Harp Accessories
Ergonomic Tuning Key
Many of the questions I'm asked are about accessories for the harp. Having a great bench or tuner can make practicing and performing go really smoothly. So I've put together a list of suggestions, covering a variety of items, from practical to fun. I've included a short description both of the item and of how it's used, to help you gauge how well it might suit you.
Where possible, I linked to Amazon.com. (Most of the Amazon links here are affiliate links, so any purchases through them are appreciated.) Some of the more unique items are not available on Amazon, so I've linked those to a variety of specialty harp supply companies.
Tuning Equipment
This is a common tuning key that fits many harps, especially those made by Lyon and Healy and Salvi. (Different brands of harps have slightly different sized tuning pegs, so if you're in doubt as to whether this one will work with your harp, I'd suggest purchasing a tuning key directly through your manufacturer.)
This tuning key works with many, but not quite all, Celtic harps. It fits smaller tuning pegs than either of the two tuning keys above.
Never want to misplace your tuning key again? This tuning key holders attaches to the back of your harp so you can keep your tuning key right there, ready and waiting at all times. It's especially useful if you move your harp out of your house fairly often and want to be certain that your tuning key is with you.
Electronic Tuner
You can download a free electronic tuning app quite easily, but if you want to have a physical tuner to use with your harp, this is a standard chromatic tuner. Some people find that a physical tuner picks up the sound of the harp better than an app.
One really nice thing about a physical tuner is that you can plug a tuning pick up mic into it. Anytime that you have to tune in a noisy situation (such as before an orchestral rehearsal), a tuning pick up mic is invaluable. You plug one end into your electronic tuner and clip the other end on to your harp, and then it only picks up the vibrations of your harp and no other noises.
Metronomes
There are a wide variety of metronome apps out there, many of which are truly excellent. However, you can also purchase a physical metronome if desired. This is a standard metronome.
Korg Electronic Tuner and Metronome Combined
If you need both a tuner and metronome, you can buy a combination device. Less electronics to keep track of!
This is considered the Cadillac of metronomes. It has an amazing number of features and possibilities.
Padded Keyboard Bench
Portable Music Stand
Music Stands
This basic music stand is lightweight, foldable and easily transportable.
This is a classic orchestral music stand. It's much more solid than the above stand, and can easily accommodate heavy music books. Most professional musicians, music schools, and orchestras use this stand.
Manhasset Portable Music Stand
This is Manhasset's version of a portable music stand. Because it still has a solid metal desk to it, it doesn't fold up into a very small size. However, if you want a durable stand that is easier to transport than the standard Manhasset, I'd recommend it.
As music gets longer and more complex, page turns can become an issue. These stand extenders allow you to lay out three or four pages of music on your stand easily.
This is a standard battery-powered stand light. If you're playing in places with poor lighting, such as an orchestra pit or a restaurant with mood lighting, it can be quite difficult to see your music. A stand light is a great solution to these situations.
Benches
Although this is a keyboard bench, it works really well for the harp. It's both foldable, for ease of moving, and adjustable to different heights, which is important for harpists.
On Stage Padded Keyboard Bench
Very similar to the above bench, only with a lot more padding.
On Stage Extra Wide and Extra Padded Keyboard Bench
As people get older, or start practicing more, sometimes they want an even more comfortable bench. I spend hours every day sitting on this bench and love it.
Another option is to sit on a stool that swivels, so you can get to exactly the correct height.
Harp Carts
This is a common harp cart, and it works well for transporting large lever harps or pedal harps. A harp cart isn't needed unless your harp is either too large to carry easily or you move it so frequently that carrying it is exhausting.
K-2 Harp Caddy
Personally, I use one of these six-wheel harp carts when moving my harp. It works well in general for transporting a harp, and is amazing when going up and down steps, so much so that I can and will go up and down full flights of stairs with my harp by myself.
Miscellaneous
A tote bag with a harp on it, great for transporting music!
In this notebook, there is both musical staff paper and regular lined paper, so you can jot down musical ideas and notes at the same time.
Musicians always mark their music in pencil rather than pen, and these treble clef pencils are particularly adorable.
Fun stickers, including a couple of harps.
This is a funny t-shirt, with a cat playing the harp!
A pair of pretty harp earrings.
A lovely Celtic harp necklace.
Treble Clef Pencils