Wheelharp

The wheelharp is a revolutionary musical instrument that combines bowed strings with a keyboard mechanism, allowing players to produce a full chromatic scale of bowed sounds at their fingertips. Developed by Jon Jones and Mitchell Manger, the wheelharp made its debut at the 2013 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California. This unique instrument is similar in concept to Leonardo da Vinci‘s viola organista, employing a rotating wheel to bow strings when keys are pressed.

History of the Wheelharp

The wheelharp’s creation began in 2001, when Jon Jones, while working on a hurdy-gurdy, envisioned a keyboard instrument capable of individually bowing each string using a rosined wheel. His initial prototype fulfilled this goal with a rich, continuous sound. In 2010, Jones partnered with Antiquity Music and founder Mitchell Manger to refine the design, resulting in the next-generation wheelharp. This version features a range of up to five octaves and includes multiple enhancements to its tonal range, playability, and aesthetics.

Design & Functionality

The wheelharp comes in two main models: the Radial Model, with a curved keyboard, and the Linear Model, which has a traditional straight keyboard. Both models offer different octave ranges:

• 5-octave range (G2 – G7) with 61 strings
• 4-octave range (C3 – C7) with 49 strings
• 3-octave range (G3 – G6) with 37 strings

The instrument utilizes a patented mechanism that translates the player’s finger movements on the keyboard into precise bowing of each string. When a key is pressed, it moves the corresponding string towards a rotating, rosined wheel, causing the string to vibrate and produce sound. The player controls the bowing speed with a foot pedal that adjusts the motor speed, allowing for dynamic expressions such as swells and decrescendos. A second pedal engages a damper system, providing further control over the instrument’s resonance.

Why the Wheelharp?

The wheelharp offers musicians a unique opportunity to access a rich array of bowed-string tones, bridging the gap between traditional orchestral string sounds and modern mechanical innovation. Unlike digital samples or synthesized strings, the wheelharp produces genuine bowed-string sound, adding depth and authenticity to musical performances. Its ability to deliver a continuous, flowing sound, combined with nuanced control over dynamics, makes it ideal for composers, studios, and musicians looking to explore new sonic landscapes.

Specifications

The wheelharp’s detailed specifications include:

• Pedal-actuated damper and motor speed control systems
• Piezoelectric and electromagnetic pickup systems, with an optional microphone pickup
• Laminated maple pinblock and oak body, with a cast aluminum pulley
• Dimensions for the Linear Model (5-octave): 50” H x 48” L x 37” W, weighing approximately 150 lbs
• Dimensions for the Radial Model (4-octave): 42” H x 42” L x 24” W, weighing approximately 75 lbs

How It Works

When a key on the wheelharp is pressed, the corresponding string moves towards a rotating wheel with a rosined edge, causing the string to vibrate and produce sound. The bowing intensity is controlled by adjusting the motor speed with the right foot pedal. This allows for the creation of varied dynamic effects. Additionally, the left pedal engages a damper system to control the instrument’s resonance. The wheelharp is equipped with both piezoelectric and electromagnetic pickups, giving players control over its amplified tone.