hello new to group

[jessica-wolff]

On a YouTube video, Cynthia mentioned that if you played guitar and therefore had long nails on your right hand, you might want to play the wire-strung harp on your right shoulder. I heaved a sigh of relief, because I might one day want to play wire-strung harp, and I have long right-hand nails for guitar and banjo. (Well, a compromise length, actually.)

[Audrey Nickel]

If you don’t like the wire sound, why buy a wire harp?

Lever technique doesn’t sound right on wire harp…bottom line.

[deb-l]

playing an instrument for one’s own pleasure rather than playing it the right way, using proper technique and taking lots of lessons is not a new concept.

[Karen Johns]

Boy, Audrey, you really have a problem playing with others, eh? Beauty is in the ear of the beholder, and there are several people who have bought Sylvia’s CD’s that would strongly disagree with you. But since you seem to be into insulting artists whose talents are far above yours (IMO), why not have a go at Pamela’s O’Carolan Ladies? Now remember, she plays this not only with fingerpads but also on (gasp!) steel strings. In fact, it is the exact same model as mine, you know, one of those very untraditional Musicmaker’s Limerick lap harps (oh the horror of it!)

But seriously, do you even realize how completely snobbish you sound? If I was thinking of learning to play in the so-called “traditional” manner on wire harp, I’d be turned off just by your attitude alone. I especially like your last line- LOL!! Who made you judge and jury of the wire harp world?

Just remember, respect goes both ways, Audrey. And nice matters. Enough said.

Karen

[Karen Johns]

Deborah, thank you. I play both for pleasure and performance- and have received many compliments on the sound of my wire harp. Holding my hands in the shape of a claw causes way too much tension for me, so that is one of the reasons I play the way I do, besides the fact that I can’t grow nails. Plus, I like the softer sound of pads on steel strings. Another great thing about steel is they rarely break (I have yet to break a single string after two years). This

[deb-l]

I’m sorry I started a debate, but both your opinions are very helpful to making my choice.

[deb-l]

well I went ahead and gave Deb the go-ahead to build the triplett wire 25 string irish harp for me!

[Karen Johns]

Great choice! I’ve heard a lot of nice things about Triplett harps. It’s the Irish low-headed model, right? Are you having it built in walnut or cherry? Post some pics when you get it in if you can, we love seeing new arrivals here!

Karen

[deb-l]

yeah it’s the low headed one.

[deb-l]

oops missed your last question, walnut, never a question in my mind about that!

[Karen Johns]

Ooh, LOVE walnut myself! My new harp, a Heartland Dragonheart (soon to arrive) will be made of walnut. So we are both expecting new arrivals. Isn’t the anticipation just part of the magic though?

Karen

[deb-l]

that Dragonheart is an amazing harp!

[Karen Johns]

Just talked to Dave, and I should be getting it on July 1st- so excited! I will definitely post pics, and possibly a brief music video when I get comfy enough.

Karen

[deb-l]

long story but I went with a 1 yr old rent to own Ogden in bubinga.

[Karen Johns]

Well, cool! I’ll have to check it out. I’ve heard a lot of nice things about the tone of these harps, although there seems to be an issue with some about string breakage (hopefully you won’t have to deal with that). Bubinga

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