Over 20 Years ago, Jay Michaels began playing Harp. In fact, his first Harp was wire-strung.
The Wire-Strung Harp has a rich tradition. In Ireland it is called the Cláirseach. Harps with wire strings have a bright, magical quality.
Jay currently plays two Wire-Strung Harps:
A 19-string instrument built in 1976 by Ansel Westover, inspired by Early Renaissance Gothic Harps.
A 26-string instrument built in 2004 by George Leverette of Altar Wind Music in Oregon, inspired by the Irish Harp.