Getting the best from your Telynau Teifi Harp

This harp is the result of years of hard work. We hand-select the finest, most durable materials and have developed manufacturing techniques that ensure your harp will give you years of enjoyment, but how well your instrument ages is up to you. Here is our advice for taking care of your harp.

Sound

The sound is the harp's most important feature. It should be clear and even throughout the whole instrument and responsive in any key. Every good harp mellows with age and you will find the sound of your Teifi harp will develop over a few years. You can help the sound to develop by keeping your harp in tune and playing it regularly.

Maintenance

The harp is mostly made of natural materials - wood, gut and glue - so regular maintenance and TLC are essential. There can be as much as a tonne of tension on the harp's strings, so any knocks or blows to the harp can have long-term effects. Have your harp serviced and regulated regularly - this will catch any potential problems early on and ensure you get the best performance from your instrument.

Always use the correct string - using the wrong string or wrong gauge will put undue tension on the harp. A string chart is included with your harp, but if you have any questions, contact us. Never leave your tuning key on the pin - it's an accident waiting to happen!

Environment

Natural materials are very susceptible to changes in environment and fluctuations in humidity and temperature can affect the structure and performance of your harp. We take every care to season our wood but a centrally-heated home can cause wood to lose as much as 15 per cent of its moisture. This causes the wood to shrink, joints to open and cracks to occur. Keep your harp in a quiet spot, away from household traffic, draughts and sources of heat. Help to maintain a healthy moisture level with radiator hangers or bowls of water (a moisture meter is a good investment).

Cleaning

Your harp is finished with a durable varnish that will protect it for years to come. Remove finger marks and dust with a soft lint-free cloth. Use a soft make-up brush to keep the semi-tone mechanism and soundboard free from dust.

Warranty

Your harp comes with a two-year manufacturer's warranty that covers materials and workmanship. Please note that the warranty does not cover consumables such as strings, nor does it cover damage due to lack of care and attention, so please follow our care guidelines. Please contact us if you have any queries.

Servicing

The purchase price includes a free check-up after the first six months. Please contact us to arrange.