live in Santa Barbara (lucky me!) and lucky you for getting to come for the summer! Folk Mote is a great resource for renting harps (and buying). They have mostly Dusty Stings, Blevins and sometimes a Triplett. It is a small store with a huge heart and fabulous people! Laurie Rasmussen is my teacher and she is quite extraordinary. She teaches privately but uses a small music room at Folk Mote (which happens to be downtown). I’d highly recommend taking some classes with Laurie while you are here. She does own quite a few harps herself and I do believe her website states that she rents out some—but of course, not her major beauties!
Housing…..of course, Craigslist is always good too. I imagine you know it is a pricey town for renting and owning.
best~
Karen
PS From your website, it looks like you would want to rent a pedal harp…..you might need to contact Christine Holvick (google her) for that.