Clark Irish Harp Revisited

by Craig Pierpont

Originally published in American Lutherie #64, 2000 and Big Red Book of American Lutherie Volume Six, 2013



Following David Riggs’ article on the Clark Irish harp (“Clark ‘Neo-Irish’ Harp”), it seems like a good opportunity to take a closer look at folk harps from the luthier’s point of view.

As a professional harp builder of some experience, I have learned my trade in no small part by studying the construction theory of fingerboard instruments of the lute, guitar, and violin families. While there is much relevant information there, it is important to consider the enormous fundamental differences between the dynamics of fingerboard instruments and harps.