Hi
I’m Norwegian, too, and I own a Morley Hempson 34. It is indeed beautiful, and all in all an adequate harp for learning. This may just be my harp, but it has always had a big problem with buzzing strings. This is mainly due to the levers, because they make some of the strings buzz when they are engaged. I believe the problem may be that they are made of plastic, and therefore tend to bend a bit away from the string (if you see what I mean, I’m not too good at explaining things) and not engage the string as much as they should.
Another thing is the sound. It is not as good as I would like. I like a deep, mellow and warm sound in a harp, and my Hempson has more of a bright tone, but kind of flat and not very resonant.
If I could go back and choose again, I would not choose it, even though it is very affordable compared to other harps. How about looking at the Ravenna 34, which has a lovely sound from what I hear (although I haven’t heard one in person) or a Lyon & Healy Trubadour. I’ve played several of those, and most of them sound lovely. These harps are a bit more expensive, but it’s worth a few months of extra saving, in my opinion.
Or, if you really want great sound and still have a folk harp, not pedal, look at this one and listen to the sound samples: The Teifi Eos Celtic Harp. It costs a lot for a folk harp, at £ 2999 (almost 30 000 kr), but I think it would definitely be worth it. I’ve had two harp teachers comment on the absolute loveliness of the sound of this harp. Right now I’m saving up for my own pedal harp (am currently renting one, so the Hempson is not in use), but later I hope to be able to buy one to use for Celtic/Irish and early music.
Where in Norway do you live? If you live near Oslo I strongly recommend that you join the School of Music (Oslo musikk- og kulturskole) to get a harp teacher. You would then be studying with one of the best harpists in Norway. Even if you only play for your own enjoyment, getting the right technique in will help you avoid developing bad habits that can ultimately result in injuries (worst case scenario). Also, you will learn a lot faster. I started out as self-taught, but have never regretted finding a teacher.
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