Which Lyon and Healy pedal harp has the fullest sound, 85CG, Chicago CG Extended or 100?

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This topic has 7 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 14 years, 1 month ago by Sid Humphreys.

Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)

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July 3, 2012 at 9:40 pm #145704

jamie-lockton–2
Participant

I wish I could fly to Chicago to try out these different models of harps and the only harp shop in northern CA doesn’t have any of these models I’m interested in.

July 3, 2012 at 10:39 pm #145705

Tacye
Participant

On average, and unhelpfully, I would say the one which is being best played.

July 4, 2012 at 2:37 am #145706

brook-boddie
Participant

I would rule out the Chicago CG Extended from that list.

July 4, 2012 at 2:23 pm #145707

Sid Humphreys
Member

From what I understand (from a conversation with Steve Fritzman of L&H) the body of the L&H harps are the same (with the exception of style 30 and Salzedo which have different body shapes). The thing that is different are the columns. With that, the sound should be consistent from harp to harp. Still you need to try the individual harp before you decide. It is impossible to produce the exact same sound from harp to harp when you are building them no matter how much of the same parts you use. For example, you can go to 5 different hairdressers that studied at the same school to cut your hair into a classic bob. All 5 haircuts will have subtleties that make them unique to the individual that crafted it.

More people have the Chicago and 85, so if you want to be more unique go for the 100. You should be pleased with any of these harps as far as sound is concerned!

July 4, 2012 at 4:21 pm #145708

harp guy
Participant

About a year ago I was at L&H west and tried out the 85s and Chicago extended and to be honest, I was a bit disappointed in the Chicago model. The sound was very stiff and lacked resonance compared to the 85. (Maybe resonance isn’t the word, but tone color… I’m not sure how to describe it, but to me it seemed ‘off.’)

But that being said, they were both brand new and hadn’t been played in. I’m sure with the right touch and a break in period, both would be lovely.

July 12, 2012 at 12:20 am #145709

Peter Wiley
Member

Sid, something was mis-communicated, mis-heard or miswhatevered.
Lyon & Healy Concert Grand harps are all made using the same basic construction EXCEPT the Chicago CG and Concertino harps.

July 21, 2012 at 12:40 am #145710

M Rodgers
Spectator

Thanks Pete. My thoughts exactly. I recommend the Chicago to my adult students who want a pedal harp but never plan to perform outside of their living room. It is affordable and sounds fine in that setting. As a concert harp? I am not sure L&H would even recommend it.

July 22, 2012 at 1:25 pm #145711

Sid Humphreys
Member

Ah, thank you for that Peter, I’m sure Steve told me that but I was concentrating on 23’s and 100’s compared to 85’s.
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