• Roosebeck Caitlin Cross-Strung Harp — 38-String front view
1 1

Roosebeck

Roosebeck Caitlin 38-String Cross-Strung Harp

Roosebeck Caitlin 38-String Cross-Strung Harp

38-String Fully Chromatic No Levers Needed Solid Sheesham Advanced

Ideal for: Experienced harpists, early music ensembles, and adventurous chromatic players

A true cross-strung harp, fully chromatic by design.

The Caitlin is a true cross-strung harp, a unique design where two rows of strings cross in an X pattern, giving you full chromatic capability without any levers or pedals. One row handles the natural notes; the other provides sharps and flats. The result is an instrument that can play in any key, any mode, with complete freedom.

Full Chromatic Range, Clear Projection

Thirty-eight DuPont nylon strings span C3 to C6 on the solid sheesham frame. The Finnish birch plywood soundboard projects clearly across the full range. Fully chromatic by design, no retuning required, ever.

About cross-strung chromatic: Lever harps rely on mechanical levers to raise individual strings a half-step. Cross-strung harps simply have every note available all the time, which opens up repertoire and improvisation that's impractical on a lever instrument.

Two Rows, Crossed in an X

Cross-strung harps have two rows of strings that cross in an X pattern. One row handles the natural notes (the white keys, if you think in piano terms); the other handles the sharps and flats (the black keys). Your hands play both sides of the crossing point.

It's a different playing technique than a standard lever harp, and it takes dedicated practice, but the musical possibilities are extraordinary. You can play in any key instantly, modulate freely, and handle early music and chromatic repertoire that no lever harp can touch.

Heads up: This is not a beginner instrument, and that's the point. Cross-strung technique builds on standard harp fundamentals and then branches in its own direction.

Who This Harp Is For

Cross-strung harps appeal to adventurous musicians who want the harmonic range of a chromatic harp without the mechanical complexity of pedals. This is an instrument for experienced harpists exploring chromatic territory, early music ensembles, and musicians seeking an instrument that can do things no lever harp can.

Not sure if it's for you? If you've been playing lever harp for a few years and find yourself wanting more harmonic freedom, or if you're drawn to early music and chromatic repertoire, the cross-strung design is worth serious consideration.

Technical Specifications

Strings 38 DuPont Nylon (Cross-Strung)
Range C3 to C6 (3 octaves, fully chromatic)
Levers None (chromatic by design)
Frame Solid Sheesham
Soundboard Finnish Birch Plywood
Height ~35 inches

What's in the Box

Every Caitlin Cross-Strung Harp ships with everything you need to tune and start playing.

Tuning Tool Extra String Set

Have questions about this instrument? Contact us or browse all Celtic Harps.

View full details