
ASIA / PACIFIC:
JAPAN ginzajujiya.com
KOREA segyemusic.com
HONG KONG harpchamber.com
AUSTRALIA theharplab-learnwithemily.com
NEW ZEALAND oceaniaharpstudio.co.nz
These all stock Harp·E but some might still need updating their listing.
Drop them a line directly and they'll assist you!
Harp·E is also on reverb.com
Can I take Harp·E on a plane?
Yes! Its compact size and robust design makes it perfect for travel.
We often receive the question of whether you can take Harp·E as carry-on luggage. This is possible, but it varies by airline. Please check your airline for the allowed dimensions. The dimensions of Harp·E in the bag are: 8 cm x 88 cm x 48 cm
How can I get a left-handed Harp·E?
Harp·E can be assembled right or left-handed. If you order a Plug & Play or String & Go, please let us know you want it left handed in the comments. If you order a DIY package to assemble yourself, follow the assembly manual but with the parts mirrored, except the soundboard. If you need any help with this, don't hesitate to contact us!
Are there other color options?
We offer 4 standard color options and a custom color option!
We take care of all the coating in our standard packages, but you are welcome to add your own colors or designs on top of that prior to assembly. Or, you can ask us to handle any original colors or ideas.
We also offer an Uncoated DIY package for those that know their way around the entire coating process.
Can I use other strings?
We do not recommend using other strings besides SilkGut as they may affect the Harp·E's sound and performance. Although, you are free to experiment and prove us wrong!
How do I know I have a v2 or v3?
All harps ordered on our website after March 2023 are v3.
If purchased at a retailer or unsure, look at the levers. V3 levers have a little notch on the side.
If purchasing spare parts, double-check you are buying for the right version: https://www.harp-e.com/en-us/pages/shop-spare-parts
Coating & Hacking
Should I get a DIY coated or Uncoated?
The DIY Uncoated option allows the greatest freedom in customization, but with this freedom comes risks. This package is best for the DIY-savvy folks with plenty of experience coating and finishing wood. This is not a good pick for a first coating project.
The coated package is a great pick for those who enjoy the assembly process and may want to add color or hack things along the way, without having to undertake the entire coating process.
How do I customize coated packages?
Our coat makes it easy to add paint, varnish, decals, or stickers. Because the coating has soaked a bit into the wood, it allows you to sand or polish it before adding layers.
Check with your supplier that whatever finish you use will stick on 2k Oil. Oil-based products are your safest bet.
Test the product on a non-visible area first, like the inside of the frame. Make sure to keep the coat as thin as possible around the levers as thick coats may compromise their functionality.
What should I know before making alterations?
Harp·E has a deliberately transparent design, allowing you to easily modify it. Some examples of alterations include: assembling the harp mirrored to make it left-handed, combining two Harp·Es to create a double-strung harp, integrating further electronics in the open spaces of the frame, and so on.
The wood is strong, flat beech ply which allows for drilling additional holes. The unique centralized lever mechanism means there aren't a lot of forces going on, even
though the strings are under high tension. This means altering the structure (within reason) is pretty safe. Although safe is not risk-free, please make sure you know what you are doing.
The Harp·E community is a great place to bounce ideas or ask for help!
On the electronics
Can you give me precise electronics specs?
Our sensor is a self-shielding, singular transducer along all the strings.
The pre-amp is a custom design, low power, low noise FET input two-stage amplifier with contour filtering and rail to rail performance. It ensures a high signal-to-noise ratio, zero latency, and full compatibility with all standard audio equipment.
Our system also includes a dual mode battery monitoring with 4-level state warning via RGB LED.
The included battery is a standard 9V. It will provide long lasting power and is easy to replace.
What can Harp·E connect to?
Harp·E can connect to all standard audio equipment including amps, PA systems, mixing decks, guitar pedals, and mobile interfaces.
Check our @harp_e_harp YouTube channel or the "Getting started" section on this website for more electronics tips!
How can I connect Harp·E to my smartphone or headphones?
Just like with electric guitars, an audio interface is required, like the iRig or Sonic Port. There are many free and paid smartphone apps for recording and pedal emulation on the go.
The same type of interface is required to connect to headphones.
Check our "getting started" page for videos and tips.
What about contact sounds?
As with all electro-acoustic instruments, you will hear contact sounds. Utilizing these sounds allow you to unlock added expression possibilities to your playing (e.g. looping tapped rhythms).
Troubleshooting
How do I fix string buzzes?
Check out the videos below:
https://youtu.be/09bcVW1COLk?si=MexxtU8ZW2txLKZh
If after following the suggestions in this video you still experience buzzes, reach out to our support email and we will provide dedicated assistance: support@harpeharp.zohodesk.eu
My levers are not lining up with the metal sheet, what do I do?
Since the levers all sit loose on the rod, they may shift out of alignment during stringing. The solution is simple, simply take the misaligned lever and wiggle it up and down towards the direction it needs to go.
This video shows the process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hw5AXE5EJZY&t=1415s
How can I make the levers smoother?
While many harpists enjoy our levers, some have a preference for even smoother operation. If this is you, continue reading.
First, make sure all levers are aligned properly. If you are having trouble with this step, check out this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hw5AXE5EJZY&t=1415s
Once aligned, check that the top area of the levers that touches the metal is smooth. If they're not, you can take some sandpaper and lightly sand it until it’s smoother. If this is not enough, you can add some paraffin (candle) wax to the top of the levers.
Is a gap in the lever mechanism normal?
Yes, this is normal. A little extra breathing room for the levers allows them to move with less friction.
If you have a DIY and the gap is too large, add an extra rubber ring in between any two levers near the middle to even out the spacing.
I am having trouble regulating my strings, even after screwing the bolt in completely. what can I do?
This can happen when the strings haven't fully settled. We recommend waiting another week to give them more time to stretch, then try regulating again.
If after waiting that extra time some strings are still being stubborn, check out the video below: https://youtu.be/09bcVW1COLk?si=MexxtU8ZW2txLKZh
shipping & payment
Which countries do you ship to?
We offer worldwide shipping!
If your country does not show up on our shipping list at checkout, please contact us via email at support@harpeharp.zohodesk.eu.
Do you offer financing options?
Our mission with Harp·E is to make harps accessible to everyone. Therefore, we currently provide financing options through Klarna. Simply choose 'Klarna - Flexible Payments' at checkout.
How long does it take to receive an order?
Wait times depend on a few factors, including package choice and delivery location. Our packages all ship from our warehouse in the Netherlands.
The DIY packages are the quickest since they don’t require assembly, with the uncoated version being the fastest. The String & Go is the next quickest option, and the Plug & Play takes the longest.
Shipping may take anywhere from a few days to two weeks, depending on your country’s location and customs procedures.
Here is the current average wait times for our packages:
* DIY Uncoated with case: ±2-3 weeks
* DIY Coated or Uncoated without case: ±2-4 weeks
* String & Go: ± 4-6 weeks
* Plug & Play: ±8 weeks
How can I make a bulk order for my school/studio/shop?
We offer discounts on bulk orders. Please send an email to sales@jorisbeetsdesign.com, and we will be happy to assist you!
How do you determine your prices?
Our objective with Harp·E is to achieve the lowest price possible without compromising quality, as per our mission to democratize the harp. We do this through re-imagining the harp from the bottom up, aiming for a certain scale, and counting on community support.
For instance, Harp·E was produced for and with the Leerorkest organization. They actively participated and contributed to our development by taking on many steps of the assembly process. Because they ordered 300 in one go, we could give them a price as low as €450 per Harp·E.
As a company, we run on bare minimum margins. Even though prices for raw materials and logistics have skyrocketed recently, we are aiming to keep the prices at a minimum. We hope you keep this in mind when working with us. We are in it for the love of the instrument and appreciate your support in our mission.
We offer Paypal and Klarna as easier payment options, but please consider these companies take a sizeable percentage from us. If you can, we appreciate direct card payments
How does Harp·E sound?
The best place to hear it is on the many videos made by Harp·E-ists on social media!
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Acoustic -
Amplified with effects -
Amplified -
Amplified with effects
Other questions?
If you have any questions our FAQ doesn’t cover, contact our support email and we will get back to you as soon as possible: support@harpeharp.zohodesk.eu