Gibson U harp

[JuanCarlosVejar]

check this out ... that guitar sings and rings all over IMHO :

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JC

[j45nick]

Harp guitars are strange and wonderful instruments. Not your every day guitar.

 

I think JT might own one.

[jt]

But, he makes no use of the sub-bass strings, only having them vibrate sympathetically. Admittedly, it's hard to play independent bass and melody lines on these things, but the effect can be like a guitar accompanied by a bass. My meager (and not polished) attempt:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hDPJfJNoi4

[zombywoof]

Many years ago, I snagged one that was hanging on the wall of a local restaurant as a decoration. While it surely was cool looking, I quickly found I was not a fan of the instrument.

[Fullmental Alpinist]

Here's an Andy McKee version:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNzIhPp6T_s

[jt]

I love the harp guitar (when played well, which excludes me).

 

In October I'll be co-hosting the Harp Guitar Gathering, which will include Andy McKee, Muriel Anderson, Stephen Bennett, and others.

 

Speaking of Stephen Bennett, he'll be my co-host and here's one of my favorites of his:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUenNlQ-_ic

[onewilyfool]

That is a cool LOOKING guitar.....sounds "full" , note the first guy uses and electronic tuner on the headstock......lol....so would i!! I would like to see those bass strings "colored" for example, red for "C", blue for "G", etc....I have enough problems with SIX strings!!! That last guitar sounds best to my ear.....

[The Timber Owls]

Many years ago, I snagged one that was hanging on the wall of a local restaurant as a decoration. While it surely was cool looking, I quickly found I was not a fan of the instrument.

 

Was it a Gibson? And do you still have it?!

[zombywoof]

Here's an Andy McKee version:

 

 

Local boy made good. I remember when he used to teach music over at Steam Music.

[zombywoof]

Was it a Gibson? And do you still have it?!

 

 

Yes it was a Gibson and no I no longer have it. I traded it for a 1920s Stella.

[Del Nilppeznaf]

But, he makes no use of the sub-bass strings, only having them vibrate sympathetically. Admittedly, it's hard to play independent bass and melody lines on these things, but the effect can be like a guitar accompanied by a bass. My meager (and not polished) attempt:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hDPJfJNoi4

 

Bleedin Hell JT...that is great....hahaha... looks really hard to play..well done my man, and thanks for posting...where else can u get stuff posted like this eh..'beaut

[jt]

Bleedin Hell JT...that is great....hahaha... looks really hard to play..well done my man, and thanks for posting...where else can u get stuff posted like this eh..'beaut

Thanks, Del!

 

I had just worked up this little dittie when I (probably unwisely) recorded it and stuck it up on YouTube. I've since come closer to mastering it and have learned how to dampen those bass strings a la Merle Travis. Time to re-record!

[tpbiii]

Here is ours (my wife's actually) -- 1913 U-2. We are gigging right now, but I'll record it when we get back.

 

 

 

Best,

 

-Tom

[Del Nilppeznaf]

Thanks, Del!

 

I had just worked up this little dittie when I (probably unwisely) recorded it and stuck it up on YouTube. I've since come closer to mastering it and have learned how to dampen those bass strings a la Merle Travis. Time to re-record!

 

Look forward to hearing and seeing that JT

 

 

Here is ours (my wife's actually) -- 1913 U-2. We are gigging right now, but I'll record it when we get back.

 

 

 

Best,

 

-Tom

 

WOW B)

[blindboygrunt]

Here is ours (my wife's actually) -- 1913 U-2. We are gigging right now, but I'll record it when we get back.

 

 

 

Best,

 

-Tom

 

See now ... That's lovely but it doesn't salute like the other ones

[ParlourMan]

Here is ours (my wife's actually) -- 1913 U-2. We are gigging right now, but I'll record it when we get back.

 

 

 

Best,

 

-Tom

 

That one is actually quitr cool looking too. Not so fond of the more common form, but this one looks well nice....

[jt]

The Gibson harp guitars look so cool. But, I don't know a single harp guitar player who prefers the sound of a Gibson harp guitar over the sound of the Larson Brothers/Knutsen "Symphony Harp Guitar" design.

 

The Gibsons are heavily built archtops with added neck rod and related hardware. They are quite heavy. The Larsons are OM size guitars built very lightly. They weigh little more than a modern OM.

[The Timber Owls]

I've never played a Gibson harp guitar, but have tried out a couple of dyer imitations and one actual dyer. But even after trying the Dyer, I still want to try/buy a U-Harp! Anytime I tell anyone I know, they all just call me crazy!

[The Timber Owls]

And finally, after years of wanting and months of saving, I lucked out and pulled the trigger on a U Harp of my very own. Here she is!

When I get good enough at it, I will post a video. But the sympathetic tones from the bass strings make it sound so much more full. It also is great for doing little leads with a nice bass line.

[blindboygrunt]

If you can't play it you'll be able to start weaving tapestries instead.

 

Good luck with it

[jt]

And finally, after years of wanting and months of saving, I lucked out and pulled the trigger on a U Harp of my very own.

Very cool! Congratulations and thanks for sharing your harp guitar with us.

 

Now, you need to join the harp guitar community at HarpGuitars.net. And consider joining us at our annual gathering! I just co-hosted our most recent Gathering:

 

[aliasphobias]

Nice pic jt but it looks like it would be more dangerous than standing next to a fiddle player!

[E-minor7]

Impressed by JT here – admit my life is judged too short for this kind of giraffo. ..

[jt]

Impressed by JT here – admit my life is judged too short for this kind of giraffo. ..

I find the harp guitar to present a real challenge, but the sound is stunning and the ability to play bass while playing guitar is really appealling. My still slowly evolving technique;

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-G2Y3vi1hc

[Bryn6490]

Harp guitars have become very popular