Camac Harps has announced its newest venture with the introduction of two Llanera model harps, which are being introduced into the popular Venezuelan El Sistema program. The goal was to “combine a [traditional] llanera design with wrapped bass wires for better intonation and resonance, concert harp spacing for greater ease of playing, an improved soundbox, and a rich, balanced acoustic sound,” says Camac spokesperson Helen Leitner. The harp was inspired by Latin American harpist Edmar Castaneda, who asked Camac “to make him a Colombian harp of traditional sound and design—and modern technological improvements,” says Leitner. Unlike traditional instruments, the Camac version includes levers for greater chromatic potential. Camac is producing two llanera models: the Edmar Castaneda llanera, and an electric llanera developed at the request of Venezuelan harpist Leonard Jacome. The acoustic version is 5 ft. tall, weighs just under 20 lbs., and has 35 strings.
To coincide with the launch of their llanera harps, Camac has introduced a dedicated Latin American blog, El blog de las Arpas Camac, an offshoot of their current Harpblog, edited by Leitner. To read more about Camac harps, visit them athttp://www.camac-harps.com.
