STRICH Lyre Harp Review – 16 Strings of Warm, Resonant Sound

STRICH 16-String Lyre Harp Review

If you’ve ever been curious about trying a harp, the **STRICH 16-string lyre harp** is a beautiful and approachable instrument that makes it easy to get started. With its elegant mahogany body, bone saddle, and complete set of accessories, it feels both thoughtfully designed and beginner-friendly.

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First Impressions

The Strich Harp is crafted from **mahogany**, which gives it a warm, resonant tone. It’s also lightweight, making it comfortable to hold whether you’re sitting down or standing up to play. The **bone saddle** adds to the clarity of each note, giving the instrument that shimmering, harp-like sound.

Tuning and Playability

One of the most important things to know when starting out is that this harp requires **frequent tuning in the beginning**. Like any new stringed instrument, the strings need time to stretch and settle. At first, you’ll find yourself tuning it several times a day. This isn’t a flaw—it’s a natural part of the process. Once the strings have stretched properly, the harp will hold its pitch much more consistently. The included **tuning wrench** makes the process simple, and with a little patience, you’ll quickly develop the ear and habit for keeping it in tune.

With **16 strings**, you have a versatile range to work with. Beginners can start with simple melodies or chord patterns, while more adventurous players can experiment with accompaniment and layering sounds. The string tension strikes a nice balance: firm enough to produce clear tones, but not so tight that it tires out your fingers too quickly.

Complete Accessories Set

Another big plus is that STRICH includes everything you need in one package. You’ll get:

* A **gig bag**, which offers decent protection and makes it easy to carry your harp to lessons or practice sessions.

* A **tuning wrench** for keeping your strings adjusted.

* A set of **spare strings**, which is especially helpful for beginners who might snap a string while learning.

Having these accessories included takes away the stress of tracking down extra parts, so you can just focus on playing.

Final Thoughts

The **STRICH 16-string lyre harp** is approachable, beautifully made, and genuinely enjoyable to play. The warm tone, thoughtful craftsmanship, and complete accessory set make it an excellent option for anyone curious about exploring harp playing. While the initial tuning phase requires patience, once the strings settle, you’re rewarded with a lovely, stable instrument that invites you to create music.

Whether you’re brand new to harps or simply looking for a compact and charming addition to your musical collection, this lyre harp is a delightful choice.

The Best Piano Pedals of 2025: Upgrade Your Keyboard Setup with These Top Picks

The Best Piano Pedals of 2025: Upgrade Your Keyboard Setup with These Top Picks

Beyond Mechanics: The Role of Pedals in Music

The damper pedal, the most commonly used, is essential for creating legato phrasing and rich harmonies. It allows chords and melodies to resonate, blurring the lines between them for a lush, immersive sound. Meanwhile, the una corda pedal shifts the hammer slightly to strike fewer strings, producing a softer, more intimate tone. These tools give pianists the power to transform a single passage into something ethereal or to underscore the dynamic emotions of a piece.

When it comes to playing the piano, having the right tools can make all the difference in your sound, style, and confidence. One of the most critical tools for any pianist is the pedal—or more specifically, the right pedal for your piano and your goals. Electronic pianos have opened up a world of options for players, and with them, a variety of pedal choices to enhance your performance. Here, I’ll walk you through six excellent piano pedals that can help you achieve the sound and skill you’re aiming for—starting with a fantastic budget-friendly option.

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Pedal #1: The Best Budget Sustain Pedal

Soraco

If you’re looking for a dependable, affordable sustain pedal, this one is a gem. It’s the Sustain Pedal Universal for Keyboard with Polarity Switch, compatible with Yamaha, Casio, Roland, Korg, Behringer, Moog, and other electronic keyboards. With a stellar 4.9 ⭐️ rating, it’s a favorite for good reason.

Let me tell you why I love this pedal. First, it’s simple yet effective. Even though it’s budget-friendly, it doesn’t skimp on quality. The response is smooth, giving you that satisfying sustain effect that enhances your music’s resonance and flow. Whether you’re playing a gentle ballad or a dramatic classical piece, this pedal holds up beautifully.

Pedal #2: My Everyday Pedal

Now, let me tell you about the pedal that I personally own and use every day: the M-Audio SP-2 Universal Sustain Pedal. This pedal has been my go-to for years, and for good reason. It’s incredibly dependable and feels natural, almost like the pedal on a grand piano. If you’re looking for a professional-grade option that delivers a true piano-style action, this is it.

One of the standout features of the M-Audio SP-2 is its construction. It’s solidly built with a weighted mechanism that gives it a responsive and authentic feel. When I press down on this pedal, it’s smooth and consistent, making it a joy to use whether I’m practicing, recording, or performing.

What I love most about this pedal is how it mimics the experience of playing an acoustic piano. The resistance and action feel just right, which makes it easier to translate techniques between an electronic keyboard and a traditional piano. This is especially important if you’re a pianist who switches between the two frequently.

Pedal #3: The Solution to Slippery Pedals

This next pedal made the list for its unique and incredibly practical feature: a non-slip mat. I sometimes have students tell me that their pedal slips away while they’re playing, which can be frustrating and distracting. If you’ve ever experienced that, the Liquid Stands Keyboard Digital Piano Foot Pedal Mat is the perfect solution.

This pedal comes with a 3-inch by 12-inch non-slip mat that keeps it firmly in place, even on smooth surfaces or carpet. The mat is a game-changer, especially for younger students or players who tend to move their feet a lot during practice. It eliminates the hassle of having to reposition your pedal mid-song, allowing you to focus entirely on your playing.

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Pedal #4: The 3-Pedal Unit for an Authentic Piano Experience

Acoustic pianos traditionally have three pedals, and if you want a more authentic piano experience, you might want to consider a three-pedal unit. The Casio SP-34 Portable 3-Pedal Unit is a fantastic choice, especially if you own a Casio CDP-S or Privia PX-S digital piano. With a 4.5 ⭐️ rating and backing from a reputable brand, this pedal unit is a solid investment.

What I love about this option is how it replicates the full range of pedal functions found on an acoustic piano: sustain, sostenuto, and soft. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone who plays classical repertoire or simply wants the full expressive range of a traditional piano.

Pedal #5: The Perfect Pedal for Young Players

If you’re working with younger kids who can’t quite reach the pedals yet, the Piano Pedal Extender for Kids is a lifesaver. This solid wood adjustable foot pedal extender is specifically designed to give kids the ability to use all three pedals on an acoustic piano or digital piano, even if their feet don’t touch the floor.

What I love about this pedal extender is how it allows young players to develop proper pedal technique early on. Instead of waiting until they grow tall enough to reach the pedals, they can start learning how to use them right away. This can make a big difference in their overall musical development, as they get to explore dynamics, sustain, and other pedal effects from the start.

Pedal #6: The Page Turner Pedal I Wish I Had as a Kid

This is perhaps the pedal I am most excited about. As a young piano player, I often wished there were a way to turn the page of my sheet music without using one of my hands. Back then, I imagined some sci-fi, futuristic device to solve the problem—and now, it actually exists! The LEKATO Wireless Page Turner Pedal is a game-changer for pianists and musicians who use digital sheet music.

This Bluetooth page-turner pedal is rechargeable and works seamlessly with phones, tablets, and apps. It’s incredibly easy to use: a simple tap of the pedal turns the page forward or backward, allowing you to focus on your playing without interruption. It’s perfect for practice, performances, or even teaching sessions.

What I love most about this pedal is its versatility. It’s not just for piano players—any musician who uses digital sheet music or chord charts can benefit from it. The pedal is lightweight, portable, and has a long battery life, making it ideal for gigging musicians or anyone who moves between practice spaces.