The Nifty Harp Project C.I.C.

Nifty Harps – affordable starter harps for new and intermediate players.

The Nifty Harp Project CIC is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, established by Scottish Borders based Mark Norris Harps. The idea behind starting Nifty Harps was to create an affordable harp; one that would make it easier for new players to consider playing Scotland’s oldest national instrument. The result is an innovative starter harp of elegantly simple, reliable and straightforward design.

Crafting the Wee Nifty Harp from sustainably sourced birch plywood, and using CNC routing technology to form the basic frame shape, contributes significantly to the affordability of the final harp. We create all the other elements of the harp by hand and complete the final assembly in our workshop in The Old School, Stobo.

The resulting harp has ideal string tension, concert harp spacing and inherently stable tuning. These are vital attributes that help to develop a sound playing technique from the very start so that, by just feeling ‘right’ to play, it is an inspiring and rewarding instrument to learn on.

The 34 string Big Nifty will launch in December 2020. Following the same design principles of the Wee Nifty, but utilising a Canadian rock maple frame and birch ply resonator and finishings. Supplied with 24 fluorocarbon strings, 10 bass wires and a four piezo pickup loom pre-installed.