Spasibo, budem imet v vidu

I am an ignoramous about harps, but I have a daughter who apparently is very good at playing them, and has a career of harp playing if she wishes… we need to make the investment now.

Dear Katherine,

I would

The above responses are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO RIGHT!

Even a new Salvi I heard recently. It had a wonderful sound, much like a Lyon and Healy harp, until the harpists tried to play louder than a mezzo-forte. It just didn’t go with them. It stopped resonating beyond that point so the fortes had their sound choked off. In contrast, a Lyon and Healy 85 on the same program had a nasal, French quality, but resonated freely at all volumes, and filled the room easily, especially at forte. The tone of the Salvi was nicer, but only good for playing at home as a result. I would think it was because they are heavier, with thicker columns and necks, and that’s what impedes their resonance. That’s what I’ve always been told. The contrast was surprising, but so clear.

I don’t know if I have heard the Apollo, but as I said, this harp was clear and even, very pleasant, but didn’t produce larger dynamics.

There’s another thread about Aoyama Harps in the Harps and Accessories forum.

I absolutely love my Russian harp!