Donner Lyre Harp, 16 Metal Strings, Mahogany Body and Copper Saddle DLH-003 Lyre Harp with Tuning Wrench, Spare String Set, Black Gig Bag, Manual, Ancient Greece Style

At first, I wasn't impressed. It arrived with a broken string out of the box and no instructions on how to replace it, though there were replacement strings included. However, I was able to replace it and then began the tuning process. Some reviewers have said that it is impossible to tune. That is not true. It is a challenge at first but that it to be expected with an instrument arriving through the mail or a delivery service like Amazon's. The first few days, I tuned it at least twice a day and now I tune it every couple of days or so and the adjustments are minor. It is much like tuning a harp except perhaps a bit fussier because the strings are shorter.Thus far, I am finding it easy to learn but am only playing one-handed for now. The sound seems good to my less-than-perfect-pitch ears and I can readily sound out simple songs or read music. My one little complaint is that the strings are not marked as they are with a regular harp but I saw a video that suggested marking C and F with markers. It has worked pretty well and this makes it easier to see where to place one's fingers if suddenly lost.In the end, I decided on 5 stars. It's a nice little instrument for a reasonable price. Often instruments like this are shown being played by children. It is not a toy and a younger child is not going to have a chance when it comes to tuning the instrument. With the aid of a patient adult, however, a musically inclined child might enjoy it but it is fine enough for adults.

I was really excited to get my Donner 16 string lyre. I had gotten a Donner 10 string lyre for Christmas. It is a great instrument, but there are a number of songs that can not be played because of not having enough strings. I ordered a 16 string of another brand. It was beautiful, but the tone could not compare to my 10 string. I returned it with Amazon's return service. When I got my Donner 16 string lyre I was not disappointed. Great mahogany finish, and a rich tone. Thanks for a great product.

I have always wanted to learn to play an instrument and I have been eying this for some time. Finally I ordered it. A lyre is nice if you want something to plink on or just casually play. Kinda like a thumb piano. When I got it I discovered that I wanted to go beyond just plinking, so I returned it and purchased a baby Aklot harp instead. This lyre is a great instrument. As some have said, it is hard to tune. My suggestion on tuning is to take it slow and turn very slowly with the tuning key. A little turn goes a long way on this lyre.

I first bought a cheaper one, because I never played lyre harp and felt I needed the letters at the top of the instrument. Now, I know I can just buy them on Amazon. Due to the copper saddle, this instrument stayed almost completely in tune after the first two tunings. This is better than other models because other models use unfinished wood, the strings sink into the unfinished wood and it seems to change the sound. Second the sound chamber is fabulous. As I sat there, it echoed my cough ! When using it it's very echoing. Third the strings seem to be of greater quality, because they sound so much louder and purer than my cheaper one. This instrument is well worth every penny you spend, even though it's middle range in price. I found an article saying out of the top ten, this donner instrument was was number 1 out of ten at a 9.9 and they were right.

I was hesitant to buy this because there were reviews about how it was difficult to keep in tune. However, I the price was right and there was a coupon, so I decided to take a chance on the simplest possible version (the 7 string). And I LOVE IT! I've been noodling around with it for at least a half hour a day ever since I got it and have already played several songs (Auld Lang Syne, My Bonnie Lies Over The Ocean, Taps, Buttons & Bows) that just fit perfectly in this range. My only complaint is with myself - that now I wish I'd sprung for the 10 string to give myself a few extra notes! But hey, my birthday's coming up so who knows? Anyway, it was very easy to tune (I just used my piano) and I just re-tune it every time I use it so don't worry about that part. Enjoy, have fun, and rest assured that even with "only" 7 strings you can make a lot of lovely music!

Although this is a beautiful instrument, not to mention was it a bargain for the great case, tuner, and extra set of strings that comes with it. However while reading the instructions i found something odd with just how tight the instructions say to go. In the small instruction book you are told to tighten the strings slowly and gently tune up to the notes to a level of 4 and5. for example the instructions ask the user to tune the strings from left to right as E4,F4,G4,A4,B4, C5,D5,E5,F4 and G5. Not only are these cords far too tight on the Donner Lyre, but no matter how gentle or slow you go with tuning, it snaps the strings it comes with. At first i thought it was my own fault this was occurring. so i was so thankful for the product coming with an extra set of strings. however once again, no matter how lightly or slowly I went to tune the strings as asked in the instructions, the wires would snap. I have brought this lyre to multiple music stores, however even professionals are telling me that the instructions I am meant to follow are far too tight to not snap any string. And although this is a beautiful piece of work, I am extremely disappointed in the instructions.We as a buyer and player are suppose to be able to trust and follow tuning instructions as advised by the company it is mad to get the best out of our instruments, not to destroy them.