CODE: limkit
Limerick Lap Harp - KIT

I've been playing the harp for about 12 years. I started with a 29-string student model, then got a 22-string lap harp to travel with. What I discovered was that I was more inclined to play the smaller harp because it was more convenient than going to another room where there was room for my larger harp. I had been wanting a new harp, so after some reflection I decided that what I really wanted was a slightly bigger lap harp that would have a bigger, richer sound than my 22-string. I like to make things, so I bought the Limerick Lap Harp kit (in walnut) and put it together in my spare time over the course of a year. The body went together quickly and easily (in an afternoon). The instruction booklet was extremely detailed, and if I had a question, I would email Musicmakers and get a quick response. Nowadays, Musicmakers has posted how-to videos on how to assemble their instruments on their web site, too, so there are plenty of resources if you have trouble. They also have a wonderful return policy where they will finish the instrument for you if you get in completely over your head. What took the most time for me was achieving the perfect painting on the sound board and waiting for the strings to hold their pitch. Right away, the Limerick had a beautiful, rich tone, especially in the bass. Over the course of the last three years, as the wood and strings have settled and stretched, the sound has become warmer and bigger. I also recently installed a Dusty Harp Pickup so that I could be heard in a band setting, and it has done a wonderful job of amplifying the harp's authentic sound. I love this harp. And I love hearing someone else playing it because I can enjoy its sound more from across the room than I can when my attention is split between listening and playing. I did make a couple of minor changes: I put leather washers behind the string knots (instead of the plastic beads included in the kit) and added red and blue lever rings on the C and F levers. I also tuned it to the key of Eb to be able to play in the widest variety of common key signatures. I successfully play my Limerick with my church praise band. The harp fits easily in the trunk, back seat, or foot well behind the front seats of my car. I am a bit of a klutz, though, so I am constantly banging the wide end against stuff when I carry the gig bag over my shoulder.