Hypermobility and string tension, buying a harp

[Doubting Girl]

I’m going to buy a harp, but I’m so lost at the moment. I have hypermobile fingers. I’m renting an Ogden at the moment. In the beginning the pedal tension gave me pain in my fingers and sometimes my ring finger joint got blocked when trying to pull a string. This, however, has gotten better with time. Although, in the beginning I felt a bit disappointed, I hated the pain and I wanted a harp I could touch gently.

So now I can choose between my Ogden or a secondhand Crescendo 34. The crescendo has the string tension and spacing of a folk harp. It clearly asks less strength from my fingers. I liked the fact that it has a brighter sound. The Ogden has a really warm sound. Problem is I got used to the pedal harp string tension. My fear is that I will get annoyed with the string tension of the crescendo, also because my teacher teaches on harps with pedal tension.

I never was really in love with the Ogden, (lukewarm like someone said), so it probably isn’t the harp for me. My real love was the FH36S, which I tried in the same shop where they had the crescendo. But it is way over my budget. The Crescendo would be a great compromise, but still I’m doubting, ’cause the sound also didn’t give me that wooow-feeling like the FH36S did. And then I start doubting about the string tension.

Strange thing is, if I would buy the FH36S, I wouldn’t care about the string tension, the sound is just utterly divine. Considering that I think I would like the Crescendo more than my Ogden.

Will the crescendo be softer on my fingers? Or is the pedal tension a great exercise for my superflexi fingers?

I’m actually looking for arguments to get totally convinced about a certain harp.

[barbara-brundage]

> My fear is that I will get annoyed with the string tension of the crescendo, also because my teacher teaches on harps with pedal tension.

Sorry, don’t follow this. Why would it annoy you?

Personally, I would say that if you feel you need convincing, you still haven’t found the right harp for you. When you find it, you won’t need anyone to talk yo into it.

[Doubting Girl]

The FH36S IS my dream harp, but it is really not possible to buy that one, so I’ll have to compromise.

[Dwyn .]

Since you said you’ve already adjusted to the higher tension to a large degree, it sounds like it is indeed good exercise for your fingers.

[Jerusha Amado]

The harp that she wants, the Dusty FH36, has medium tension, not pedal tension.

[deb-l]

Can you rent the crescendo and see if it works for you?

[sherry-lenox]

Are you working with a PT or hand specialist? Since you seem to have some questions in your mind about what would or could actually benefit your situation, it might be a really good idea to have a consult.

I went into playing thinking I’d need a low tension harp but after playing for four years I’ve learned that that’s not necessarily true.

It would be a shame to make an investment and then find out that you’d have been better with something else.

Good luck with your search.

[Doubting Girl]

Renting is not an option, it is a secondhand Crescendo and it’s a lucky chance that I can buy one.

I was wondering, so no one compromises? You all go for that big love, even though it costs a lot?

[deb-l]

It just doesn’t sound like your all that fond of the Crescendo, unless I am reading into your post.

[Doubting Girl]

I only saw the harp once and ofcourse it got a bit overlooked since the FH36S has such a magnificent sound. I do like a more brighter sound, and less a warm, mellow sound. The Ogden is quite warm and the Crescendo 34 brighter, so I do like the sound, I’m just afraid of the adjustement. I really wanted a harp that I could touch gently to have sound and it was a big adjusment to me to play on pedal harp strings, I find the tension quite high and requires quite some strength of my fingers. But I kind of got used to it and now I’m afraid that I will get annoyed by the lower string tension and the thinner strings. I can’t rent a crescendo, I’ve already spent enought on renting and this secondhand crescendo is a good opportunity. I was just hoping someone could reassure me that the adjustment with the strings will be fine.

[deb-l]

I’ve played both classic and folk tension harps and at first it is an adjustment but you do get used to it.

[Doubting Girl]

I was thinking the same thing, it is a great portable harp next to a future FH36S. I will be playing this particular Crescendo this Saturday again. I’m curious how I’ll like it this time, since you say it can change 🙂

[deb-l]

Is it possible for you to borrow it for a few days to get used to the feel of it so you have an idea what kind of sound you can get from it?

[Doubting Girl]

UPDATE

So it’s been a year with my Crescendo harp and I’m happy with it, but I still miss that FH36S maple harp. Now I saw it’s still in the shop… I’ve been talking with friends about harps (I was thinking about an Allegro26 to play on camping and whatnot) and it got me talking about the FH36S again. They say I should do it, trade in my Crescendo and buy the FH36S. It’s not that I don’t have the money, but those are savings and it’s always scary to touch those!

A year ago it was too scary to spend so much money since I had only been playing harp for 6 months… I wanted a more portable harp, but turns out I don’t bring it anywhere… I don’t attend workshops or go to ensembles or something.

Then again, I’m young, I just graduated, looking for a job and thinking about moving out of the house. It’s not that I won’t have any savings left after buying the FH36S, but still…

[Amber M]

If you still feel so strongly about it a year later, Go For It!

If it doesnt provide hardship or keep you from staying up with your financial obligations, do what makes you happy. Life is just too short not to.

[Author]

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