Rees Harps
Rees Harps is a family-owned Indiana manufacturer of handcrafted lever harps (Rees Concert Line and Harpsicle® sub-brand) built-to-order and sold direct-to-consumer worldwide, serving Celtic musicians, harp therapists, buskers, professionals, and hobbyists with priced $700–$1,675 instruments.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1972
- HeadquartersRising Sun, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Rees Harps does
Rees Harps Inc. is a family-owned manufacturer of handcrafted lever harps, founded in 1972 by luthier William Rees and headquartered in Rising Sun, Indiana. The company produces two distinct product lines: the Rees Concert Line of floor and lap harps (27 to 36 strings, priced $700–$1,675) built-to-order in its 7,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, and the Harpsicle® Harp sub-brand launched in 2003 as a more affordable, portable lever harp. Core technology centers on proprietary asymmetrical soundboard designs adapted from dulcimer innovations, locally harvested hardwoods (walnut, cherry, maple, poplar), and even-voice production methods that yield what the company characterizes as among the lightest concert-quality wood harps in the industry. Rees holds registered trademarks for Harpsicle® and Fullsicle™ and offers extensive customization including wood upgrades, ornamentation (standard designs and fully bespoke artwork by in-house artists), and premium lever options from Camac and Truitt.
The business operates a direct-to-consumer e-commerce model through ReesHarps.com and a parallel HarpsicleHarps.com storefront, supplemented by an international dealer network that purchases in consolidated shipments to reduce per-unit logistics costs. All Concert Line harps are built to order with a 25% deposit at order placement, a balance due before shipment, and a stated two-month lead time. Customers are individuals and small ensembles across hobbyist learners, Irish/Celtic musicians, harp therapy practitioners, buskers, professional performers, and singer-songwriters; the company also sells accessories (padded bags, tuning tools, Fishman amplification, D'Addario tuners, Soldier Strap straps), replacement strings, music publications, and digital gift cards via Squarespace-powered storefronts accepting PayPal, Stripe, and major credit cards. The founder-led operation is currently undergoing a generational succession, with second-generation family members Garen Rees (production) and Melissa Irwin (customer support/marketing) already running day-to-day operations as William and Pamela Rees step back.
Rees Harps firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Rees Harps
- Legal name
- Rees Harps Inc.
- Website
- https://reesharps.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1972
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Rees Harps is a family-owned Indiana manufacturer of handcrafted lever harps (Rees Concert Line and Harpsicle® sub-brand) built-to-order and sold direct-to-consumer worldwide, serving Celtic musicians, harp therapists, buskers, professionals, and hobbyists with priced $700–$1,675 instruments.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Rees Harps industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Handcrafted Lever Harps / Musical Instrument Manufacturing
- NAICS
- Musical Instrument and Supplies Retailers (459140)
- SIC
- Musical Instruments (3931)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Musical Instruments (Acoustic & Electric) (MPAIAJAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Musical Instrument Retail (Guitars, Keyboards, Drums, Band/Orchestra) (CRALAEAA), Audio Accessories & Consumables (Cables, Stands, Cases, Strings, Picks, Heads) (MPAIAJAF), Instrument Accessories & Consumables Retail (Strings, Reeds, Sticks, Cables) (CRALAEAE)
Keywords
Where Rees Harps is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Rising Sun
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Rees Harps business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Harp Sales: Primary revenue from selling handcrafted lever harps ranging from 27 to 36 strings. Harps are built to order with customization options including wood type, ornamentation, and lever types. Prices range from $700 for entry-level Morgan Meghan to $1,675 for Double Mariposa.
- Accessories: Sells harp accessories including padded bags ($400+), tuning wrenches ($28), lever regulation kits ($49), pickup systems ($230-330), amplifiers ($595), amp bags ($135), straps ($10-44), and stands ($280).
- Strings: Replacement strings and string sets for all Rees Concert Line Harp models. Full string sets from $66, wrapped string sets from $28, individual strings from $3.00.
- Music Publications: Sells harp music books and sheet music for lever harps, including titles like 'Beyond the Cliffs of Moher' ($33), 'Fifty-Five Fabulous Fake Book Favorites' and therapeutic music collections.
- Custom Wood Options: Flamed maple upgrades for pillar and arch: $550 for floor harps (Aberdeen, Mariposa, Shaylee) or $330 for lap harps (Morgan Meghan).
- Custom Ornamentation: Fully custom hand-painted ornamentation on harps, with pricing ranging from $100 to $625+ depending on design complexity. Standard ornamentation options also available.
- Gift Cards: Digital gift cards available in denominations from $25 to $1,000.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Aberdeen Meadows Concert Line Harp - C to C range, 36 strings |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Mariposa Concert Line Harp - A to C range, 34 strings |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Shaylee Meadows Concert Line Harp - 30 strings |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Morgan Meghan Concert Line Harp - 27 strings |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Double Harps - Dual soundbox designs |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Standard Ornamentation Options |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Flamed Maple Wood Upgrade |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Camac Lever Upgrade |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Built-in Pickup System |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Digital Gift Cards |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
Rees Harps product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Rees Harps handcrafts and sells custom-built lever harps ranging from 27 to 36 strings, manufactured to order in Rising Sun, Indiana, with a standard two-month lead time and 25% downpayment structure. The product portfolio spans the Rees Concert Line (custom floor and lap harps such as Aberdeen Meadows, Mariposa, Shaylee Meadows, Morgan Meghan, and Double Harps) and the mass-market Harpsicle® affordable harp line, alongside accessories (amplification, strings, bags, straps, stands, ornamentation) and harp music publications. Prices for harp instruments range from $700 for entry-level Morgan Meghan to $1,675 for Double Mariposa.
Product overview
Rees Harps Inc. is a handcrafted harp manufacturer founded in 1972, offering two main product lines: the Rees Concert Line Lever Harps (floor harps and lap harps) and the Harpsicle® Harps (a separate, more affordable brand launched in 2003). The Rees Concert Line includes the Aberdeen Meadows (36-string), Mariposa (34-string), Shaylee Meadows (30-string), and Morgan Meghan (27-string) harps, with double harp versions available. All harps are built to order in Rising Sun, Indiana with a two-month lead time. The company also sells a comprehensive range of accessories including tuning tools, amplification equipment (Fishman amplifiers), strings, stands, straps, padded bags, ornamentation options (standard designs and fully custom artwork), and harp music books. They accept payment through PayPal, Stripe, and major credit cards, with their website powered by Squarespace e-commerce platform.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Harpsicle® Harps: A more affordable harp line launched in 2003, designed to make harps accessible to more people. These are manufactured separately and sold through a dedicated website at harpsicleharps.com.
Products and services
- Aberdeen Meadows Concert Line Harp 36-string concert floor harp available in C to C or A to A range configurations; premium model with a big voice suitable for recording and professional performance. Priced at $1,450.00. 55 inches tall, 5 octaves, 25 lbs.
- Mariposa Concert Line Harp 34-string concert floor harp available in A to C or F to A range configurations; popular model suitable for Irish music sessions. Priced at $1,325.00. 50 inches tall, 4.75 octaves, 21 lbs.
- Shaylee Meadows Concert Line Harp 30-string concert floor harp with G to F range; smaller venue harp with concert-quality voice at a lighter weight. Priced at $850.00. 46 inches tall, 4 octaves, 18 lbs.
- Morgan Meghan Concert Line Harp 27-string lap harp designed to be played on the lap or with a stand; entry-level floor harp with full Rees levers. Priced at $700.00. 34 inches tall.
- Double Harps Double versions of Mariposa, Shaylee, and Morgan Meghan harps featuring two harps side-by-side; designed for music therapy and performances requiring maximum range and visual impact. Double Morgan Meghan: $975 (54 strings); Double Shaylee: $1,175 (60 strings); Double Mariposa: $1,675 (68 strings).
- Harpsicle® Harps Inexpensive portable harp brand launched in 2003 to make harp playing accessible to a wider audience; thousands shipped worldwide through a separate dedicated website and international dealer network.
- Fishman Loudbox Rechargeable Amplifier Battery-powered amplifier specifically matched to Rees lever harps, designed for amplified performance at gigs. Priced at $595.
- Built-in Pickup System Internal pickup and preamp system installed at the factory for amplified performance; enables connection to amplifiers and PA systems. Priced at $330 installed; Pro Pickup & Preamp (not installed) at $230.
- Harp Strings and String Sets Replacement strings for all Rees Concert Line Harp models; available as full sets ($66), wrapped string sets ($28), or individual strings ($3.00 each). Includes strings for current and discontinued models.
- Padded Harp Bags Padded protective carrying cases available for floor harps and lap harps. Priced from $400.
- Adjustable Harp Stand Adjustable stand that converts a Morgan Meghan or Morgan Meadows lap harp into a floor harp for easier playing and display; available in walnut, cherry, or maple. Priced at $280.
- Deluxe Harp Strap Handcrafted leather strap made in Chicago by Soldier Strap Company with soft underside to protect harp finish; multiple design patterns available.
- Rees Lever Regulation Kit Tool kit for regulating and adjusting Rees harp levers; essential maintenance accessory for lever harp owners. Priced at $49.
- Flamed Maple Wood Upgrade Premium flamed maple wood option for harp pillar and arch. Additional cost of $550 for floor harps (Aberdeen Meadows, Mariposa, Shaylee, Double models) or $330 for lap harps (Morgan Meghan, Morgan Meadows, Double models).
- Standard Ornamentation Designs Pre-designed decorative ornamentation options applied to harp soundboards including Autumn Leaves, Nouveau Breeze, Cherry Blossoms, Hope, Butterfly, French Leaves, Doves, Victorian Lace, Celtic Border, Blessing Serpent, Single Butterfly, Celtic Garland, Tree of Life with Celtic Border, Endless Knot, Double Endless Knot, Floating Feather, Starry Starry Night, and Storied Serpent. Prices range from $50 to $625+.
- Fully Custom Ornamentation Bespoke hand-painted artwork created in consultation with Rees artists Garen Rees and Melissa Irwin; customers work directly with artists to design unique decorative elements. Pricing $100 to $625+ depending on design complexity; custom work can take up to a year.
- Harp Music Books Sheet music and method books for harp players including therapeutic harp music (Quiet Moments, More Quiet Moments), Celtic music (Irish Lap Harp, Scandinavian Lap Harp), classical arrangements (Classics & More, Gospel Favorites), folk song collections, and performance repertoire (Beyond the Cliffs of Moher, Fifty-Five Fabulous Fake Book).
- Rees Harps Digital Gift Cards Prepaid digital gift cards available in denominations from $25 to $1,000; funds do not expire and carry no fees. Usable across the Rees Harps product catalog.
Companies that use Rees Harps
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Rees Harps technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration9 records
Feature4 records
Rees Harps partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- Harpsicle HarpsflagshipHarpsicle Harps is a separate brand (HarpsicleHarps.com) launched in 2003 as an affordable, revolutionary lever harp design. It was created to address the problem that starting prices for quality harps were around $1500, making harp inaccessible to many learners. The Harpsicle Harp solved conflicting issues of string pressure, mechanical integrity, weight, size, tone, speed to construct and price. Thousands have shipped worldwide.
- SquarespacecoreWebsite platform host powering both ReesHarps.com and HarpsicleHarps.com. Enables the company to provide e-commerce services, process payments, and manage the online store experience.
- PayPalcorePayment processor enabling online transactions. Also offers credit options for customers who need financing.
- FishmancoreAmplification equipment provider. Rees Harps sells Fishman Loudbox rechargeable amplifiers ($595) and Fishman Amp Bags ($135) as amplification solutions for harp players.
- Camac LeverscoreCamac levers available as an upgrade option for Rees Concert Line Harps. Camac is a premium lever option for lever harps, installed by Rees for $540 on Morgan Meghan models.
- Long & McQuademinorCanadian music retailer where William and team conducted harp workshops during BuskerFest in Toronto.
- International Harp Therapy ProgramminorChristina Tourin founded the International Harp Therapy Program. She is a notable customer who draws crowds at harp therapy conferences and promotes therapeutic harp playing.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves1 record
Expansion highlights5 records
Rees Harps competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Camac Harps: French harp manufacturer with both premium concert harps and an accessible lever-harp line. Direct peer on the high end, and also a supplier to Rees (Camac levers are installed on Rees instruments), giving it an overlapping yet competitive position.
- Lyon & Healy Harps: Long-established American harp manufacturer producing pedal and lever harps for professional and student markets. Directly competes with Rees in the high-quality lever-harp segment and shares the heritage, U.S. manufacturing base, and professional performer customer base.
- Salvi Harps: Italian premium harp maker producing lever and pedal harps for professional harpists worldwide. Directly comparable to Rees Concert Line in build quality, customization, and the professional performer / Celtic-music segment.
- Dusty Strings: Seattle-based maker of hammered dulcimers, harps, and zithers, with a strong DTC and workshop model. Directly comparable to Rees as a handcrafted string-instrument maker serving folk, Celtic, and therapeutic-music communities in North America.
- Stoney End Harps: U.S.-based lever-harp maker focused on affordable, portable designs. Closely comparable to Rees's Harpsicle sub-brand on entry-level price point, portability, and beginner / hobbyist customer base.
Emerging players
- Heartland Harps: Smaller U.S. lever-harp builder serving Celtic and folk musicians. Comparable niche, build-to-order model, and direct sales motion, though at a smaller scale than Rees.
- Triplett Harps: Custom American harp maker producing both Celtic and Paraguayan-style harps. Overlaps with Rees on handcrafted build-to-order lever harps for hobbyists and performers.
Others
- Fishman: Amplification and pickup-systems vendor whose Loudbox amp and pickups Rees resells and recommends. Adjacent ecosystem participant — a critical supplier rather than a competitor — and a useful comparable for the pickup/amplification accessory category.
- Camac Levers: Premium sharping-lever brand installed on Rees harps as a paid upgrade. Functions as both an enabler (supplier of a key component) and an indirect competitor offering harpists a branded alternative path to upgraded levers.
Regional players
- Aoyama Harps: Long-established Japanese stringed-instrument maker (notably shamisen) with selective harp offerings. Comparable as a regional handcrafted string-instrument manufacturer, though geographically and culturally distinct from Rees.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Rees Harps social profiles
Digital presenceRees Harps financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Rees Harps leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Rees Harps funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Rees Harps M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Rees Harps
What does Rees Harps do?
Rees Harps handcrafts and sells custom-built lever harps ranging from 27 to 36 strings, manufactured to order in Rising Sun, Indiana, with a standard two-month lead time and 25% downpayment structure. The product portfolio spans the Rees Concert Line (custom floor and lap harps such as Aberdeen Meadows, Mariposa, Shaylee Meadows, Morgan Meghan, and Double Harps) and the mass-market Harpsicle® affordable harp line, alongside accessories (amplification, strings, bags, straps, stands, ornamentation) and harp music publications. Prices for harp instruments range from $700 for entry-level Morgan Meghan to $1,675 for Double Mariposa.
Is Rees Harps a public or private company?
Rees Harps is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Rees Harps founded?
Rees Harps was founded in 1972. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Rees Harps based?
Rees Harps is headquartered in Rising Sun, United States, in the North America region.
How does Rees Harps make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. Harp Sales are the primary driver. The others are accessories, strings, music Publications, custom Wood Options, custom Ornamentation and gift Cards.
Who are Rees Harps's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Camac Harps, Lyon & Healy Harps, Salvi Harps, Dusty Strings and Stoney End Harps. Emerging players are Heartland Harps and Triplett Harps. Others are Fishman and Camac Levers. Aoyama Harps is listed as a regional player.
Does Rees Harps have an API?
No public API is recorded for Rees Harps.
What industry is Rees Harps in?
Rees Harps's product category is Handcrafted Lever Harps / Musical Instrument Manufacturing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAIAJAA, Musical Instruments (Acoustic & Electric), with a secondary code of CRALAEAA, Musical Instrument Retail (Guitars, Keyboards, Drums, Band/Orchestra). Its NAICS code is 459140 and its SIC code is 3931.