What Harpsicle Harps does

Harpsicle Harps is the DBA brand of Rees Harps Inc., a privately held, family-owned musical instrument manufacturer founded by luthier William Rees in 1972 and headquartered at 222 Main Street, Rising Sun, Indiana. The company designs and hand-builds ultra-lightweight lever harps under the registered Harpsicle® trademark line introduced in 2003, comprising seven models across two form factors: 26-string lap harps (Harpsicle, Sharpsicle, Flatsicle, Fullsicle, Special Edition Fullsicle) with progressively richer Rees sharping-lever configurations, and floor harps (Grand Harpsicle at 33 strings and Brilliant! at 34 strings) that incorporate built-in L.R. Baggs IBEAM active pickup systems for amplified performance. All instruments use solid-wood construction (maple, walnut, cherry) and are built to order with current lead times of 4–12 weeks.

The company operates a direct-to-consumer e-commerce model through harpsicleharps.com with no physical retail footprint, supported by presence at NAMM and Renaissance Fairs, an active social community (Instagram, Facebook, X), and content marketing. Harp prices span $650 (entry-level Harpsicle) to $3,415+ (Brilliant!), with a comprehensive attach ecosystem of branded bags, stands, straps, strings, amplification accessories, themed music book packages, beginner/music-therapy bundles (10% package discounts), ornamentation options, and a "Ready to Ship" seconds inventory. Customer segments are horizontal: beginners/hobbyists (primary), music therapists, Celtic/traditional players, and professional traveling harpists. The company also runs the Rees Concert Line for bespoke full-size concert harps.

Scale is intentionally small — stated headcount of 1–10 employees, all craft labor is in-house at the Rising Sun workshop, and there are no external investors. Geographic reach is global despite the domestic-only sales infrastructure, with documented customers in at least 18 countries. A 2024 customer-driven win of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce "Coolest Thing Made in Indiana" award — competing against manufacturers including Rolls Royce Aircraft Engines — underscores brand visibility, while a current walnut supply shortage and a recent staff loss have been publicly acknowledged as near-term capacity constraints. A generational leadership transition is in progress with co-owner Garen Rees taking operational leadership from founder William Rees.

Name

Harpsicle Harps

Legal name

Rees Harps Inc.

Website

https://harpsicleharps.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Harpsicle Harps, the DBA brand of family-owned Rees Harps Inc., hand-builds ultra-lightweight portable lever harps and accessories in Rising Sun, Indiana, selling direct-to-consumer via its own e-commerce site to beginners, music therapists, Celtic players, and professional traveling harpists.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Musical Instruments

NAICS

Musical Instrument Manufacturing (339992)

SIC

Musical Instruments (3931)

akta.pro primary industry

Instrument Parts, Repair & Maintenance (Luthier, Tech Services, Spares) (MPAIAJAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Instrument Repair, Maintenance & Luthier Services (CRALAEAF)

Keywords

• Lever harps
• Portable harps
• Harp accessories
• Musical instruments
• Lap harps

Headquarters

HQ city

Rising Sun

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Harp Sales: Primary revenue from direct sales of lever harps ranging from beginner entry-level ($650) to professional-grade ($3,415+) models. Harps are built to order with 4-12 week lead times.
2. Accessories: Strings, bags, stands, straps, tuning wrenches, cleaning kits, pickup systems, and amplifier accessories
3. Music Books and Sheet Music: Harpsicle® Harp-specific music arrangements in keys of C and A minor for beginners and intermediate players
4. Branded Merchandise: Rees Harps and Harpsicle® branded apparel, mugs, bags, and accessories sold through the Harpsicle® Boutique

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Harpsicle Harps designs and builds ultra-lightweight, portable lever harps ranging from a 26-string entry-level lap harp (5.8 lbs) to a 34-string professional floor harp (Brilliant! at up to 19 lbs). Harps are handmade in Rising Sun, Indiana, with wood soundboards, proprietary Rees sharping levers, and built-in pickup systems on higher-end models. The company also sells harp accessories (bags, stands, straps, strings, tuners, amplifiers), sheet music arrangements, and themed bundles.

Product overview

Harpsicle Harps is a manufacturer of lightweight, portable lever harps and accessories, founded in 1972 and operated by Rees Harps Inc. The product line consists of seven distinct harp models across two form factors: lap harps (Harpsicle, Sharpsicle, Flatsicle, Fullsicle, and Special Edition Fullsicle—all 26 strings with varying lever configurations) and floor harps (Grand with 33 strings and Brilliant with 34 strings). Harps range from entry-level models without levers to professional-grade instruments with solid wood construction and built-in pickup systems. The company also offers comprehensive accessories including protective bags, stands, straps, strings, tuners, amplification equipment, ornamentation options, and themed music bundles. Harps are handmade in Rising Sun, Indiana, with a focus on portability for traveling musicians, therapists, and performers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Sharpsicle™: 26-string lever harp with sharping levers on C and F strings, suitable for Celtic music and therapy use
• Flatsicle™
• Fullsicle™
• Special Edition Fullsicle™
• Grand Harpsicle®
• Brilliant!™ Harpsicle®

Products and services

• Harpsicle® Harp 26-string lap-style lever harp without sharping levers; plays in C and Am keys; weighs 5.8 lbs; 36 inches tall; 3.5 octaves from High G to low C below Middle C. Designed for beginners, children, and casual players; fits in most airline overhead storage.
• Sharpsicle™ Harp 26-string lever harp with sharping levers on C & F strings; plays in keys C, D, G and relative minors; 6 lbs; 36 inches tall; 3.5 octaves. Popular for Celtic music and harp therapy programs. Bridge pins allow future lever additions.
• Flatsicle™ Harp 26-string lever harp with sharping levers on C, F & B strings; plays in keys C, D, G, F and relative minors; 6.2 lbs. Popular with experienced musicians and music therapists; recommended by International Harp Therapy Program.
• Fullsicle™ Harp 26-string lever harp with full levers on all strings; plays in 8 keys (Eb, Bb, F, C, G, D, A, E) and relative minors; 6.4 lbs; 36 inches tall. Suitable for traveling professionals and skilled amateurs.
• Special Edition Fullsicle™ Harp Professional-grade 26-string lever harp with upgraded solid walnut or cherry wood construction; full Rees levers and wrapped bass strings installed; retains Fullsicle functionality with richer voice; 6.4 lbs; 36 inches tall. Cherry wood deepens to rich red with age.
• Grand Harpsicle® Harp 33-string floor harp with 4.5 octaves (G to C); weighs 12.4 lbs in cherry/walnut, 13.7 lbs in maple/colors; 43 inches tall. Can be played as floor harp or worn on guitar strap. Includes built-in pickup, preamp with volume control, and detachable stand; Rees sharping levers included.
• Brilliant!™ Harpsicle® Harp 34-string floor harp with 4.75 octaves (A to C); 54 inches tall; 16-17 lbs walnut/cherry, 18-19 lbs maple. Next-generation lightweight lever harp with large voice; poplar core soundboard with maple veneer; built-in L.R. Baggs active pickup system included.
• Artist Series Limited Edition Harps Limited edition harps with unique designs created by shop artists; one-of-a-kind pieces available on the Harps Ready to Ship page.
• First Harp Package Beginner bundle including Harpsicle Harp, harp bag, stick, method book with video, and two Easy Songs music sets; offered at 10% savings.
• Wanna' Grow Package Sharpsicle-based starter bundle with room for growth; includes bag, display stand, stick, and four music sets; 10% savings.
• Irish Harp Package Sharpsicle bundle for Irish sessions; includes bag, adjustable stand, stick, and Celtic music books; 10% savings.
• Harp Therapy Package Special Edition Fullsicle bundle for harp therapists; includes deluxe bag, stick, strap, music books, and cleaning kit; 10% savings.
• Big & Light Package Brilliant Harp bundle with bag and 911-HARP Kit; 10% savings.
• Pro Amp Package Fishman Loudbox Mini Charge amplifier bundle with bag and Asterope high-definition cable; $90 savings.
• Murphy's Law Package Emergency preparedness kit combining 911-HARP Kit, extra tuning wrench, and chromatic tuner; savings of $10-25.
• Harp Bags Padded carrying cases for all harp models including Harpsicle Harp Bag, Deluxe Harpsicle Harp Bag, Grand Harpsicle Harp Bag, and Brilliant Harp Bag; includes shoulder straps, handles, and accessory pockets.
• Harp Stands Solid wood stands for lap and floor harps including Display Stand, Adjustable Stand (10-18 inches), Standing Stand (23-33 inches), and Grand Standing Stand (19-29 inches).
• Harp Straps Black nylon straps and premium Deluxe Harp Straps made by Soldier Strap Company in Chicago with leather ends; fits all Harpsicle brand harps except Brilliant.
• Harp String Sets and Upgraded Bass Strings Custom-made string sets for all harp models; includes full sets, single string replacements, and wound bass string upgrade for instruments built after 2012.
• Pro Pickup Installation L.R. Baggs IBEAM Active System installation; combined pickup and preamp with 1/4 inch jack; voiced for nylon strings; 9V battery with approximately 1,000 hours life.
• Ornamentation Designs Decorative laser-cut designs available for natural-finish harps including Lotus, Hummingbird, Dandelion Make a Wish, Celtic Knot, Good Fortune Fish, Tree of Life, Sunflower, and Wolf; available on Harpsicle through Grand models.
• Harpsicle® Harp Sheet Music Sets Sheet music arrangements for Harpsicle Harps in key of C or A minor; includes Easy Songs (Vols 1-2), Easy Hymns (Vols 1-2), Celtic & Renaissance Songs, Turlough O'Carolan Tunes, Christmas Songs, Easy Classics, Classic Standards, Children's Songs, Lullabies, and Campfire Songs.
• Harpsicle® Boutique Merchandise Branded apparel and accessories including t-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, jackets, hats, mugs, travel mugs, tote bags, fanny packs, stickers, garden flags, pet bowls, and high-top shoes featuring Harpsicle and Rees Harps branding.

Quantifiable outcome

• Named 'Coolest Thing Made in Indiana' by Indiana Chamber of Commerce (December 11, 2024) after customer-driven voting competition

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Learning the Harp (Christy-Lyn)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership offering discounted harps and free accessories to students. Christy-Lyn from Learning the Harp has selected specific Harpsicle® models for her students with specially discounted pricing and includes free black harp strap and display stand with purchase.
• Rees Harps Inc.coreOthersParent company of Harpsicle® Harps. Founded by William Rees in 1972, Rees Harps Inc. is a family business now in its second generation with Garen Rees leading operations. Makes both Harpsicle® portable lever harps and Rees Concert Line bespoke instruments.
• International Harp Therapy ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor harp therapy program that has been recommending Sharpsicle™ and Flatsicle™ Harps for music therapy use for over a decade, helping spread these harps globally through their certification programs.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Camac Harps: French manufacturer of lever and pedal harps widely used by Celtic and contemporary harpists. Camac is the most direct global competitor in the portable lever harp category where Harpsicle® competes.
• Stoney End Harps: American maker of lightweight, affordable lever harps positioned similarly to Harpsicle® for beginners and casual players. Comparable form factor, price band, and customer segment in the portable lever harp niche.
• Heartland Harps: Small U.S. lever harp maker specializing in affordable, beginner-friendly instruments. Closely aligned with Harpsicle® on price points, customer (hobbyists and beginners), and build-to-order model.
• Triplett Harps: Custom American harp maker producing one-of-a-kind and Celtic-style lever harps. Overlaps with Harpsicle® on the lever harp category with comparable target customers in the Celtic and traditional harpist segment.
• Thormahlen Harps: U.S. custom harp builder offering Celtic and chromatic lever harps with emphasis on acoustic tone. Comparable to Harpsicle® in the lever harp category with a similar build-to-order, premium-positioning approach.

Broad incumbents

• Lyon & Healy: Long-established American harp manufacturer offering both pedal and lever harps across a wide price range. Broad incumbent with overlapping customer base in professional and educational harp markets.
• Salvi Harps: Italian harp maker producing pedal and lever harps for professional and educational markets. Established international brand with comparable materials, craftsmanship focus, and cross-over professional customer base.
• Dusty Strings: Pacific Northwest maker of lever harps and hammered dulcimers. Overlaps in the lever harp segment with a comparable craftsmanship and direct-to-consumer model, but with broader instrument portfolio.

Others

• Rees Concert Line Harps: Sister brand of Harpsicle® Harps under parent Rees Harps Inc., offering bespoke full-size concert pedal harps. Adjacent within the same corporate family and shares luthier expertise and the Rees brand.
• L.R. Baggs: Pickup and preamp maker whose IBEAM Active System is built into the Grand and Brilliant! Harpsicle® models. Adjacent technology partner rather than a competitor, but materially shapes Harpsicle®' professional value proposition.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/HarpsicleHarps
• Facebookfacebook.com/HarpsicleHarps
• Instagraminstagram.com/harpsicleharps

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Harpsicle Harps