harp

String-to-body geometry

Record the string plane, attachment points and relationship to the soundboard as evidence for identification.

1. How do the strings run between the neck or upper support and the resonating body? definition
2. What observed geometry distinguishes this instrument from a lyre, zither or fingerboard instrument? boundary

Documented harp configuration

Record maker or tradition attribution, string-row arrangement and structural members without inferring missing features from a familiar harp type.

1. Which markings, maker records or other evidence identify this harp's type and intended configuration? provenance
2. How many string rows are present, how are they arranged, and is a forepillar fitted? definition

String specifications and gaps

Record installed strings, absent or damaged strings, identification markings and supported replacement specifications.

1. Which string positions exist, and which contain missing, broken or visibly deteriorated strings? measurement
2. What evidence establishes the material, gauge and construction required at each position? provenance

Tuning targets and drift

Record intended pitches, tuning reference, control settings and changes in measured pitch over a stated interval.

1. What target pitch belongs to each string, under which tuning system and pitch-control settings? definition
2. How far does each assessed string deviate from its target, and how does that deviation change after tuning? measurement

Available control states

Record each control's positions, affected strings and intended pitch effects, including an explicit absence of mechanisms when applicable.

1. Which pitch-changing controls are fitted, and which strings does each control affect? definition
2. What pitches are intended at each supported control position? definition

Engagement and pitch accuracy

Record pitch accuracy, movement faults and unwanted sounds associated with control operation.

1. At each tested setting, what pitch error, incomplete engagement, sticking or unwanted noise occurs? measurement
2. Which observed faults permit documented user adjustment, and which require a harp technician? action

Deformation, joints and anchors

Record cracks, joint movement, anchor condition and changes in shape, distinguishing observations from a qualified assessment.

1. What cracking, separation, distortion or anchor movement is visible, and what earlier observations allow comparison? measurement
2. What documented limits or qualified assessment determine whether tuning or playing may continue? action

Response and unwanted sound

Record weak or uneven response, buzzing, rattling and electrical faults under reproducible playing and control conditions.

1. Which strings, playing intensities or control settings produce weak response, buzzing or rattling? measurement
2. If pickups or electronics are fitted, does the fault occur acoustically, electrically or through both outputs? boundary

Support and control clearance

Record intended orientation, support contacts, stability and access to strings and fitted controls.

1. In its intended playing orientation, what supports the harp and what space is needed to reach its strings and controls? measurement
2. Which positioning or support changes are needed before this harp can be played in the proposed setting? action

Supported maintenance and handling

Record evidenced string-changing, environmental and handling requirements, including unresolved limits.

1. What maker guidance or qualified advice establishes suitable string-changing procedures, environmental limits and lifting or packing methods? provenance
2. Given the harp's mass, geometry and condition, what preparation and assistance are required for the proposed maintenance or move? action

Kinds and varieties

Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.

1. Which of these kinds and varieties hold for the sense of harp this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance

Identifiers and schemes

Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.

1. Which of these identifiers and schemes hold for the sense of harp this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance

Standards and regulation

Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.

1. Which of these standards and regulation hold for the sense of harp this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance

Real-world use

Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.

1. Which of these real-world use hold for the sense of harp this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance

Typical measurements

Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.

1. Which of these typical measurements hold for the sense of harp this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance

Failure modes and hazards

Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.

1. Which of these failure modes and hazards hold for the sense of harp this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance

Regional variation

Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.

1. Which of these regional variation hold for the sense of harp this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance

Neighbouring kinds and how to tell them apart

Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.

1. Which of these neighbouring kinds and how to tell them apart hold for the sense of harp this model covers, and on what evidence? provenance