Mid-East Lyre Harp 10-String, Lacewood

Description

The solid lacewood body lends itself to the soft gentle curves of this ten string lyre. The ten metal strings provide a classical sound that is enhanced by the solid spruce soundboard. When you are not playing, you can hang it up as a piece of art, it’s that pretty. Tuning tools included. Hold it upright on your lap or as you walk, and pluck both sides of the strings. Or, lay it flat and pluck it. 8.25 inches wide by 16 inches long, 2.75 inches deep. Here are a few suggestions for tuning:
An authentic tuning derived from Judaic worship music, where the instrument was used to accompany the singing of the Chazzan, also known as a Cantor. This style of tuning uses the Chazzanut mode; starting with the bass (largest strings) tune as follows: D E F G# A B C D E F

In the early Middle Ages in Eastern Europe, the secularization of the Jewish worship music gave rise to Klezmer music. Jewish troubadours, known as klezmorim gave the music a place in weddings and other simkhes (joyful events). The Klezmer music eventually blended with Slavonic, Greek, Turkish, Gypsy and even American jazz tempos and rhythms. For Klezmer music, try the Misheberakh mode which is: E F# G A# B C# D E F# G

Two alternative methods of tuning that work well with singers comfortable in the Key of G are (again bass to treble): E F# G A B C D E F# G and D E F# G A B C D E F# (E is tonic). Notice, in the second tuning, all the notes are the same but you’re starting on D rather than E. Includes tuning tool, padded gig bag and extra string set.