Semitones
It is not essential to provide the Bardic harp with semitone blades
or cams, and some players prefer to play with "open" strings
as did the troubadours in days of yore, but there is no doubt that
semitones systems make the Bardic harp a much better musical instrument
and the reader should refer to the chapter
dealing with the matter.
Fig. 6.5 - click for a larger view
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Stand
The Bardic harp is not provided with feet, but we have placed the
centre of gravity so that the harp can stand on the projecting block
and the back end of the soundbox.
If
a more secure stand is required, it is better to make the little
stool described in Fig. 6.5.
Amplifier
Though it may appear heretical to provide a medieval musical instrument
with an amplifier, there is no reason why the music lover in search
of new sounds should not do so. The Bardic harp lends itself very
well to this modern treatment. If the harp is to be played in a
group it would hardly be heard without an amplifier, but by attaching
a guitar microphone to the soundboard, the little harp of Robert
ap Huw may become the leading instrument of the group! The sound
effects possible are really astounding.
