Harpsicle and a few other questions?

[Audrey Nickel]

Congratulations on the job!

Owning both, I can say that, from a quality and sound standpoint, the Ravenna would be much preferable to the Harpsicle.

[Audrey Nickel]

Just to add…the only difference between the four types of Harpsicles (Regular, Sharpsicle, Flatsicle and Fullsicle)

[Audrey Nickel]

Duh…my bad!

[Cassie M]

Thank you, Audrey, for all the help! I learned a lot! I’m so happy to hear I don’t need levers yet! I think I may just go pick up a Ravenna 26 in a month or two and skip the fullsicle. I even don’t need to pay for shipping because I can go pick it up! I really appreciate the opinions on all the harps! I’m almost positive that the Ravenna is the harp for me! My mom told me she is taking me to the harp store today, because I had been wanting to see the sicles, so I’ll probably know whether or not I want them when I get there. The comparison was really nice, thank you. It sounds like I can be OK getting the Ravenna for “portability”. Not really any difference than my keyboard I suppose. Thank you for all your help! I think I know what I’ll do now!

[Audrey Nickel]

A Ravenna’s probably no longer than a keyboard, but do be aware that harps have…well, for want of a better analogy, really big butts.

[Cassie M]

Hello again Audrey! I am back from my first ever harp store! It was a great experience! I love the sharpsicle, although the sound is not nearly as powerful as some of the others. I got to try a Salvi, a very big one, and it sounded great but I actually don’t think Im ready for that big of one.

Is it that big at the bottom? I was disappointed they didn’t have the Ravenna in stock. 🙁 But I’ll be going to the Virginia Harp Center soon and I’m hoping they do! I can’t wait to try it out!

I also called Sylvia from the Harp Center and she gave me a lot of useful information. It seems like the Dusty Strings is the much better option, but I can’t help but want the Flatsicle at less than half the price. I did really like the sharpsicle when I played it, and it was the perfect size, definitely a good possibility. I found the Ravenna, with full levers, for under $900 with only $50 shipping. Its just a really hard choice for me. Spend an extra $600 and get the Ravenna OR just get the flatsicle at $325, free shipping. Do you think I’d be disappointed with the flatsicle?

Thanks for all your help!

[Tacye]

I think you would outgrow the flatsicle much faster than the Ravenna.

[Audrey Nickel]

I agree with Tayce.

[Audrey Nickel]

Just one other thing…normally I would agree that, if you need to upgrade, you could sell a ‘sicle pretty easily.

[Cassie M]

Thanks for the advice! I talked to a potential teacher, and she kinda left me at the same spot I am now, but I learned a lot once again. Like everyone, she suggested the Ravenna, which seems logical to me. But she encourages full levers very much. And honestly, I *think* I found the perfect harp for me and it only has C and F levers. From what most people have told me, levers aren’t completely necessary. (Just like you said). More advice from her, which I really appreciated was that if its between getting a harp soon or not getting one for a long time, just get the fullsicle. She wouldn’t be disappointed if I showed up to lessons with it. Its just that she would rather she me with the Ravenna.

I really love the harpsicle line for some reason. I think it may be the bright colors and affordable price. I’m very drawn to it. As mentioned, I could outgrow it fast. I almost have a hard time not getting the sicle though. But in conclusion, I’m a mess. hahaha! Its pretty much, if the job comes through, then I’ll get the Ravenna. If it doesn’t, then honestly, it’ll have to be the sicle! Either one I think I’ll be pleased with. After playing the sharpsicle today, I know I really like it but the sound just isn’t as loud.

[Audrey Nickel]

It’s not just a volume issue, it’s a quality of tone issue.

[Cassie M]

Thanks Audrey! Yea I have no idea if she played the sicles. Maybe not.

Ok, ok I think you made up my mind for me! I’ll go try and get that Ravenna I found at a decent price! 😀 I have this “connection” with the harpsicle, but maybe I’ll pay the $300 and get it later if I decide I just can’t live without those pretty colored, tiny harp. hahaha! So its the RAVENNA! Thank you so much! I’m gonna call them tomorrow and ask them if I can maybe reserve it with a payment or something, because I won’t be able to buy it for a few months, I would say October or November.

BTW, I’m not sure about the full lever thing that she said. But I’m buying the C&F lever one, and I’m sure my teacher can make do. She was so sweet about everything and if she was willing to let me get the sicle, than I’m sure she’ll be ok with the few levers. Plus for $200 less, it just seems more doable.

THANK YOU again!

[unknown-user]

Hallo Cassie,
I think you’re making the right choice both about the harp and about the levers. In general I pretty much agree with your teacher about the full set. Levers make life so much easier but – alas! – they don’t come for free. To start with at least Cs and Fs sounds very reasonable, and the fact that you can easily add the others later on, is very important and lets you take this decision with a lighter heart.
Good luck on your new journey with the harp, and keep us posted!

[unknown-user]

I forgot:

[Cassie M]

Thank you! 🙂 Yea I think I might put on the other levers later, but for now this just seems a lot more reasonable.

And I’m really glad to hear that you never regretted saving all of your “first real money” for your harp! I hope the same happens for me! 🙂

[Author]

Posts