Arpa Magica Harp 1

Arpa Magica Harp — a nostalgic folk instrument with roots in parlor traditions and cultural learning. This lap harp, also known as a zither or psaltery, features a rectangular wooden body with a soundhole rosette and rows of metal strings tuned for melodic strumming. Compact and inviting, it was designed for personal performance and educational use — an instrument accessible to amateurs yet steeped in centuries of musical tradition
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Originating in Monterrey, Mexico, the Arpa Magica brand became a popular fixture in mid-20th-century households and classrooms. Lap harps like this one trace their heritage to Europe and the Middle East, where zithers evolved into forms that suited both formal and folk music. During the early 1900s, such instruments were embraced as parlor entertainment in North America, often accompanied by instructional guides and family gatherings. Their charm lay in their simplicity, tactile sound, and portability
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This example is both a musical relic and a visual artifact — ideal for display in a folk music collection or vintage music corner. Its clean form and subtle detailing celebrate a past where learning and leisure met in the pluck of a string.