Macdonald Harps
| Clàrsachs |
All instruments have brass string shoes, tapered through tuning pins and are supplied with a tuning key, string gauge chart and spare lengths of wire. All Clàrsachs have mortice & tenon joints and follow traditional build methods. I am very flexible concerning build options. For example any instrument can be supplied with the brass tuner bands and carving, anything is possible! I can provide display stands and fitted padded carry cases can be supplied by Meg Rosher of Dunvegan. I am always interested in new projects and will consider building all types of harps.
Historic replicas available. The dimensions of the following instruments, including string lengths and spacings can be reproduced using scaled drawings supplied by the fine Luthier David Kortier. please contact me for more details. The Queen Mary Harp |
22 String - Seiriol
Small 22 string Clàrsach (19 string pictured) based on the larger Mona. The pictured finish is dark peat but is also available in a natural finish. Perfect travel instrument! Closer spaced bass strings. Thanks to Martin Copeland for the name Seiriol.
Range: g - c' - d "' Length: 58cm
22 String - Calach
Perfect for traveling or taking back and forward to lessons. Soundbox tapers in at the bottom for comfort when playing. Sound-holes located on the side of the instrument, three on one side and two on the other.
Range: c - c' - c"' Length: 70cm
27 String - Eilidh
(24 & 27 string pictured) Eilidh feels and performes like a larger instrument. I must thank Janet Macdonald and her family for naming her. Closer spaced bass strings.
Range: c - c' - a "' Length: 70cm
27 String - Mona
I would like to thank Noel Dempsey from the Isle of Anglesey (Mona Ynys Môn) for the permission to use his very old harp as a template.(original instrumnet pictured below) 8 sterling silver strings in the bass range. Closer spaced bass strings.
Range: G - c' - e "' Length: 83cm
30 String - Scathach
The largest instrument I make at the moment. Na comhluighe (Two strings in unison tenor g, g below middle c). Due to the string lengths this instrument does not require the use of semi precious metals in the bass range to sound but is always an option if required.
Range: G - c' - g "' Length: 100cm
'Scathach asked the loan of a harp, and it was brought to her. One string it had of iron, and one of bronze, and one of silver. And when the iron string would be played, it would set all the hosts of the world crying and ever crying; and when the bright bronze string would be played, it would set them all laughing from the one day to the same hour on the morrow; and when the silver string would be played, all the men of the whole world would fall into a long sleep'.
Gods and Fighting Men, by Lady Gregory [1904]
29 string - Gealach
A substantial instrument in voice. Gealach has been inspired by my surroundings - the jagged Cuillin Mountains with their animated ridges. Gealach features a 37cm maximum soundbox width and very close string spacing. Na comhluighe (Two strings in unison tenor g, g below middle c). Closer spaced bass strings, 9 sterling silver.
Range: G - c' - g "' Length: 90cm
