Camac pedal harps

[madeline-davis–2]

I am looking into buying a pedal harp(exciting!) but there are quite a number of choices, aren’t there? I just wanted several harpists opinions on Camac’s harps, particularly their Clio. It is a lot lighter, which seems like it would be great plus, but I would like to hear other harpists experiences with it first, especially if I am purchasing used, and/or may not get to play the instrument beforehand. Thank you all for your help, I much appreciate it!

[kay-lister]

Hi Madeline,

I have tried several Clios and I DO like the sound. When I attended the BITMs in Williamsburg, it seems like I was always drawn to them. HOWEVER, I ended up buying the L&H 85E Concertino. It has 47 strings and the sound, feel and look just sucked me right in. I wouldn’t trade it for the world – still, if I see a Clio, I have to get my hands on it. I understand that they are great harps and maybe some Clio owners will jump in here with additional comments and information.

Good luck with your choice!

Kay

[haromagik]

Hi there,
Well, I just bought a used Camac Clio yesterday. I was able to compare it to the L&H 85 petite. There was a warmth to the L&H that I liked, but there was a clear, bell-like tone to the Clio that is what pulled me in. Mine has the extended sound board, and more strings (44) than the L&H I looked at (40), which were both important to me. For me it was a lot of harp in a small package, and I got mine at a very good price. I felt that the resonance/sustain on the Clio remained very clear, while the L&H I played and listened to muddied up a bit. Just my opinion! This is my first pedal harp after many years of Celtic harp playing, so there is much for me to learn, including how to pull the sound out, so really, time will tell, but I expect to be quite happy with my Clio. I’m a little over the moon, actually. Guess what I’ll be doing today?

Good luck!

Ellen

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