Lever Harp longevity

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This topic has 18 replies, 11 voices, and was last updated 14 years, 10 months ago by jennifer-rehfisch.

Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 19 total)

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June 19, 2010 at 8:27 pm #73753

Ann
Member

How long does the average

June 20, 2010 at 4:06 am #73754

jennifer-buehler
Member

My partner gigs regularly on her 20+ year old Troub.

June 20, 2010 at 7:32 am #73755

bernhard-schmidt
Participant

Ann,

I’m harp maker in Germany.
I

June 20, 2010 at 8:13 am #73756

bernhard-schmidt
Participant

I must write

June 20, 2010 at 12:37 pm #73757

Ann
Member

Thank you very much, Bernhard. This gives me some good thoughts for when I am at HarpCon 2010 this summer. I will be looking for harps there, because there will be so many harpmakers in one place.

I prefer to look for a harp made by a harpmaker rather than a factory instrument, so talking to individual harpmakers will be easy for me. I understand that factory instruments can sometimes be more consistent, but on the other hand, they are also sometimes built to a certain cost point, which may require certain compromises.

Is there anything in particular I should look for in the harps I try out? Or is it best to simply describe my needs to the harpmakers and let them suggest a good instrument to meet those goals?

June 20, 2010 at 12:42 pm #73758

Karen Johns
Participant

I had a 22 string lap harp I built from a kit that I sold about a year ago. It was 20 years old when I sold it with no problems.

Another thing to keep in mind about longevity is how you care for the harp. Wood does not age as quickly if kept in a controlled environment (humidity, temperature, etc.). This is especially true if the soundboard is made of spruce.

I think if you care properly for a harp made by a reputable harpmaker it should not be unreasonable to expect that it will last for many decades.

Karen

June 20, 2010 at 4:41 pm #73759

bernhard-schmidt
Participant

Yes, as Karen said it…a part of the harps lifetime is for sure the care you give to the instrument.
Ann, I’m sorry but can’t tell you any really help to what you should looking for. This is very specific

June 20, 2010 at 6:11 pm #73760

Anonymous
Inactive

I’ve had a 36-string Dusty harp since 1991. The harp was never in air-conditioning or any kind of climate control until after 2001. I use it for gigs outdoors and indoors all the time. It does have a little bit of a belly, but it is doing well, has a big voice, and I will enjoy playing it for as long as I have. I tried to ask Dusty about the longevity of their harps and they told me they aren’t sure; one of their first prototypes is still being played! I would except a good harp to last more than 5 years.

June 20, 2010 at 6:14 pm #73761

jessica-wolff
Participant

I have a Troubadour I and it’s having problems, but not with the basic structure. Someone from Melody in Texas told me, “Those harps are practically indestructible.”

June 20, 2010 at 9:24 pm #73762

Ann
Member

Thank you, everyone, for your replies. They are very encouraging. I am much more willing to spend money for the harp that fits me well and sounds lovely to me, if it will last me a while. It sort of sounds like my earlier fears (that a harp was only a 5-year investment) were ungrounded. Although I do hope to be dragging my harp in and out of the car a lot, I intend to take good care of it. Hopefully not too much playing outdoors. Your comments are a big relief. Thanks!

June 20, 2010 at 9:27 pm #73763

Ann
Member

One more thought: I was afraid I would have to make major compromises on my next harp, if I had to budget for a

June 21, 2010 at 3:51 pm #73764

Pat Eisenberger
Participant

Hi Ann –

One thing that the harp makers here might be able to tell you for certain – but I was told that the older a harp is, the sweeter the sound. My harps are new, so I haven’t experienced this yet. I can tell you that my teacher has one of the first L&H Troubadores, and still gives lessons on it.

I believe that there are many harp makers that make models in your price range. Happy hunting!

June 21, 2010 at 5:18 pm #73765

Tacye
Participant

My oldest lever harp isn’t really a lever harp- it has blades rather than levers and was made around 70 years ago.

June 21, 2010 at 10:35 pm #73766

jessica-wolff
Participant

Holy cow, Tacye! What kind of harp is it?

June 22, 2010 at 7:04 pm #73767

Tacye
Participant

It is a Briggs, quite a few are still around.
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