Manly Harps

[unknown-user]

It’s interesting that harps like the Salzedo, LH30, LH 100, Scolpita, and others are described as ‘manly’. They are actually more modern looking. It’s just interesting that the older aesthetic is sometimes considered feminine or something. Not sure what that means. It’s just interesting.

[unknown-user]

Yes, it is interesting. It is purely interpretation and social expectations. Although, I do think it interesting that when I play my 100 in public, I got comments that it was elegant, sophisticated, modern, funky etc. And when Brook played his 100 the same weekend, they commented it was as masculine harp..so its partly their perceptions

[Fearghal McCartan]

I myself play a Salvi Arianna, but I love the Salvi Apollo as well.

[unknown-user]

Hi Vince,

Did you get the piccie of the 26 in natural? If not I can send it to you, as I have it.

I think from both our sibling threads, curliness and manliness, the style 26 seems to be coming up over and over again as a favourite. It’s interesting that I did show the piccie of the 26 in natural to John (hubby) who normally is rather disinterested in looking at (“oh no not again”) yet another harp model! And he actually really liked it, more so in natural than the gold. He liked the shape of the coloumn at the top and also the rather gothic angels. The wood had gone caramel with age too which is always yummy.

And yes, my hubby is “manly” (but then I may be biased!)

[vincent-pierce]

Where did you find the picture of the 26 in natural? If you could e-mail it to me, that would be great!

[Charles]

Hey Gang speeking of manly harps check out

[Saul Davis Zlatkovski]

I think the 24 is much more beautiful than the 26, though it has been a while since I have seen one. The elements of the column design are so harmonious and beautifully proportioned. I also prefer the 3 to the 26. I have never taken to the Gothic style on harps, too cold. I don’t think ornament or decoration should be thought of as not being masculine, I think that is a mistake. And, curiously, I’m pretty sure all the harps have been designed by men. It’s what you do with it and bring to it. 23s have always reminded me of an English manor home, with wainscoting and heraldry like a fancy dining room. If only I could get hold of my ancient heraldry, I could have a harp designed with it.

[vincent-pierce]

I love the Thurau Bauhaus model, although I may be one of few who do. I really like modern, simple designs.

[unknown-user]

Yes, the Russian harps are the same design – I read through the history of the Selena company and its taken over the Lunacharsky factroy. So, its the same factory taken over by different people. I like the plain model, always did like the fact that they use and unveenered board. I had a girlfriend that had one (when run by the old gang) and it had a sweet tone – a parlour size harp with little projection but sweetly voiced.

I have no idea what the new company have done, or how they are different, they have said they have changed the materials used (improved the quality). Katherine should get back on and let us know!

[unknown-user]

Hi Saul,

I’ve never seen a 24…I agree that ornate work is not necessarily unmanly. I personally like the sight of a guy in smashing dinner suit with ornate harp! It looks prestigious to me.

Anyway, as to the 23

[Charles]

Vince,

So nice to know i’m not the only lover of modern design!

What do you think of the Venus Criteron and Aquilan harps?

I like the Bauhaus design but if it were up to me I’d make the capital 35% larger.

Have you ever toyed with the idea of desiging a design for a soundboard?

I’m not against painted sound bords I just wish there were more modern type designs other than the Slazedo style stripe.

I think a Miro inspired painted design on the sound board of a nice medimum wood finish instrument would be nice.

[vincent-pierce]

Actually, I really like the soundboard design on the Salzedo, but whenever I get one (!) I want to ask LH about customizing the colors of the stripes (red, black, and gold).

The Venus Criterion is nice, although I wish I could see it in a finish other than natural, since that is all they have on their website.

The Aquilan/Concert is rather nice, and I’ve seen one recently with very subtle and classy gold (not gilding) on it. I still don’t like the idea of playing an instrument that has flowers on it. (I am a clarinetist as well, and our instruments are just plain black!)

I do agree about the capital on the Bauhaus. I like a harp with a narrow column and a significant capital or crown.

I have thought a lot about designing a unique soundboard decoration. I love the idea of decorating the soundboard of a modern-looking harp with a Frank Lloyd Wright stained glass design. There is an amazing harp that H. Bryan company custom designed that is black with a 24K gold image on the soundboard. It’s beautiful.
I think you can find it here:
http://www.hbryan.com/newharps/pedalgallery.html

I have to admit, though – I love the European flair Salvi harps have.

[unknown-user]

Wow, those custom harps and the restored Lyon and Healys are so beautiful they make tears come to my eyes…because I can never afford it….

It’s wonderful to think about customizing soundboards using one’s favourite art….*sigh*

[john-strand]

There is a Venus Criterion in gold on the Venus website – quite spectacular looking and would look great with a black tuxedo – if you look under specialty finishes, there is a black Criterion and a white one, each one with different levels of bronzing – there is a lady here in San Antonio who recently had Wally do a custom Criterion in black with silver leafing accents plus silver action plates and silver discs – it is quite striking and has a wonderful sound –

as to the Salzedo in different finishes, I saw one years ago at the Salzedo Convention in Austin that was black – and Greg Buchanan has a custom electric straight board Salzedo in dark blue with white gold accents that he has been using in concert for probably 10 years or more –

[vincent-pierce]

You’re in San Antonio? I was there last weekend! I was really hoping to find a harp/harps to play while I was there. I’ll have to look around the Venus site more. And wow, I can’t imagine a black Salzedo! And silver action, I didn’t know that was possible. So many options…

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