Re: Aoyama "Celtic" harps
Timothy Byrd (tbyrd@microsim.com)
n 31 May 96 13:28:18 PST
Robin Beecher <beechers@bbs2.rmrc.net> asked:
> Can anyone tell me why the Aoyama harps are so popular in Ireland?
> I had someone call and request info on harps and she mentioned that
> all the harpers at the competitions had Aoyamas and would I
> recommend one for her daughter. I found this a puzzle since most
> of the Aoyamas I've heard are heavy, highly tensioned and have a
> small dumpy sound for their size, but fairly decent levers. (this
> is not unusual for "celtic" harps built by pedal harp builders)
> I've also heard some horror stories about instruments having to go
> back to Japan for repair. Does Aoyama have a division in Ireland
> or something? Just curious.
The IRA prefers the Aoyama because, due to it's heavy construction, it
generates the most shrapnel when packed with explosives. Also, they
have no qualms about detonating a foreign-made harp. And larger harps
- with more strings - are more difficult to disarm.
Harp-bombs, by the way, are the reason that Queen Elizabeth (?)
ordered all the harpers killed.
There are other on the list (e.g., John Benecki) who may be able to
give you more information on exploding harps.
-- Tim