used Lyon and Healy shamrock or brand new for first harp?

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This topic has 18 replies, 10 voices, and was last updated 15 years, 8 months ago by Ann.

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November 11, 2010 at 4:29 am #72783

Sean Richard
Participant

I’m getting my first harp and can get a refurbished 2005 Lyon and Healy shamrock with new strings and regulated levers for $1995. Is this a good deal or should I be looking at a new model like the dusty strings or Triplett 34 string models in the same price range

November 11, 2010 at 11:55 am #72784

deb-l
Participant

they are all good makes of harp, listen to what they sound like and go with the one that you like best.

November 11, 2010 at 2:05 pm #72785

brook-boddie
Participant

Sean,

I am a big fan of L&H harps, but you may want to consider the other builders that you have mentioned, or even a L&H Troubadour.

November 11, 2010 at 2:52 pm #72786

Jerusha Amado
Participant

Sean,

Do whatever you can to hear or play the harp in person.

November 11, 2010 at 3:51 pm #72787

alice-freeman
Spectator

I agree with the previous posts. Try to hear your harp choices in person. The right one will call to you.

I have had several 34-string Tripletts and the sound is fabulous. I would buy another one in a heartbeat.

— Alice in windy Wyoming

November 11, 2010 at 4:56 pm #72788

jessica-wolff
Participant

Like some of the others here, I have heard negative things about the Shamrock. Basically that L & H had set out to make an actual folk harp (which the Troubadour isn’t) and not quite succeeded. But I’ve never actually heard one. Most of the Dustys and Tripletts you would be considering AREN’T in the same price range, alas! unless you go for something like the Ravenna 34.

What kind of music do you think you’ll be playing down the road? Folk? That will play a role in your choice.

November 14, 2010 at 10:42 pm #72789

Ann
Member

Triplett and Dusty 34’s (except for Ravenna) are not in the same price range, but there are other 34-36 string

November 23, 2010 at 5:29 pm #72790

shelby-m
Participant

If you’ve never played harp before, I think it’s a good idea to try renting one for a little while before purchasing.

December 6, 2010 at 4:39 am #72791

kirk-kupensky
Participant

Hey Sean–that is a good deal on a Shamrock.

December 6, 2010 at 3:32 pm #72792

deb-l
Participant

Kirk, don’t know why Shamrocks have gotten such a bad rap, or maybe your just that good of a harpist that any harp sounds fantastic.

December 7, 2010 at 7:34 pm #72793

kirk-kupensky
Participant

Deb, thank you for your very kind words! I don’t know why the Shamrock gets such a bad rap, either.

December 8, 2010 at 1:27 am #72794

deb-l
Participant

Kirk, that’s a really lovely version of Blind Mary, one of my very favorite songs.

December 9, 2010 at 3:07 am #72795

rod-wagoner
Participant

I have an L&H Folk Harp and really like it for the higher tension compared to some of the other lever harps around.

December 9, 2010 at 11:59 am #72796

deb-l
Participant

Different people bring out different things depending on the harp too.

December 9, 2010 at 10:45 pm #72797

kirk-kupensky
Participant

Hi Deb–thanks again! (wow–you’re good for my ego!) Blind Mary is certainly one of my favorites too.
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