I hate to disagree with my friend Tacye but here I will. A double is played with the same techniques as a single, so there are plenty of resources. It has also in recent years gained significantly in popularity although it is true that there are fewer players, still.

Where I DO agree is in that there are fewer teachers for the double specifically: Laurie Riley and Cynthia Shelhart are the best known. Both have videos on Youtube; Laurie has a DVD out as well and also teaches via Skype.

The main issue you will run into at first: retraining your eyes and hands for the double row. This may take a few weeks. On that particular harp the strings angle in to the SB rather than being equally spaced, which some players find takes a little longer to get used to. Those are the Cons.

Here are the Pros: your hands will not run into each other so you can play in the same octave; there are a number of additional effects that are not possible on a single (e.g. doubling aka echoing). I’d suggest that you watch Laurie’s Youtube tutorial which may give a better overview of the possibilities.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMG9lZOwJds&t=1722s

Biagio

I do agree that it would be a good idea to look into repairing your L&H rather than buying a new harp. That said, moving over to a few more comments about doubles:

Cost – a double will cost more than a single mainly due to lever cost. Regulation is the same as any lever harp.

Design – construction is actually easier than a single: string torque is equal on both sides of the neck.

Structural – the design for an existing single model can be easily modified; the neck may have to be somewhat wider and/or be reinforced and the sound board about 40% thicker (an in some designs wider), but that is trivial. Repair (hopefully not needed for a long time) is the same as for a single

Weight – the double will be somewhat heavier, especially if the tuning pegs are tapered rather than zither types. Smaller doubles can use zither pegs.

Range – while you can change an arrangement so that the bass is an octave higher, perhaps you really want those low notes – more costly, obviously.

Arranging – if you are not comfortable with arranging scores (ie are paper trained) that could be an issue.

Portability – I’ve seen no issue there; of the 20 or so harpists that show up at our annual retreats, three or four play the double. It is wise to have a soft case, as with any harp.

Availability – does demand drive design or the other way around? At present in the US there are only five or so makers: Rees, Blevins, Stoney End, Dusty Strings, Argent Fox. Rees has the widest selection. Some smaller shops will make a double on demand: Sligo, Thormahlen, probably Blessley for example.

Best wishes,
Biagio

Looks like it to me too, Tacye. Given the choice I’d favor repairing the Style 15 over buying a new harp, whatever that might be.

I would guess that depends on experience. I sold a medium tension FH26 to a priest who used to be harpist for the Chicago Symphony – she picked it up right away. You cannot use the same force, obviously.

There are however a number of lever harps that are strung at concert tension: some of the Camacs, Salvi/L&H, and the Dusty Boulevard for instance. Perhaps you could try various lever harps at a showroom?

You might speak with Carolyn Deal at Southeasternharp.com. She used to play 2 harps in concert, together, but moved to the Stoney-End Lorraine due to nerve damage. However, she truly loves it & has become an “evangelist” for double strung. Even before speaking with her, I was convinced I wanted a DS to learn on. I’ve changed my mind, however, about the model. Instead of a lap harp, i.e. the Brittany, I’ve out in an order for a Lorraine with full levers, both sides.

Hi Jennifer,

I hope your Lyon and Healy can be repaired. And I must say, double harp is wonderful for all the reasons others have mentioned, and the resources listed above are great. I have a double Brittany made by Stoney End, and while I love it, probably would have gotten the 29 string double had I tried them out.

If the budget allows, I’d say repair the L & H, AND get a double. Stoney End does rent to own, a great program to assist those wanting to play.

All the Best,

psw

Prices may vary depending on where you live.

In the Netherlands at the moment the
* Dusty Boulevard (34 strings) costs: € 3,365.00
* L&H Ogden (34 strings) costs: € 2,990.00
Both have pedal gut strung tension.

If I wanted a 34 string harp (I don’t: I want a lever harp with preferably 38-40 strings), I would be very much tempted to buy a L&H Ogden…
Have a look at: https://www.lyonhealy.com/harps/ogden/

Edit: I did not look properly, so I edited my post