I’m petite (5 feet) and have played a concert grand for years. However, I have a Camac Clio (44 strings, extended board) for casual jobs and find it more comfortable because the pedals are closer together, i.e., I don’t have to reach so far for the A pedal. It also weighs less, (57 lbs.) which is principally why I bought it. Or you can get the straight board Clio at 55 lbs. If you’re not playing orchestra repertoire, you can probably get away without a concert grand most of the time.

Also consider the Lyon & Healy 85P (discontinued but used ones are available–40 strings, straight board) or the 85GP–44 strings, extended board. Salvi has the Daphne with 40 or 44 strings. Venus has the Cherub with 44 strings. All are fine instruments. If weight is a consideration, check the specs on each of those.

Used ones are available on this website in the classified section and from Lyon & Healy’s pre-owned program and from individuals and harp stores.

I’d recommend the L&H Chicago 40 also.

I have a 44 string Venus Cherub (69 pounds, per the Venus website), and am happy with it.

I’ve never played one of the Bavarian-style pedal harps (with the curved soundbox), but suspect they make it a lot easier to reach the lower strings, especially for someone with shorter arms/height.

That would be a pretty safe assumption. Notice the emphasis on the 7 pedals: some of the Tyrolean harp makers (by which I mean makers of Tyrolean harps, not Tyrolean makers of harps) make their smallest harps, the ones intended for children, with only 5 pedals. Usually Tyrolean-style harps are pretty good value, 5,000 Euros or so.