Lyon & Healy – Prelude lever harp?

[unknown-user]

Hello, everyone!

I’m about two months, maybe a bit less, into harp lessons, and I really enjoy it. I’m very
glad I’ve taken up this hobby, and hope to maybe even make it my career, because I love
the sound of the harp, and just the over all being of it. It’s wonderful.

Here’s the thing: I have a 29-string lever harp. It doesn’t say what brand it’s made by, so I
have no clue, but the other day at my lesson, my teacher noticed that my right hand was
being brought up too high on the strings. I’m supposed to play in the middle of the
strings, but the harp is smaller, which, when doing four-finger drills (C-D-E-F, raise) [I’m
studying the Salzedo technique], causes my right hand (thumb) to come up higher than it
should on the strings.

Since my harp is smaller, and my teacher insists that I do not sit on the floor, I have to
place the harp on something such as an ottoman or chair to level it with me, then play. So
during the last lesson, after noticing this problem, finally suggested that I move to a
bigger harp. This problem could be resolved by lowering my seating position, or raising
the harp, but she thinks I’m at the age where I’m old enough to move on to something
bigger, like a floor-harp, preferably lever (since I’m still a beginner and what-not)

She suggested the Lyon & Healy Troubadour V as a predominant option. But I really like
the Prelude. As far as I’m concerned, I don’t think my parents are in a financial place where
they cannot afford it, so I MIGHT be able to afford the Prelude. I think they see that I’m
interested in the harp, because I ramble on and on about it all the time.

Here’s my question:

Which would you guys recommend for me? Troubadour or Prelude? What are their
qualities? Similarities? Is one better than the other in certain areas?

Also, what’s the difference between the Lyon & Healy Prelude and the Salvi Ana? Is one
better than the other?

Thanks for those of you who take time to answer! You’re a big help! 🙂

[brook-boddie]

Cameron,

First of all, congratulations on taking up the harp!

[unknown-user]

Brook,

Thanks for your advice. 🙂 We don’t live anywhere near the Lyon & Healy factory, nor any
harp dealers, so our only choice (aside from traveling hours upon hours) was to buy/rent
through the internet. I’ve done a lot of research on both the Troubadour and the Prelude,
and have found that they are basically the same harp, just constructed differently, and one
with two more strings.

We decided to go with the Prelude. My dad purchased a used L&H Prelude (Mahogany)
from the company, and it should be delivered by tomorrow night. I can’t wait, seriously!
I’m so excited about it.

But we didn’t purchase it so lightly. We had them make sure the harp was in excellent
condition (like they claimed), had everything it was supposed to, and everything else. So,
after hours of talking on the phone with them, we finally bought it.

Thanks for your advice, though! I was very, very close to buying a Troubadour V, but we
decided not to. So, we’ll know how the harp’s turned out by tomorrow, hopefully!

[brook-boddie]

Cameron,

That’s awesome news!

[unknown-user]

I bought my Prelude over the phone from the Lyon & Healy Company (not L&H West, the
one in Chicago). I got a Mahogany finish. I would have gotten it with the decorated
soundboard, but that option wasn’t available. Nevertheless, it’s still a stunningly beautiful
harp.

Congrats on the Christmas party! I’ve heard many, many great things about the Prelude,
and I hope it lives up to its word. 🙂

[unknown-user]

Hey cameron, I know you’ve made your decision, but just wanted to say the Prelude is a fantastic harp.

[unknown-user]

So tell us about your new harp! I’ve played several troubadors and just one Prelude. I prefered the look and sound of the Prelude. To me it seemed to sound and feel more “live”. I know some may prefer the troubador since all of us like different qualities in instruments. The only thing I didn’t like about the prelude is the weight of the instrument.
dennis

[Author]

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