Horngacher Harps: Handmade Concert Harps from Germany
Horngacher is the German concert harp maker that grew out of the harp workshop founded by Josef Obermayer in Munich in 1924 and has been producing in Starnberg since 1952. Maximilian Horngacher, who took over the company in 1966, made special developments for the famous harpist Nicanor Zabaleta and designed the Beckmesser harp for Wagner’s opera Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg. Today the company is run by the master harp maker Klaus Horngacher. Kuğu Müzik is Horngacher’s authorised dealer in Türkiye.
What defines Horngacher:
- Small workshop, handcraft: Production in Starnberg with a team of six
- Concert range: 47 strings on the pedal models, C7 – g0
- Gold leaf: 22½-carat gilding on the Orchestra, Harmony and Empire
- Bespoke production: One-off models in the Individual series
- A tradition of over a century: Uninterrupted harp making in Munich, Kufstein and Starnberg
Horngacher Models
All the pedal concert harps, from the entry-level Andromeda to the gold-leaf Empire, and the special Beckmesser opera harp.
Model Comparison
| Model | Strings | Height | Weight | Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horngacher Andromeda | 47 | 179 cm | 38 kg | Maple, painted |
| Horngacher Phoenix | 47 | 179 cm | 38 kg | Maple, matt lacquer |
| Horngacher Zabaleta | 47 | 180 cm | 39 kg | Maple |
| Horngacher Cassiopeia | 47 | 185 cm | 40 kg | Maple or mahogany |
| Horngacher Orchestra | 47 | 182 cm | 40 kg | Flamed maple |
| Horngacher Harmony | 47 | 182 cm | 40 kg | Mahogany, carving with 22½-carat gold leaf |
| Horngacher Empire | 47 | 182 cm | 41 kg | Mahogany, hand-applied gold finish |
| Horngacher Beckmesser | 20 | 147 cm | 10 kg | Sycamore maple |
Bespoke (Individual) Models
Alongside the standard models, Horngacher also builds one-off harps with bespoke decoration and colours based on the Andromeda, Phoenix, Zabaleta, Harmony and Empire. These bespoke options are listed on the relevant model pages.
Horngacher at Kuğu Müzik
Horngacher harps are supplied to order; we can go through the model, finish and bespoke options together. For information, get in touch with us. For our other harp brands, you can also see the Salvi harps page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Horngacher harps made?
Horngacher harps are made in Starnberg, Bavaria, Germany, in the workshop where the company has been based since 1952.
Which Horngacher model should I start with?
The Andromeda is the entry model, made more affordable through innovations in production techniques; the Phoenix is also an economical choice for schools and orchestras.
What is the Beckmesser harp?
The Beckmesser is a small opera harp with 20 special metal strings and two pedals, developed for the role of Beckmesser in Wagner’s Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg.
Where can I buy a Horngacher harp in Türkiye?
Kuğu Müzik is Horngacher’s authorised dealer in Türkiye; all models are supplied to order.
Source: Horngacher Harps – History