EALA in detail

The EALA is the new harp from the TURMENNAN workshop. It is an entirely new design, taking it’s inspiration from traditional Celtic Harps. While retaining many elements of the very successful ÁINE, the EALA features several refinements. The obvious difference is the shape. The curves of the top rail mimic the graceful wing of the swan, from which it takes it’s name… Eala, (pronounced, al-ah), is Irish for swan.

Only top class materials are used in the construction of my harps. The main harp frame is constructed of two laminations of selected hardwood. There is no mortise and tenon joint, ensuring that there is no tendency for the top rail to lean over due to the string tension. Once the instrument has been ‘played in’ and the strings have settled, the EALA is very stable in tune.

The soundboard is made from solid Canadian Sitka Spruce or yellow cedar, and is carried on a round backed soundbox, laminated from two layers of birch ply. The soundbox is then veneered to match the frame.