Performing after a long holiday

[Molly]

Hi Gregg! Currently I’m playing an old L&H folk harp which has pedal tension. That is all I have ever played on and would like to keep up with pedal tension in case I do eventually move to a pedal harp in the future. Thanks for your recommendations and I will check their harps out!

And thank you as well Balfour, I will also look into the Dusty 26 string!

[balfour-knight]

Hi Molly,

The little Dusty Ravenna 26 almost has pedal harp tension, since the higher strings are very firm. These harps are sometimes offered for sale as good used harps, and are very reasonable. A lot of beginners start with one, then move on (or up) to a larger lever harp or pedal harp, so used ones can be found. They make good traveling harps for hobbyists and professionals. Gregg’s ideas are also very good, and cheaper, I’m sure. My “cheap cure” is my little emery board, ha, ha!

Harp Hugs,
Balfour (and Carol Lynn)

[Saul Davis Zlatkovski]

If you sand your callouses, you will simply remove them. Oiling is what I find builds them up. But if you take a month off, and then plunge into major playing, you are likely to get some blisters afterward no matter what. If you don’t, you’re lucky, and use Nivea creme or Moisture balm every night to reinforce your callouses, and avoid soap on them. I believe Salzedo used to tour with a Clark Irish harp so he could practice on the train.

[sarafigal]

I appreciate this discussion! I would love to try a Pratt Sprite, but no one in my area has one.

Sara

[balfour-knight]

We are on a family trip right now, without a harp. My emery board is working great! I have access to a very-well-tuned piano, so I am very happy.

Harp Hugs everybody,
Balfour (and Carol Lynn)

[Saul Davis Zlatkovski]

Your problem is practicing for only 45 minutes a day. That is not enough to condition your fingers and callouses. I would never schedule a performance after being away for a month. Maybe if you have everything thoroughly memorized and learned before you go, some of it will be there for you when you return. I think you need to be practicing closer to two hours a day to do any kind of performing.

[Alison]

I’ve had a bright idea – take or find an acoustic, meaning a Spanish guitar and a tutor book if you are not already a player, you’ll only miss out using your left thumb !

[Author]

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