IMHO–Troubadours are fine, reliable instruments. Reasonably priced used, and easy to sell on later. The same could be said for L&H Prelude, or several Salvi and Camac models.

However, they are starter pedal harps, with pedal harp tension, pedal harp string spacing, and gut strings, and enough massive structure to handle the above. They weigh in over half the weight of a concert grand pedal. They are not Celtic harps, and not intended/designed for Celtic music. You can learn excellent classical harp technique on one and make good music along the way. They are not as loud as a pedal harp, typically, but louder than the Folk Harp you are playing. And I am not bashing the Troubadour. They are excellent, affordable, reliable harps–but they are not Celtic.

That is not to say you can’t play a Celtic tune on one. But if by Celtic, you mean a harp along with a Celtic band, or a traditional bright Celtic sound, a Troubadour is _not_ what you want. Celtic harps will have much lighter string tension, a much brighter sound, and usually closer string spacing to facilitate fast fingering, runs, and ornamentation. They are also likely much more money than a Troubadour.

Other lever harps (Dusty Strings, Thormahlen, Rees, et al.) are generally hybrids with concert pedal spacing, but medium tension, intended to do many things fairly well. Some have excellent presence and volume in a room.

Also, buy used, whatever you do. Especially when you don’t know yet exactly what you want, you don’t need the depreciation expense if/when you trade again. You should also have a harp technician examine any harp you want to purchase, or learn what to look and listen for yourself.

It all depends on where you think you want to go with your harp journey.

Good questions Molly!

In answer…I can’t think of any player who does not have at least two harps after they have been playing for awhile. Often those will be a 34 or larger at least plus a smaller one for travel, going to gatherings etc. That applies whether they are principally a concert harpist or “folk” player. Some indeed have branched out to include wire strungs, doubles, and other types. It can get addictive!

You read and hear a lot early on about tension (pedal or lever) type of strings and so on. I think that most experienced players would say, however, that you can adapt to something different fairly easily unless it involves an entirely different technique. For example, going from the fairly wide string spacing of most harps to the narrow spacing of a wire strung harp (about 1.27 cm vs 1.1cm).

As for me personally I have at present four: a 36 and a 26 nylon strung, and a 26 and a 19 wire strung. A pedal harp is just too large and expensive for me at this stage in my life, plus I just play for my own amusement.

My advice to beginners is almost always the same: first find and interview a good teacher. If they are of the “pedal harp/pedal harp tension only” breed (and there are still some like that) be cautious of their recommendation unless you are absolutely convinced that is the way you want to go.

My first teacher was a world renowned concert harpist but her recommendation to me was exactly as Balfour suggested: the Dusty Strings Ravenna 34. Conversely, a priest I know had been a concert harpist and wanted something smaller as well: She ended up buying my Dusty FH26.

Best wishes,
Biagio

Hi, Molly,

If you’re looking for a pedal-tension lever harp with at least 38 strings and with a curved pillar for the folk harp look, the main 2 contenders would be the Salvi Gaia (I have one on order!) and the Camac Korrigan. If 36 strings is enough, then a L&H Troubadour would be good, and if 34 strings is enough, then a L&H Ogden would be good, as well.

I hope this helps!

-Gregg

Hello,
Maybe I’m too late, but I am someone who plays a lot of Celtic (I would actually call it Irish traditional) stuff and I have a Triplett Ventana and it does very well with that kind of style. It’s very bright, which helps to “cut through” the pipes, accordions, fiddles and whatnots. Just wanted to throw Triplett intonthe already tasty mix of options. Good luck!
Sophie

I think the L&H Prelude would be excellent for you, Molly. Gregg has one and loves it.

Congratulations, Molly! We are so pleased that you are getting the Prelude. Fourteen years ago, the quality standards at L&H were very high. I owned a beautiful L&H semi-grand pedal harp dating from about that time. This Prelude should serve you well. We wish you many hours of embracing this new addition to your family!

Balfour and Carol Lynn