Opinions on a Chicago Petite 40 (natural finish)

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This topic has 5 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 5 years, 6 months ago by stardust117.

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November 7, 2019 at 9:15 pm #234597
stardust117
Participant
Hi everyone,

I’m a lever harpist who is planning to buy a Chicago Petite 40 natural. Would you think this harp would be good for me long term? I plan to be a harp soloist who plays at weddings and funerals (but not in an orchestra which requires the bigger pedal harps). So, for anyone who has heard this harp before, what do you think of the sound?

Second of all, my harp instructor’s concern about this harp is that the pedals on this petite harp are squished together and harder to manuever. Have any of you encountered this problem? My last question is, what do you think of buying a new version of this harp? My instructor doesn’t recommend that I buy a newly made one due to the sound quality, however, it appears Lyon & Healy only has new Chicago Petite 40 naturals available.

I’d like any of your opinions

Thank you for your time,

Louie
- This topic was modified 5 years, 6 months ago by stardust117.
- This topic was modified 5 years, 6 months ago by stardust117.
November 9, 2019 at 11:22 am #234721

balfour-knight
Participant

Hi, Louie,

I would recommend the 85P over any of the Chicago series if I were buying a 40-string pedal harp. I think L&H are still producing the 85’s, and I have never been impressed by the Chicago series. An additional one to consider is the Salvi Daphne 40. Many of my friends have these for gigging and really love them. My personal choice would be the 44-string Camac Clio, as I have a gorgeous 47-string Atlantide Prestige concert grand. You could not go wrong on the Camacs, in my professional opinion, but some harpists MUST have a L&H, of course!

I hope this helps.

Best wishes to you,
Balfour (and Carol Lynn)

November 11, 2019 at 12:07 pm #234936

andy-b
Participant

I second Balfour on all of that; I much prefer the 85P over the Chicago 40. Unfortunately, Lyon & Healy doesn’t make the 85P model anymore; but you can find them used fairly regularly. Check with the Atlanta Harp Center and the Virginia Harp Center – they’re incredible people to work with! The Daphne 40 is also good, and I myself have a Clio 44 with extended soundboard as my smaller harp – and it’s a great harp!

Cheers,
Andy

November 11, 2019 at 1:50 pm #234943

balfour-knight
Participant

Thanks, Andy-b!

November 11, 2019 at 3:51 pm #234949

Gretchen Cover
Participant

I played one a few months ago. Sound was dreadful even with new strings. For the money, I would go with a bigger lever harp. Try one before you buy.

November 11, 2019 at 5:24 pm #234956
stardust117
Participant
Balfour, Andy, and Gretchen, thanks for your opinions on this harp so far. That really helps. How sad, the Chicago Petite 40 looked so cool. But I will take sound over looks. Your suggestions have helped me look more into the Daphne 40 or Camac Clio. Recently, I’ve tried a Daphne 40 in a harp store and it sounds pretty good!

Thanks for your opinons guys.
- This reply was modified 5 years, 6 months ago by stardust117.
- This reply was modified 5 years, 6 months ago by stardust117.
- This reply was modified 5 years, 6 months ago by stardust117.
- This reply was modified 5 years, 6 months ago by stardust117.
- This reply was modified 5 years, 6 months ago by stardust117.
- This reply was modified 5 years, 6 months ago by stardust117.
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