The Nifty Harp Project C.I.C.
Nifty Harps – affordable starter harps for new and intermediate players.
PLEASE NOTE THAT, DUE TO DEMAND, WE HAVE UNFORTUNATELY HAD TO IMPLEMENT AN EIGHT MONTH WAITING LIST FOR ALL HARP ORDERS PLACED FROM THE 1st OF JANUARY 2024. PLEASE CONTACT THE WORKSHOP VIA workshop@niftyharps.scot BEFORE PLACING AN ORDER. THANK YOU.
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 27 string Wee Nifty Pro and the 34 string Big Nifty Pro Electro Acoustic Harps are now launched. Both clarsachs follow the same design principles as the original Wee Nifty, but utilise a six-section Canadian rock maple frame, birch ply resonator and finishings. Supplied with a Nifty string complement of 19 nylon, five fluorocarbon strings, and 3 or 10 bass wires. A four piezo pickup loom pre-installed.
(Waiting list applies – contact us via workshop@niftyharps.scot to discuss.)