What are they and why would I want them?

 

Do you have songs that you would like to play but you just don’t have the chords on your harp? Maybe a nice Eb to be able to play a tune in the key of Bb, or some diminished chords. You might be able to replace chords with the new ones but you may not have any you don’t use. The solution is to temporarily replace them. Quick release covers allow you to easily pull out chord bars and drop in alternative chords just for one or two songs, then switch back to your regular layout.

 

How do they work?

 

The chord bar covers on this Evoharp are held on with very strong magnets. You simply rock them back and they come loose. When you are done, you set them back in place and they snap back into position and are held securely. With the covers out of the way, you can simply lift out and set in chord bars. No tools are required and the springs are glued in so there are no small loose parts to get lost.

 

How would I use this feature?

 

There are lots of songs that need special chords. One example would be “The Old Rugged Cross” (needs a couple of diminished chords). Another would be “Blue Hawaii” (needs all 3 diminished chord). Also on diatonic harps there are so many color chords to choose from that there is no layout that can satisfy every need. Being able to slip in a special chord when needed can greatly expand your potential song list.

 

Another way to use it would be to rearrange existing chords to fit a particular need. For instance, if you wish to play a song in a minor key such as “Wayfaring Stranger” or “House Of The Rising Sun”, the chords to do that are on most harps but their placement is very awkward. Being able to move them temporarily allows you to optimize the placement for a song or two, then set things back to your regular layout.

 

What is included?

 

With this harp we have provided all 3 diminished chords plus an Eb and two blanks that you could cut to make whatever special chords you might need. Also available is a protective carrying box that will keep your spare chords in good shape and ready to go. The box will fit into the pocket of the Evoharp case.

 

Can this be installed on other brands of harps than Evoharps?

 

The answer is maybe on luthier harps but not on Oscar Schmitts or Chromoharps. It requires the same style of chord bar covers as used on Evoharps.

 

Spare chord bar carrier