Need Harpmobile Recommendations

[Linda King]

I am looking for a car to replace my 1997 Mercury Sable station wagon. I have a Lyon & Healy style 23 harp and need room for my McKay dolly, plus bench and stand. I’m looking for a car with easy/flat loading with a tailgate that lifts up (not side-opening). I might like a somewhat higher harp-loading area. I heard the Venza is good, but they aren’t making them anymore. Thanks for any recommendations you might have!

[glissbliss]

I’m in the same boat. The Subaru Outback looks big enough, but I haven’t taken a harp to the dealership to find out. Let me know what you decide.

[carl-swanson]

I’m on my fifth Dodge Grand Caravan in a row! I think they are the greatest for carrying instruments. I can get up to four harps(concert grands!) in my car. The seats right behind the driver are now bucket seats that fold completely into the floor. You could have both of them up if you needed to carry passengers, and still get one harp into the car, plus all the other stuff.

[balfour-knight]

I think Carl has the best idea for having the most room in the car! But I will add my two cents here anyway, ha, ha!

We have a new, redesigned 2019 Subaru Forester which has plenty of room in it for the two of us, a full-size concert grand Atlantide Prestige (Camac), the bench, the harp caddy, amplification equipment if needed, luggage for a trip, etc. The main thing is that we are 5′ 6″ and under, so the front driver’s seat is pretty close to the front while driving. If you needed to push it further back, the harp would probably not have enough room. The rear seats fold completely flat, so no “hump” or incline to overcome while pushing the harp in. Also, for inclement weather, you always have the “beauty of all-wheel drive,” as Subaru advertises.

My suggestion is to take the harp case (transport cover) with you to the dealership and see if it will fit in the car of your choice, much easier than taking the actual harp. Of course, to make double sure, go ahead and take the harp in its case. (I actually did that and then was asked to play the harp in the lobby while we were completing the sale!) I hope this reply helps, and thanks everyone, for all the good ideas!

Harp Hugs,
Balfour and Carol Lynn Knight

[Linda King]

Hi, I wanted to let you know that I did get a Subaru Outback wagon. We measured and then we brought the car home to actually load the harp and dolly. (I was afraid my 1997 Mercury Sable wouldn’t make it to the dealer’s because it was making a noise and smell!). The length is tighter than in the Sable, and I have to move the driver’s seat forward a bit, but the harp fits with 4″ or more to spare. I also like the fact that the car is a bit higher because unloading the harp is easier. And I LOVE the new Outback which is crimson red pearl!

[balfour-knight]

Congratulations on the new RED Outback–that is a beautiful car to take a harp out in! We are certainly enjoying our Forester. I guess we sound like a Subaru commercial, ha, ha!

Harp Hugs,
Balfour and Carol Lynn

[billooms]

I’ve just upgraded to a Lyon Healy 85CG and it fits fine in the back of my 2017 Subaru Outback. As far as I can tell, the 2019 Outback has the same cargo space dimensions. I’m 6’1″ tall and I don’t have to move the drivers seat at all from my normal position. There is still a couple of inches to spare in the back. The post of the harp is at an angle rather than straight back. This leaves plenty of space in the back for my harp trolley and other items.

One thing I note is that the rubber mat in the cargo space should be removed (it came standard on our Subaru, others might see the mat as an option). The harp with it’s transport cover does not slide well over the rubber mat.

[balfour-knight]

Bill, that was a good point about removing the rubber mat. We opted to not get that, and my sweet wife constructed a foam “mattress pad” about 2″ thick, cut to fit the cargo space in our Forester and covered with a nice smooth fabric for the harp to slide in and out on. The Atlantide Prestige enjoys a nice cushioned ride on our bumpy mountain roads here! Incidentally, this harp is actually 74.25 inches tall, even though on some websites it says 73″ tall, and the column fits straight back, behind the driver’s seat, without having to be turned at an angle, for the two of us.

So good to hear from all of you about “Harp Carts,” ha, ha!

Happy Harping,
Balfour (and Carol Lynn)

[Author]

Posts