Reverie Harp
rev•er•ie noun a state of dreamy meditation or repose
Never before has there been an instrument that so easily lends itself to such a wide variety of therapeutic situations.
Designed and invented by MusicMakers in Stillwater, MN in collaboration with Australian music thanatologist Peter Roberts, the Reverie Harp is fast becoming a favorite instrument for string lovers. It's a wonderful instrument for any healing practitioner or for personal enjoyment as you can make no wrong note with the pentatonic tuning.
All models of the Reverie Harp come with a carrying case for easy travel for the player on the go. Optional items, but *highly* recommended, are an electronic tuner and portable folding stand!
Why is this instrument so successful?
- Beautiful shape is inviting - everyone wants to hold this instrument
- Lightweight and comfortable to hold for even the most frail individuals
- Pentatonic tuning means there is simply no wrong way to play this instrument
- Players love feeling the vibrations through the wood
Watch
Introduction to the Reverie Harp
Reverie Harp in Therapeutic Settings
How to Play
How is the Reverie Harp played?
The simple answer is: You play the Reverie Harp however you want.
With our pentatonic tuning there are no wrong notes. You can -
- strum all the strings
- pluck indivual strings
- pluck any two or more strings together
- strum it with a pick
- strike the strings with dulcimer hammers
However you choose to play the Reverie Harp - it will sound good!
FAQ
What is the difference between the Reverie Harp and the Reverie Harp Deluxe?
The Reverie Harp Economy is our economy model. We use poplar sides and a plywood baltic birch soundboard. Using a plywood for the soundboard means we save money in materials and labor. The plywood top does not provide as rich of a tone as the solid mahogany soundboards on the Reverie Harp Deluxe. However, keep in mind, that this is only noticeable during a side by side comparison. The Reverie Harp Economy still has a full and rich sound and is used and loved by many!
Why are the Vivid Color Reverie Harps a Different Shape?
The Vivid Color Reverie Harp designs is based on the Classic Reverie Harp body which provide a larger surface for the color to POP! The Reverie Harp and Reverie Harp Deluxe designs are the newest design with cut outs on the sides.
How is the Reverie Harp tuned?
REVERIE TUNING: The standard Reverie tuning is a Pentatonic (5-note) scale in the key of C major. Those notes are C, D, E, G, & A (everything but the B and F notes). This makes the instrument harmonious no matter what notes you play together. When you pluck the strings randomly, even with your eyes closed, you will hear beautiful harmony – kind of like the tones of a wind chime.
We recommend having a chromatic electronic tuner to aid in achieving accurate tuning. The harp comes with a tuning chart that slides under the strings, and a tuning key (wrench) for the pins. Our DVD includes instructions for tuning, using an electronic tuner.
What kind of sounds can be played on this instrument?
The Reverie Harp is not really designed for playing music. Think of this as more of a therapy tool for non-musicians than a musical instrument for musicians. It was designed so that a person does not need to engage the mind to enjoy creating beautiful sounds.
How, exactly do you play the Reverie Harp?
A person can pluck individual strings, multiple strings (using thumb and fingers), or strum across a few or all of the strings. The only thing to avoid is harsh banging or strumming. Some people use a guitar pick, but most people just use their finger tips or fingernails.
How often does the Reverie Harp need to be tuned?
The harp is quite stable after the first 3-4 tunings, but you should expect to tune it at least once per week if you need it to be in tune with other instruments. If you only play the harp by itself, however, you may not need to tune it that frequently because all the strings tend to settle quite evenly across the harp.
What happens if a string breaks?
The strings are not prone to breaking unless you over-tune to a higher pitch. This can occur inadvertently if you are plucking one string and adjusting the pin for another string. You might over-tighten one string because you don’t see movement in the pitch of the one you are plucking. So you want to be careful to keep track of which string you are tuning and what note it should be tuned to.
We use common guitar strings (ball-end steel) on the Reverie Harp. If you break a string, you can purchase replacements from MusicMakers, or you can take the scrap of broken string to a local music store that sells guitar strings and buy a similar string. The store won’t have a complete set of strings for the Reverie Harp, but they should offer individual guitar strings.
Many people purchase a spare set of strings from MusicMakers just to avoid the hassle of having to search for replacements.
Shipping
Reverie Harps and related accessories ship direct to your door from Stillwater, Minnesota.
