Mid-East Lyre Harp 8-String

Description

The solid sheesham body lends itself to the soft gentle curves of this eight string lyre. The eight metal strings provide a classical sound that is enhanced by the lacewood soundboard. When you are not playing, you can hang it up as a piece of art; it’s that pretty. Tuning tool is 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. 10 inches wide by 17 inches long, 2.75 inches deep. There 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: E F G# A B C D E (Ahava Raba mode)

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

Two alternative tunings that work well with singers comfortable sing in the Key of G are (again bass to treble): E F# G A B C D E (Natural minor) and D E F# G A B C D (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.