Triple Harp

This harp has three rows of strings: the two outer rows are tuned to the diatonic scale, and the semitones are in the central row. This harp originated in Italy in the sixteenth century as a low headed instrument. Soon, towards the end of 1600s, it arrived in Wales where it developed a high head and was larger in size. Here it established itself as part of the tradition. This is the harp preferred by folk harpers, with classical and other harpers preferring the concert, or double action, pedal harp. A technique derived from Baroque performance creates a sound idiosyncratic to the Triple Harp. This style and technique was to be found in the playing of Tom Lloyd, Nansi Richards, Freda Holland and others and is inherited directly by Llio Rhydderch and Elin Jones amongst others. The harp is still built in Wales by Brian Blackmore, Phil Lowry and others.