If you were choosing between cherry and walnut, which would you choose and why?

[cecilia-jocose]

I have studied flute and classical voice in the past, and have always dreamed of playing the lever harp. After lots of research I have decided to ask for a Stoney End harp for the holidays. I will be playing solely for my own pleasure.

I have listened to many videos and sound clips online, and am leaning towards cherry. However, it seems many here prefer walnut. I know this is very subjective, but to you personally, which sounds “better” to your ears, and why. Thank you for any input!

[lynda-thompson]

I always choose walnut, but it is based on visual aesthetic alone. I dont have a good enough ‘ear’ to tell a difference based on sound,and i am told that the difference is indeed subtle. But maybe you are one of those lucky, tuned-in type people.

[cecilia-jocose]

Thank You Lynda!

I do have a good ear, and have learned a lot “by ear.” (My sight reading is average at best.) I am basing my choices on internet videos and sound clips, though. Believe me, I like hearing about the aesthetic choices others have made. Walnut is gorgeous, which is why the decision is so hard.

[tony-morosco]

Walnut gives good bass and fundamental tones.

Personally I find Cherry very similar. Again, good bass. Perhaps a slightly less sustain, but over all I find them similar. If anything both are similar to Mahogany, but Cherry is probably a little closer to the sound of Mahogany than Walnut. Not sure about the weight of walnut but compared to mahogany but it seems to me cherry is noticeably heavier.

Of course even two instruments made from the same kind of wood can sound different, so if you can you really should listen to the actual instruments you may be interested in to hear how the exact one you will end up with sounds.

All else being equal I prefer Cherry because it just gets more and more beautiful as it ages, darkening to a deep amber.

[mia-strayer]

I know of several web sights
u might want to try these sights
http://www.lyon&healy.com http://www.salviharps.com & http://www.venusharpa.com
if these web sights aren’t very helpful u may have to do some googleing around

[jessica-wolff]

Well, walnut tends to emphasize the basses, cherry the midrange and maple the upper range. Aesthetically a new walnut is prettier than a new cherry, but as someone pointed out, cherry ages beautifully.

[leon-ducommun-dit-verron]

I would say walnut but this is purely for visual reasons

[eliza-morrison]

I think cherry is more beautiful, but to each his own! More significant than the subtle difference between woods will be the often not-so-subtle differences between harps. Make sure to try any harp you are considering buying; don’t make a purchase based solely on the wood or other materials used.

[cecilia-jocose]

Thank you so much to everyone that responded!

[cecilia-jocose]

Well, a wonderful relative was able to find a gently used Braunwen harp for me! 29 strings…C & F levers will be installed. I would love to know what the best beginner book would be for this. I am primarily interested in Celtic/Irish music.

[Allison Stevick]

My first harp book was *Celtic Music for Folk Harp* by Laurie Riley and Leslie McMichael. I really enjoyed it, and still love many of those tunes. There is good introductory information about playing celtic music as well. I can also recommend Laurie Riley’s instructional DVDs, as I’ve really enjoyed learning from them. I have several of Sylvia Woods’ multi-level books and really like them as well.
Congratulations on your new harp, and happy playing!

[cecilia-jocose]

Thank you Allison!

[haromagik]

Sylvia Wood’s Teach Yourself to Play the Folk Harp is a really good beginning place. Also a flute player, I found this book to be really useful and gave step by step exercises to go with the songs. A teacher is invaluable though. I was self-taught for a year, and then had to begin again with a teacher because I had so many bad habits. Congratulations on your new harp journey! Have a blast!

[cecilia-jocose]

Thanks Ellen B. !

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