Aeolian Wind Harps

- About Us
- Mission & Values
- Aeolian Wind Harps
- Harp Placement


History

Named after Aeolus, the Greek god of wind in Greek mythology, the harp transforms the energy of the wind into musical sounds or “sings”. It is one of the oldest known musical instruments.  Ancient Greeks made the first Aeolian Harp and according to legend, King David hung his harp in an open window to hear it being played by the wind.

These harps gained popularity later during the 17th and 18th centuries in England and Germany where they were placed in castle window openings and caves. In 1785 Italian scientists attempted to use the Aeolian Harps for weather prediction. 

Most recently Aeolian tones can be heard from power and telephone lines and are referred to by the modern term “Windharp”.

Construction 

We make our harps from wrought iron and are designed for minimum maintenance. The parts consist of a frame, megaphone speaker with sound hole, strings, and tension hardware. 

  • The frame primed with zinc and powder coated for a finish that will last outside for years. 
  •  Megaphone speaker cones are stainless steel.
  • Strings are heavy nylon music string, should last 3-4 years or optional titanium strings. 
  • Tension hardware is solid brass so it will not rust.

Maintenance

Maintenance and mountain instructions are included with each unit. Our harps are designed to last for years but below are some maintenance tips: 

  •  Copper frames will patina (turn blue/green over several years).
  •  Strings may need tightening several times a year. Use a std 7/16" wrench.
  • Colored strings will fade over several years due to UV light from the sun