Most DURABLE harp?

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This topic has 6 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 11 years ago by Rachael Rosenbaum.

Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)

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May 2, 2014 at 2:05 pm #78353

Rachael Rosenbaum
Participant

BS”D

Well folks, I’m in the market for a new harp. I really want to know what kind of harp lasts forever! I currently own a Heartland which is 22 years old (I’m not the original owner) and I’ve consulted with a number of people in the business…they say it’s not worth that much at this point, and I know that it’s not in perfect shape. Is there a 34 string harp that I could buy which would possibly last me for always? I was recommended the high-end Dusty String FH34, and I’m seriously considering it (though I don’t know how I’m going to afford it yet!). Hw does one know what factors contribute to sturdiness and longevity? How does a Blevins compare, let’s say, to the FH34? (bear in mind I am looking for a reasonably PORTABLE harp)

May 2, 2014 at 5:36 pm #78354

Tacye
Participant

There are several issues here – one is obviously how you treat the harp. There are instruments over 200 years old in lovely playing order (after attention!), but are not what you would think of as sturdy. With lever harps especially there is the issue of these ingenious makers who keep inventing improvements. A harp of 30-40 years old may be just as good as it always was, but won’t have the snazzy new levers or whatever.

What is going off with the Heartland? I have just sent a Pilgrim off to have a going over at 27 years old and then assume it will work as well as it ever did.

May 2, 2014 at 7:31 pm #78355

Rachael Rosenbaum
Participant

In any case I need a new harp because I need something portable… I’m looking at Dusty Strings’ Crescendo and FH34 and Blevins Meadowind. I want to know if one type has better lasting power–of course I know I have to treat any harp carefully!

May 2, 2014 at 8:17 pm #78356

Tacye
Participant

I don’t know about the other models, but the FH34 was first made in 2009.

May 2, 2014 at 11:22 pm #78357

Donna O
Participant

Rachael, I looked at both of those models before I purchased my Crescendo this past January. The Blevins are very solid sturdy harps as are the Dustys. I happened to prefer the sound of the Crescendo better. I wanted a more portable harp than my Prelude 40. You can’t really go wrong with either choice.

May 3, 2014 at 5:07 pm #78358

Allison Stevick
Participant

Will Heartland take yours as a trade towards a new one? (Didn’t know if that applies to non-original owners or not) Their carbon fiber harps are extremely durable and portable.

May 4, 2014 at 1:22 am #78359

Rachael Rosenbaum
Participant

Thanks everyone! Donna, your advice was a good bolstering of what I was beginning to sense-that, as you state, “You can’t really go wrong with either choice.”

I’m not really into the carbon fiber ones for some reason, they just don’t do it for me… SInce the Dusty is available near me, I think I might just go with that… Hoping to try them out soon! :0)
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