AKLOT 15-String Mahogany Harp With Accessories

I need a small harp for traveling – and the Aklot 15 string seems to be a harp that reviews have mentioned is acceptable. It is tuned in 2 octaves with the lowest string being C4 (middle C on the piano). I like how it’s very lightweight, and using the strap buttons with a strap would be helpful for keeping it on your lap (or between your knees) more securely. But the strings? Oh my. Of course the colors are not correct, but they seem to be made of plastic – not nylon. Like a material you would find on a $15 plastic ‘ukulele with plastic strings. Needless to say it sounds horrible – really more like a toy than a harp. There are harp companies that do make nylon, “real harp” string sets for the Aklot. It’s imperative that you change the strings if you expect to play this as a real harp. The tuning pins are similar to other harps (they are not zither pins) but probably a Chinese design. Although the plastic strings are still stretching (normal) and need constant tuning, I don’t think these tuning pins are reliable – of course only time will tell. The tuning key is particular to this harp – other tuning keys will likely not work.
The harp I received has some nicks in the wood, and some areas that look like someone tried to restrain over the nicks to cover them. That doesn’t bother me, but if you’re a purist just expect that.
I’m not sure if replacing the strings with nylon harp strings ($50) will make the harp sound good? Possibly. Will the tuners hold pitch? I’m not sure.

So happy with this purchase!
Beautiful harp. This is my first time playing harp and this one is really easy to play and tune up. (Needs more tuning in the beginning but starts holding tune. I check tuning before each time playing… Just as I would a guitar or any other stringed instrument). Sounds nice. Relaxing. This is wayyy better than I thought it would be! Well worth the price! Great value! I play this harp more than my guitar! So Happy with it!

Its very nice looking but very very light in weight. The strings look like thick fishing line. The sound was ok when i tested the strings.
This is recommended for a beginner. It came with no instructions what so ever. This is very disappointing to a beginner when your looking foward to the delivery and have to spend hours on internet for instructions on tunning and using.

Harps under $500 are often meant as toys. This means that they are built to plink away at absentmindedly, similar to the function of a therapy harp. They are not built to be used as professional musical instruments or even casual musical instruments because they will lack range, a carrying case, an ability to tune or have easy replacement of parts (buttons/valves/pads/strings) once they break down.

But this Aklot harp comes with the following:

1) 2-octave range of strings already installed
2) A replacement set of strings if these strings break
3) A tuning key
4) Easy to tune and can be done sitting down or standing up
5) A carrying case
6) A nice adjustable strap for the harp itself so that you can have it securely against your body and minimize harp movement. The less your harp moves, the easier it is to play. I can walk around with this harp hands-free and it is as secure as a messenger bag.
7) The same body shape as a professional harp, which is very good for when you buy an upgrade.

Of course, there are some downsides. This harp is gentle and quiet. You can play it in your bedroom or office and not disturb anybody… but it will be drowned out if you try to play with others. Even when playing with the radio or any music accompaniment, you need to place your ear against the instrument to hear it. This harp is meant to be played as a solo (a capella) instrument in order for you to hear it clearly. Also, when you pluck a string, you know darn well that these “harp strings” are scarcely any better than fishing line that has been cut down to vibrate at the proper pitch! lol. Adding in the fact that the body of the instrument (specifically the soundbox) is not very resonant, you are not going to get a big and deep and beautiful sound. Rather, you get a “good enough for a total harp beginner to enjoy” type of sound. And finally, unlike a high-quality harp where poor finger technique will still sound somewhat nice, your finger technique on an Aklot harp will have a big effect on your sound production.

So why do I give it 5 stars? This instrument has enough range to genuinely learn harp (via Udemy or other online music lessons) while still being cheap enough that it can be purchased on a whim for personal use. It also makes a superb gift. Therapy harps exist for a reason. Aklot made a serviceable harp for ALL people and not just wealthy people with a lot of disposable income. I thank Aklot for that.

Let this Aklot be your starter harp. You won’t be disappointed!