The harp guitar was developed in the early 1800's, but it took another hundred years for the design to be streamlined and then promoted by Gibson (USA).
My lovely version was commissioned six months ago, from luthiere David Powell in the States. I've had a personalised logo added to the top of the sub bass head: my initials woven into knotwork, inlaid in shell.
This gorgeous instrument arrived yesterday at tea time, when I unwrapped her for the first time. I started to experiment with technique and sounds. The bass is wonderfully low and resonant, but needs a much lighter hand than the other strings (and also a much lighter hand than the harp).
My first project will be devising an accompaniment for The Sleeping Song, a traditional modern Scotts melody by piper Gordon Duncan (1964-2005). This is Craig's new favourite ballad, which he's looking forward to introducing to our set.
Here's a close up of the inlay:
