I work for Dusty Strings, a well-known builder of harps. I've played on the Harpsicle. For $300 or whatever it costs, it's pretty good. A WHOLE lot better than the Pakistani harps, or "harp-like objects" as they've been called. But as a harp, the Harpsicle leaves a lot to be desired. The tone is a bit dull (but a WHOLE lot better than the Pakistani harps) and the lowest string is so close to the pillar that it is difficult to play. But for folks who want to try the harp it is an inexpensive way to get started. The instrument works in a basic way. It doesn't have any sharping levers, and I'm not sure they could be added, so the versatility is quite limited. It would be a good travel instrument or camping instrument, in as much that if it gets damaged it's not a great loss. In appearance, the Harpsicle is quite boxy -- it's literally a rectangular plywood box with a non-curved harp neck attached. The fun comes from the bright colors you get get, not from beautiful wood or graceful shape. I would say that the value to dollars ratio is very good, but the intrinsic quality of the instrument is so-so.

Harpmaker, I'll look forward to seeing your lap harp. That's a hard instrument to make, since no one wants to pay as much for one as for a larger instrument, but they require the all the same parts as a big harp. The Triplett lap harp is quite nice, but it's approaching $1000. The Here, Inc. harp sounds pretty good as well, but is not so nicely put together as the Triplett and still well above $500. If you can make a decent looking and sounding instrument for less than those, it will be a winner.

John Peekstok