harp-e
DIY
(Coat,) assemble, string and regulate your own Harp·E!
If you enjoy making things, then this is not only a fun thing to do, but also a really great way to get to know and deeply bond with your instrument.
And of course it's an opportunity to customise your instrument. Apart from colour/finish/decals, some pioneers have already taken it further with for instance left-handed assembly, double stringing with 2 mirrored kits, or incorporating further electronics... We have a vibrant Facebook community group for Harp·E owners/builders to exchange ideas, tips, tricks, hacks etc.
Assembly can take between 30 minutes and a few hours, very much depending on your skill level and what tools you have. Stringing takes ± 1-2 hours. Tuning until stable takes a few minutes each time, once or twice a day for ± 10-15 days.
Although not needed, the process is swifter if you had some basic tools like an electric screwdriver + bits (3 and 4mm hex) at hand.
This package includes:
- Self-assembly kit for complete Harp·E (version 3)
- Includes the stand!
- All internal electronics for a fully electric harp
- Battery for the internal electronics
- Assembly and tuning keys
- Assembly and usage manuals (via QR)
- Access to the community group
To fully enjoy and protect your instrument, we highly recommend adding:
- the Carrying bag / backpack - a nifty carrier bag / backpack that securely fits the harp, the stand and extras like tuners and your scores or course material folders (A4)
- the detachable strap plus 2 strap-buckles to play in other positions (delta harp, guitar etc).
You can add all these (the bag, strap, 2 strap buckles) to your order at no extra shipping cost.
For Harp•E DIY there is a regularly updated YouTube channel available with handy assembly videos.
Like the other packages, this package does not include external electronics like cables or effect pedals. We can help you choose ones suitable to your needs though.
NOTE: We provide full statutory warranty on all parts. We cannot offer any warranty on the success of your DIY project, e.g. parts damaged during self-assembly or the breaking of strings. We do offer all spare parts and strings.
If you're not really a DIY enthusiast, we'd recommend the String & Go package: fast-forward straight to the stringing part, at no extra cost. We repeat - the String & Go package is the same price as a coated DIY package, so if you're purely looking to save cost, then the String & Go is your best option.
A coated DIY version is best for those who take pleasure in the self-assembly process or want to "hack" things along the way.
The Uncoated package is the Harp·E in its "rawest" form, - at your own risk - taking the wood finish into your own hands and really making it unique.
See the real colour difference in the last picture here !
Materials
Materials
NOTE: The finish is fairly rough - we chose to focus the overal cost budget on other things than a fragile high gloss finish. The wood texture is visible through the coating (Blue Dolphin 2K Oil) - we absolutely love it that way, but you can add a high-gloss or other finish yourself.
Shipping
Shipping
You'll received an order confirmation number after placing your order and a courier tracking number once your Harp-E is dispatched.
EU:
Prices include VAT. Cheap and fast shipping, no customs.
Outside the EU:
Customs rules and fees vary per country. In some countries customs officers will charge VAT or duties at the border.
The shipping company will usually take care of everything on your behalf or let you know if any customs payment or details are needed and arrange that with you.
The US does not have any VAT, but some states have a small local import duty added of between 0-5%.
Global shipping costs:
We use fast and renown, global couriers for delivery. Which one (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc.) depends on your location.
Cost depends on how far you are from our Netherlands warehouse, calculated at checkout. To give you an idea:
The EU is around $25.
The UK around $40;
The US around $90;
That's for sending a harp across the world! We can keep these cost to a minimum because of the smart flat-pack design of the harp.
Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Macau:
You can get your Harp-E from our local HK partner: www.harpchamber.com
or for info: cs@harpchamber.com
We can ship anywhere. If your country is not on the list of shipping options, just drop us a line! and we'll arrange via email.
Please note that we are not the shipping company nor customs officers ourselves. Customs can in some countries be whimsical or based on officers' mood of the day. This is beyond our control. But we will make sure we choose a renown shipping company for you and will be there to help if anything.
Returns
Returns
All parts and shipments are checked for quality and completeness and should reach you in good condition. We will aim to make right any shortcomings you might spot on arrival and help with any questions you might have.
The aim of this project is to be able to provide affordable quality harps to as many people as possible. We do ask you therefore to take a lenient and collaborative approach to returns and customer service as they significantly drive up costs for us and will reduce our capacity to keep the price down for future generations harpists.
We cannot offer warranty on parts damaged during the DIY coating or assembly process.
Couldn't load pickup availability
We currently have all versions, strings and parts in stock, so delivery times should be as normal.
Ordering now means you'll receive the brand new Harp·E version 3:
This new version has slightly wider feet for improved stability, an update to the levers which makes them quieter in operation and an update to the tuning pins for improved grip with a tuning key.
Specifications
| Strings | 24 Premium Salvi/ Aquila Corde/ Sipario SilkGut strings |
| Range | Optimal learning range: 5C-2E (or depending on naming convention- lowest string is C3 if you call "middle C" C4, aka lowest string is 130.81 Hz) |
| Adjustable height | 3 heights: 87, 101 and 107 cm |
| Carrying dimensions | Only 7 cm deep, 87 cm long by 48 cm wide The stand fully packs inside the frame |
| Weight | Harp: 3.6 kg / 7.8 lbs (same as lightweight guitar!) Stand: 1.2 kg / 2.6 lbs |
| Levers | All levers C5-2E (see Range), unique patented lever system, ultra durable. |
| Electronics | Fully native all-string pick-up and built-in pre-amp, standard 9V battery, included in package |
| Volume | ±75 dB acoustically, unlimited volume electronically (yeah!) |
| Materials | High grade Beech Plywood with Stainless steel & aluminum fasteners. No flimsy plastic stuff! |
Customer Reviews
The unfinished DIY kit is very well constructed and was a lot of fun to decorate. The video series are an invaluable tool. It was so helpful to be able to watch and listen to the clear instructions. Assembled was very easy as was stringing and tuning. I've used silk gut on several of my other harps so I have experienced with them. The stand is amazing. However my favorite thing is the CASE/backpack! It's such a fantastic design perfect for travel. My only not great comment would be the levers are super difficult to manipulate.
Dear Charles, thank you so much for your enthusiasm and lovely review. Gives us energy to keep going! Glad you like the instrument (and the bag!).
On the levers - they shouldn't have too much resistance, if you send an email with perhaps a video showing which levers don't run smoothly, from some different angles, to our support on support@harpeharp.zohodesk.eu we can try to help you. You could first try a rubbing little bit of paraffin wax on levers that you would like to run smoother.
Seems like you're enjoying the Harp-E and we wish you many many hours of music and exploration!
The videos for assembling the Harp-E are detailed, the pieces fit well together, and customer support is excellent: (Should you run into trouble, don't hesitate to ask for help. And I would definitely recommend getting --or borrowing from your friend--a power screwdriver!) As warned, the strings did take awhile to settle in, and several of the strings on mine broke. However, generous lengths of string are provided, so I had plenty for replacing. The result is the best sounding small harp I have ever heard or played.
Hi Martha,
Thank you very much for your review! We're so happy to hear you found the videos useful and love the unique Harp-E sound, but are sorry you found aspects of the build difficult.
Stringing your own instrument is rewarding but can be challenging, so a member of our team will be reaching out to ensure we can further support your build!
I am so happy I got this harp. It was really easy to put together and once I hooked it up to the amp, I was blown away by the sound! I also got really good at tying stings (bonus skill!!!)
Thanks for your review Johanna. Happy to hear you like your Harp-E!