[klair-sakh, -suh
kh, klahr-] 
| an ancient Irish and Scottish harp. |
[klair-sakh, -suhkh, klahr-] , clar⋅sech, clar⋅seth [klair-suhkh, klahr-] .clairseach
traditional harp of medieval Ireland and Scotland, characterized by a huge soundbox carved from a solid block of wood; a heavy, curved neck; and a deeply outcurved forepillar-a form shared by the medieval Scottish harp. It was designed to bear great tension from the heavy brass strings (normally 30 to 50), which were plucked by the fingernails to produce a ringing, bell-like sound. It is strung diatonically (seven notes per octave)
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