Harps in production
The workshop currently produces a range of 13 non-pedal harps and 2 pedal harps. Other designs can be custom made to your specifications. For decorated and carved instruments, prices are on application. The sort of instrument that you will need is governed by the type of music that you will be playing. Generally speaking, the larger the number of strings the "better " the harp will sound. This is because the resonating cavity and soundboard are larger, which enhances the tenor and bass resonance. Larger instruments are however, heavier as they have to be more strongly built to withstand the increased string tension.
Timbers
The choice of timber has no effect on the tone. All instruments are made from fine cabinet timbers. There are 16 different timbers to choose from: 8 local and 8 exotic. With different timbers, this gives a range of 208 different models. Australian Species: Blackwood, Queensland Maple, Queensland Walnut, Australian Rosewood, Southern Sassafrass, Silver Ash, Silky Oak and Tasmanian Myrtle. Non-Australian Species: American Maple, American Black Walnut, American Cherry, Beech, Ash, Sapele Mahogany, Padouk and Camphor Laurel.
Hardware
The instruments are strung in either gut or composite (synthetic gut) and with wound steel strings in the bass. All non-pedal harps are equipped with Hugh Jones levers
What the teachers and players say ...
"In my experience, Mr Jones has been the most outstanding manufacturer of harps in Australia over the past two decades." Dr Evan Davies (1998) Former teacher of harp, Sydney Conservatorium of Music
" I have been absolutely delighted with both the rich tonal excellence and the wonderful craftsmanship of these harps. They are majestic and a joy to play. As I perform on an 1870's harp it is a great comfort to find such a present day master-craftsman as Mr Jones." Claire Roche (2002) Singer/Harpist, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland