Chromatic or also called Cross strung harps consist of two rows of strings which cross forming an X shape. The advantage of this type of harp is that it is fully chromatic with out needing levers or pedals. One row is the diatonic (white keys on a keyboard) and the crossing row provides the sharps and flats (black keys on a keyboard).

We make two versions of chromatic harps, the “European Style” and “Folk Style”. The European Style has a thickened neck creating a more pronounced string crossing angle. For harp players who play with the “European technique” the European style with greater string angle is recommended, for those who play with the “American” Folk technique, either style is appropriate.

Check out this informative web site about chromatic harps: Chromatic Academy

Two standard Folk models are available

Southern Cross 22/16 a rounded back lap harp, small, light and chromatic

• 3 octaves G below middle C to 1st G#, 22 diatonic strings plus 16 crossing sharps and flats for a total of 38 strings. Weight 3 Kg (6.6 #) and overall height is 68.5 cm (27″).
• Rounded back, specially shaped solid tonewood soundboard
• Zither pin tuning
• Nylon strings

Southern Cross 36/25 a rounded back full sized chromatic harp

5 octaves C, 2 below middle C to 1st C, 36 diatonic strings plus 25 crossing for a total of 61 strings

• Rounded back, specially shaped solid tonewood soundboard
• Piano pin tuning with custom bridge pins
• Nylon and wrapped strings

“European” models available in either Nylon or NylGut/natural gut versions

“Pleyel” version

Chromatic NylGut (or gut) strung 36/26 a rounded back full sized chromatic harp based upon the Pleyel harp design, especially suited for French technique and equally easy to play with the American technique

5 octaves C, 2 below middle C to 1st C#, 36 diatonic strings plus 26 crossing for a total of 62 strings

Rounded back, specially shaped solid tone wood soundboard
Piano pin tuning with custom adjustable brass bridge pins
Gut or NylGut and wrapped strings
Can be built with Neo-Celtic shape or “Classic” shape with turned column.
Also available with reproduction Grecian column as shown below.

These photos are of a customised Pleyel series with replica Grecian column, 23 carat gold gilded ornamentation, polished brass neck plates.

Standard Nylon strung versions, others can be designed, all have thickened neck, adjustable bridges and piano pin tuning

30/22 lowest note is F two below middle C

32/23 lowest note is E two below middle C

36/25 5 octave, C to C

European style 32/23 pictured

Prices for European style depend upon customer’s requirements and options, contact us for pricing to your requirements

Other sizes can easily be designed to meet your requirements