Questions: Clark Harp Value

by Howard Bryan

Originally published in American Lutherie #80, 2004 and Big Red Book of American Lutherie Volume Seven, 2015

Keith Davis of Iron River, Michigan asks:

I have in my shop an old Clark harp, SN 2102. The owner wishes to know more about its value. The headblock has been reglued, and there are a number of small, inconsequential cracks in the soundboard, but it is otherwise in great shape and has its original stand.

Howard Bryan of Lynchburg, Virginia answers:

Clark Irish harps are cute, and they certainly filled a void when they were being built. They also had some neat design features, like the little collapsible stool that became an integral part of the instrument when needed. That said, there are far better harps being made today. The main problem with the Clarks is the sharping blades, which are not adjustable. With a new soundboard, intonation isn’t too bad, but as the harp matures the string lengths change and the blades are no longer in quite the correct place, so the harp plays out of tune with blades engaged. I recommend that active musicians buy a more modern instrument from one of the better makers, as opposed to spending big bucks reconditioning a Clark, but emotions are often a factor and we have repaired/restored several in the last couple of years. Typically most need the knee block and pillar/neck joint reglued. Since the original joints were doweled, it is usually a trick to get them completely apart. Many need new soundboards, which is an expensive repair. The originals were fine, but most are becoming unglued and many have split.

They seem to sell for around $3000 if in really good shape, less if they need work. A Clark Irish needing neck/kneeblock/soundboard repairs can usually be had for under $500, but the cost of repairs needs to be added to the purchase price.