Cross-Strung Harps

[Julietta Anne Rabens]

I am intrigued by this sort of harp, but have not yet had opportunity to play one. I am curious what models are available. I am aware of:

Stoney End Isabelle cross-strung lap harp
Blessley Orion cross-strung harp
Muma inline cross-strung harp
Blevins has six models of cross-strung

Any discussion or input on what cross-strung harp you own, how you would describe the sound, which models are most resonant, etc. would be useful.

[tony-morosco]

I don’t play them, so I can’t give an opinion, but I thought I would just add to your list. Glen Hill at Mountain Glen Harps makes beautifully carved custom cross strung harps.

[michael-rockowitz]

Julietta,

Here are some previous threads that bear on your question:

Cross strung thread 1

Cross strung thread 2

I’ve only been playing the Cross-strung 9 months now, during 7 of which I only had the Caitlin.

[jennifer-buehler]

That’s Harper’s Blessley in the videos.

[michael-rockowitz]

Jennifer,

You referred to people who have “less positive things to say about their cross-strungs,”

[jennifer-buehler]

That comment was in reference to Argent Fox harps.

[michael-rockowitz]

Oops-

In the future, I’ll ask the poster what a

[Julietta Anne Rabens]

Right now I’m leaning towards getting the Stoney End Isabelle since they have a wonderful payment plan for two years. My dream cross-strung right now is the Blevins Xenith, but I’ll have to wait to invest in it. I’m not sure how much long-term use I would get out of the lap harp version. My dream lap harp is the double strung version since you can practice left hand parts up an octave or two making it the most superb compressed harp for travel. Also, the double row of strings increases the overall resonance. I’m

[Maria Myers]

Are you the same person as Julieanne Rabens?

[michael-rockowitz]

Julietta,

The cross-strung definitely allows you to play improvise over traditional jazz tunes.

[Julietta Anne Rabens]

Hi Maria,
My full name is Julietta Anne Rabens, and I have used a few variations on it through the years including Julieanne.

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