Hi Kasey, I am not personally familiar with any of the two harps you mention.

But I am certain that I would prefer a harp like Music Maker’s going down 2 full octaves below middle C instead of a harp that only goes down 1.5 octaves below middle C.

I do know that lots of people are very happy with their Music Maker’s Voyageur: just google or have a look in the archives of the (closed membership) Yahoo lists of Harplist or Virtual HarpCircle (yes, you may like to join these lists, especially the Virtual Harpcircle list with its many kind and helpful members).

With the harp going down 2 full octaves below middle C you will be able to play far more harp pieces without having to apply ‘creative solutions’.

Adding to Dona’s comment…in favor of the Barunwen, it seems to be designed with the “celtic” player in mind; many of the tunes from Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man and Brittany are played in the keys of G and D. Quotes since there are other Gaelic speakers – Celts – who favor other keys.

Biagio

Each harp is different, but generally I do like Musicmakers’ harps. However, if you can check out Marini Made Harps, you should. I am a HUGE fan of their harps. Alex Marini started out using Musicmakers’ blueprints, so his harps tend to be related to Musicmakers. They are superb, and reasonably priced. I own an Ultralite, which has a perfect sound, and is also very light, amazingly so. A student of mine bought an Affordable Regency, and it is wonderful. Go Marinimadeharps!