New and tryng to decide on Harp

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This topic has 33 replies, 18 voices, and was last updated 15 years, 11 months ago by Pat Eisenberger.

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June 25, 2008 at 1:44 pm #155195

unknown-user
Participant

Hi there,

June 25, 2008 at 2:02 pm #155196

unknown-user
Participant

I was a newbie a year ago, and I love to play the harp. I am going to give you advice that you will not want, but it is the very best advice that anyone can give you. If at all possible, rent first, don’t buy.

I was in your shoes a year ago, almost to the dot. I’m short, back and neck problems, small hands. The makers you’ve mentioned are great, and there are other great makers about whom you will learn as you get into your lessons. If you can get to a regional harp fair, go and see and play other harps as well as the ones you’ve spoken about.

You will be amazed and pleased with how your tastes refine as you study, and with experience you will have the opportunity to make an informed decision about what works for you best. There are many harp dealers who do rentals, and several give you the advantage of renting-to-own or being able to trade a rental for its value when you purchase.

A lap harp is much tougher on a beginner than a floor harp, because you will be able to find a comfortable position without struggling against gravity.

June 25, 2008 at 2:45 pm #155197

tony-morosco
Participant

I would definitely advise against a lap harp. A floor harp of 32 to 36 strings is the minimum I would recommend, and definitely get full levers if you can. Although you might not need them right away if you are looking for a harp that will be able to use for a long time as you progress then the two things that will most impede your progress will be too few strings and missing levers.

I am not familiar with Hearland harps so I can’t comment on them. However I have tried several Blevins and have been uniformly impressed with their harps. They seem to be very high quality instruments for a reasonable price.

I would also recommend looking at the Lyon and Healy Ogden. 34 string floor harp with full levers, concert tension and spacing, and a nice sound. One of the best buys for the dollar in the harp world in my opinion.

June 25, 2008 at 3:11 pm #155198

barbara-brundage
Participant

ann reid gave you very good advice–try it for a while before you buy.

June 25, 2008 at 4:53 pm #155199

brook-boddie
Participant

Carrie,

All good advice here.

June 25, 2008 at 6:55 pm #155200

Tacye
Participant

One significant factor is what sort of music you like, and what musical background you have.

June 25, 2008 at 8:53 pm #155201

harp guy
Participant

I too highly recommend Blevins.

June 26, 2008 at 2:52 pm #155202

rod-c
Participant

Carian:

I’ve been playing and taking lessons for 18 mos. I agree with the others here. I especially agree with the fact that the harp you want to play today may not be the harp you want to be playing a year from now…which is why renting is good to start.

June 27, 2008 at 1:12 pm #155203

Briggsie B. Peawiggle
Participant

Renting is a great idea. Going to harp exhibits is also a good idea. The suggestions here have been good. But………..don’t forget some of the smaller harp builders. I was just at the AHS conference, and both Timothy Habinski and William Webster make exceedingly beautiful instruments — both in sound, touch and looks.

Briggsie

June 28, 2008 at 9:33 pm #155204

Liam M
Participant

Carrie!

Welcome to the heavenly world of Harping!

June 30, 2008 at 4:53 pm #155205

unknown-user
Participant

Thank you for all the advice that I will definitely take into consideration!

June 30, 2008 at 5:09 pm #155206

Fairy Reel
Participant

Floor harp with full levers sounds great!! Take into cafeful consideration the weight, however, as you want to start therapy harping. I have found in my harping expeditions that the added aggravation of dealing with a bigger harp is more than compensated with the happy faces of the people when you can play all of the songs that they love so well.

Don’t discount second-hand–that’s a good way to go, too!

Have fun!–Fairy

July 1, 2008 at 11:57 am #155207

elena-bittasi
Participant

Hi, Carrie!
I am an Italian newbie: I’m playing the harp from four months as a self-taught person… and I’m a short girl too!
I purchased a Dusty Strings Ravenna 26, and I highly recommend this harp: it is light and portable and it has a very nice sound.
But if you haven’t money restrictions (like me…), I think the best harp for a tiny person is the new Salvi Prima (34 or 38 strings)… it is wonderful: you have to try it!

July 1, 2008 at 12:47 pm #155208

Briggsie B. Peawiggle
Participant

One thing that is very important in choosing a smaller harp is to TRY THEM. They are all vastly different. I was looking for something with very close to pedal tension and with great integrity in the build. I refuse to consider anything with little brass rings where the string comes out of the soundboard. The brass rings

July 1, 2008 at 1:07 pm #155209

barbara-brundage
Participant

Just to point out, Briggs, that many L&H models have used brass eyelets over the years, so I don’t think this is a a valid argument about tension, etc.
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