Amplification Electronics for your Harp
If you are a harp professional, amplifying your harp is one of the many skill sets you must master. In fact, it is even more important for harpers to understand amplification than it is for most other musicians because harps have unique amplification issues and, trust us, the guy the venue hired to run the sound for your concert has no clue. You have to be the one who knows. We have some general information for you on our Amplification Basics page and we have worked hard to do the footwork (ear-work?) for you on amplification equipment. It is important that you know that an amp which sounds amazing with a guitar may not be as good for a harp. Harps have a range and harmonics which set them apart. The amps we carry have been selected from the vast array of amps out there as being reliable and quality performers for our harps.
One last thing, and we can't emphasize this enough, throw away your cheap cables, the ones connecting your harp to your amplifier or your wireless system. They are eating the voice of your harp alive. Seriously, if you do nothing else to improve the amplification of your harp, buy Asterope cables or one that is labeled as HD quality. It will be the best money you ever spend as a pro. No joke.
Pro Pick-up - Installed
Want the option to play acoustically and electrically? Now you can! Add this pick-up system to your cart with any Harpsicle®, Sharpsicle™, Flatsicle™, Fullsicle™, or Special Edition and we will install this pickup system into your harp for you.
We are using the LR Baggs IBEAM Active System (Classical). It is a combined pick-up and pre-amp with a 1/4 inch jack connector. This pick-up is specifically voiced for nylon string instruments and has a high degree of fidelity which will bring out the dynamically rich voice of your Harpsicle® brand Harp. The pre-amp has a built in compression and auto-EQ to render a warm sound at any volume, without the need for an external EQ or compressor. The IBEAM Active system is powered by a common 9V battery.
(This system comes automatically installed into the Grand Harpsicle® Harp and the Brilliant! Harpsicle® Harp so you do not need to add it to your cart for these models.)
Note: Pickup systems on 26 string models have a jack in the bottom of the harp, Grand models have a jack in the side and Brilliants have a jack in the back of the harp.
Pro Pickup - DIY Kit
This is the “Do It Yourself” installation version of the Pro Pick-Up. This kit is for those of you that already have a Harpsicle®, Sharpsicle™, Flatsicle™, Fullsicle™, or Special Edition Fullsicle™ harp and wish to install the Pro Pick-Up yourself. The installation process does require the use of a hand drill (not Included) and drilling a hole into the bottom of your harp. Please view the instructional video before purchasing (Click on the image of the pickup to view the instructional video).
Asterope Hi Def Cable
Asterope Hi-Def Cables
No one ever thinks about this but the cable that runs between your harp and your amplifier loses details from the voice of your harp so your harp ends up sounding less clear. Asterope Hi-Def cables are the aural equivalent of high definition computer displays in that what you hear out of your amplifier sounds just like your harp...only louder. It really is an astonishing difference. Trust us, when we were first exposed to these cables we thought, "Really, how much difference can there be?" When we heard a comparison we were floored.
Asterope Hi-Def Cables produce a high quality sound like no other cable. They utilize revolutionary technology that delivers a reduction in noise and a substantial increase in clarity, harmonic and frequency response and spectral balance. These Asterope cables were named the “Product of the Year” by the musical instrument manufacturers organization for a reason - they are every bit as amazing as their price would indicate. We guarantee you will love them.
The cables come in four lengths: 3’ (91.44 cm), 6’ (182.88 cm), 10’ (304.8 cm), and 15’ (457.2 cm). If you are wondering why anyone would want a 3’ cable, remember that with a wireless system the cables connecting the transmitter to the harp and the receiver to the amp are just as prone to losses as regular cables so replacing them with these high definition cables can make an important difference.
Note: Pickup systems on 26 string models have a jack in the bottom of the harp, Grand models have a jack in the side and Brilliants have a jack in the back of the harp.
Garen using a Fishman Loudbox Mini Charge Amp, Asterope Hi Def Cable, a Grand Harpsicle® Harp and a Grand Standing Stand.
Loudbox Mini Charge Amp
Recommended for all harp models including Grand and Brilliant harps.
The Fishman Loudbox Mini was another terrific discovery we made at the 2018 NAMM Show (the huge trade show for musical instrument manufacturers.) The Fishman Loudbox Mini Amplifier is a portable, rechargeable, 21.2 lb (9.6 kg) amp. The charge lasts 4 to 18 hours, depending upon volume so you are set for almost any gig anywhere. The harp voice comes across rich, clean and warm through the full range of the instrument.
The Loudbox Mini Charge rechargeable battery-powered amplifier does more than just amplify your harp. This amp has XLR-input so that you can accompany your harp with your own voice and the addition of Bluetooth® wireless connectivity, you can now easily add backing tracks or other accompaniment to your performances, jams, or wherever your Harpsicle® Harp takes you. Fishman is a long-established, well-respected name in the music industry and the Loudbox Mini is an exciting addition to the Fishman tradition.
Note: Pickup systems on 26 string models have a jack in the bottom of the harp, Grand models have a jack in the side and Brilliants have a jack in the back of the harp.
For detailed specifications and more views, hover over the amp photo and click on "Quick View."
Fishman Loudbox Mini Charge Amp front view
Fishman Loudbox Mini Charge back view
Fishman Loudbox Mini Charge Amp top view
Loudbox Mini Charge Amp Bag
If you only gig occasionally and you don’t go far from home then having a really nice, well-made bag for your amp isn’t essential, for everyone else it is a must. You can pack & protect your Loudbox Mini Charge, wall charger, car charger and cables with style and convenience. This bag has a shoulder strap, two accessory pouches, and rugged feet.
The Loudbox Mini Deluxe Carry Bag features:
Water-resistant 1000D ballistic nylon
Adjustable, padded shoulder strap
Two expandable side pockets for cables, mics and other accessories
One interior pocket for tablets or small computers, and one external flap pocket for accessories
Rugged feet keep the bag balanced and raised, out of puddles, mud, and more
Black with black webbing and an embroidered Fishman Loudbox logo