Fiona a chara,

I would second the advice to look at musicmaker’s kits – they really are very good instruments and allow you to personalise the decoration/finish if you wish. As money is an issue (as it is for most at present) you can also save a bit by not installing levers right away. You can always instal them later, when you’ve a bit of knowledge under your belt and are playing pieces that require key changes. Just remember that there will be tax to pay when the kit reaches the UK so you’ll need to figure that into your sums.

I’d also second the advice about Pilgrim’s Skylark. Pilgrim harps are generally very well thought of by those who’ve played them so if you haven’t already, you might want to check out their website.

Unfortunately harps just aren’t cheap, but especially so here in the UK!

I’d caution you against the “it doesn’t look too difficult” kind of thinking.

It would be an excellent idea to find a teacher before buying a harp. For one thing, many teachers (at least in the US) either have instruments they rent out inexpensively to students or know where you can do this. It’s a good idea to play a while before you buy; you’ll have a much better idea of what works for you when you’re ready to spend the money.

Pamela Bruner- Play The Harp Beautifully Series. Great starter book, really takes it a step at a time. She is very thorough with her approach. I recommend getting the DVD’s that go with this book as well. Check out http://www.heartlandharps.com

One possible concern with the Sylvia Woods DVD…I think it may be region 1 only (I don’t have my copy anymore, so I can’t check).