Begin Again Harps
Giving old harps new life.
Our Services
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Flexible, expert advice when you need it. Do you have a broken harp? Do not fear! Reach out to us with a description and pictures of your problem.
We offer a wide variety of repair services—if it can break, then we can fix it.
Replace your broken or warped neck with a new one re-engineered to have better alignment, more space in the treble, and stained to match the color of your instrument.
Base frames are often the first part that fails on many instruments. They are under tremendous stress because it is the linchpin holding your instrument together. Some companies use a thick plywood for the whole base frame. This is not ideal. Our base frames are built to last, with improved dovetailed joinery, stronger metal hooks /stirrups, and most importantly, we install a thick hard maple front beam. Your instrument will be sturdier than ever.
It is a sad day when you realize your instrument needs a new soundboard. That is why we go to great lengths to find excellent straight grained airplane-quality Sitka Spruce. A harp is nothing without a quality soundboard, so we build ours to maximize both strength and sound. For the finishing touch, we have our own handmade decorative decals for you to choose from.
Does your harp click when changing key? This probably means the action needs to be re-riveted. What is a rivet? Good question! A rivet is a small round piece of metal that joins each link to the spindles in your action, allowing your disks to rotate. Over time, the rivet becomes worn and causes the action to click. This can often be the cause of buzzing, especially in heavily-used instruments. Re-riveting can improve how your action feels and plays. We also offer a polishing service for brass action plates in a mirror or matte finish.
There are almost too many repairs to list, so rest assured we work on a wide variety of repairs or replacements. This includes baseboards, pedestals, soundbox/body, string alignment, etc. Inquire with your unique problems, and we will provide you with advice on how to proceed.
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At Begin Again Harps, we own a variety of pedal and lever harps available on a long term and short term basis. We only rent within a days drive of Boston, Massachusetts and can offer delivery and pickup for a fee.
Our instruments are in good playing condition and are regularly serviced and regulated to provide you with a good playing experience.
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Felts, rods, buzzes, and pitch. We can cover everything your harp needs to keep it sounding and playing just the way you like.
We predominantly service the northeastern United States, offering traveling and in shop regulations.
If you live far away and would like me to visit your town or city, talk to your friends or local harp groups. I would be happy to schedule a service trip!
Rental Range
Continuing Our Tradition
The harp is considered to be one of the oldest forms of stringed instrument. Across cultures from Egypt to Ireland, you will find a rich history and variety of forms that our favorite instrument has taken. In our time, this ancient instrument takes form as the double-action pedal harp. Invented in France during the early 1800s by Sebastian Erard, the pedal harp is continually innovated upon by modern manufacturers. Harpists can now play in every key with just a slight adjustment to the pedals, unlocking more potential from the instrument. The nature of these instruments has always required continual maintenance. Here at Begin Again Harps, we continue this tradition of harp repair and regulation. From buzzing and clicking, to broken base frames, necks, and soundboards, we have the solution. We know harps up, down, and often sideways, allowing us the pleasure of giving these instruments new life while preserving what we loved about them to begin with.