As many people know, the harp is a very expensive instrument. Even within the same brand, the price difference can be enormous. Take the Salvi brand for example — their pedal harps range from over HK$100,000 for the Daphne model to over HK$1,000,000 for the Louis XVI. This raises a common question: why is there such a big price difference between harps? Is there really a difference in sound? Let me share some insights with you.
Premium Materials Wood is the primary material used in harp making. The rarer and higher-quality the wood, the more expensive the harp. To ensure stable production, manufacturers often use spruce and birch, which are both high quality and reliably sourced. Harps made from these woods tend to be more affordable.
High-end harps, on the other hand, may use rosewood, curly maple, or olive wood — top-grade materials that are sometimes only available in limited quantities. Some rare woods are even under restricted harvesting. To enhance the elegance and uniqueness of the harp, designers may also incorporate gold leaf, mother-of-pearl, or even platinum. These luxurious materials are one key reason behind the higher cost of some harps.
Time and Craftsmanship Before a piece of wood can be used in harp making, it must undergo careful treatment. To preserve the natural structure, texture, and fragrance of the wood, harp manufacturers have special workshops where humidity and temperature are strictly controlled, simulating natural air-drying.
Much like fine wine, the production time and quality of wood are closely linked — and this affects pricing. Brands like Salvi and Lyon & Healy even label their harps with the year the wood began its drying process. I’ve seen top-tier harps made from wood that had been stored and aged for over 10 years!
In addition to long preparation, building a harp itself is an incredibly time-consuming process — some harps take over a year to make. Don’t underestimate the complexity of harp construction. A standard 47-string harp can contain over 2,000 small components! So, the more labor-intensive the process and the longer the production time, the higher the cost of the harp.
Research and Skilled Labor Every harp is a result of years of experience from manufacturers and craftsmen. These experts continuously strive to improve materials, sound quality, and structural design, all in pursuit of excellence. The dedication, manpower, and resources behind each harp are immense — far beyond what most people imagine — and these all contribute to the high cost.
Harp Types and Characteristics Type: Pedal harps require more materials and have a much more complex construction process than lever harps. Even the most basic pedal harp can cost several times — or even over ten times — more than a lever harp.
Appearance: Harps are not just musical instruments — they’re also works of art. With their elegant shapes and intricate carvings crafted by skilled artisans, their aesthetic value is undeniable. The more expensive the harp, the more exquisite the craftsmanship. If you ever get a chance to examine a harp worth over HK$200,000 up close, you’ll marvel at the detailed carvings — it truly feels like a collector’s treasure.
Sound: Different harps produce different tones due to variations in materials, structure, and craftsmanship. Even subtle differences can be heard — by children, harp students, or even casual listeners. I encourage you to visit a harp studio and try out different harps. You’ll be surprised at how noticeable the difference in sound can be. The more beautiful the sound, the higher the harp’s value.
I hope this brief explanation gives you a better understanding of why harps are so expensive.