Ravenna 26?

[HBrock25]

I played a pedal harp in college (the school’s harp), and since getting married and having kids, I haven’t yet been able to buy a harp of my own. It’ll be quite a while before I can afford a pedal harp, and at least a couple years before I can get a nice lever harp, but we’ve decided that I can spend up to about $1500 on a harp right now (preferably a little less; that includes shipping, a case, and everything else). Mostly I would just like a harp that I can play again, that’s as close as possible in feel to a pedal harp at $1500. Of course I would like a nice sounding harp, but right now range and versatility are more important than sound quality, as long as the sound is decent; I’m planning on upgrading to a better harp in a few years.

I have no real experience with any smaller harps. I’ve looked around a bit (on this site and others) to try to decide what harp would be best for me. It looks like the Ravenna 26 might be the best fit – full levers, case, shipping and taxes should come in just below $1500, it has 26 strings (more than anything else I could find at this price range), it has more tension than a typical lap harp (like the harpsicle), and it seems to get pretty good reviews here.

Other things that I looked at, but am leaning away from, are these:

– the Fullsicle (quite a bit cheaper, but probably not what I’m looking for)

– the Timothy Abhainn (29 string student harp, but it would be probably a little over my budget ($1500 is already pushing it), and only have C and F levers)

– the Marini Made Lap harp looked interesting, with 26 strings and full levers for close to (maybe a little over) $1500, but I’m not sure that I want something that’s designed to be a lap harp

– one of the Stoney End 22 string harps (the Eve or the Brittany, which would probably be a bit cheaper than the Ravenna 26, but only have 22 strings)

– the Blevins Ivy 22, which would be a bit over $1500 after case, shipping and taxes, and only has 22 strings

Is there another option I should be considering that I’ve left out? I probably won’t have a chance to see, hear or play any of these harps in person before buying it, as I don’t think there’s a decent harp store within an hour’s drive of me (I’m in southwestern Pennsylvania).

Thanks for your help.

Sabrina

(And, PS, if you want to sell me a really inexpensive pedal harp, I’ll take it! :))

[deb-l]

Virginia harp center has a used Ogden for 2,000 right now in their Virginia store.

[peg-coats]

I’ve played the Ravennas and they are great harps.

[peg-coats]

Just found this used Ravenna 26 at the Puget Sound used harp site: http://www.reigningharps.com/ — $1150 plus shipping, includes everything you are looking for:

Joyce Cornell (north
Seattle) is selling a Dusty Strings Ravenna 26-string harp, with full
Loveland levers, in the deep forest green/natural color option. Solid ash
neck, pillar, base, and capital; laminated Finland birch soundboard, sides
and back; stave-back soundbox; built-in retractable adjustable leg plus
the detachable scalloped base with legs. For detailed info, see:

http://www.dustystrings.com/instrumentbuilding/harps/models/Ravenna26/tabid/268/Default.aspx.
For a YouTube video demo of the Ravenna 26, see:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFV8gHFvQ4M. Joyce’s harp
is in excellent, like-new condition, and includes the deluxe maroon padded case, tuning key, and the
book “Teach Yourself to Play the Folk Harp” by Sylvia Woods. This harp,
with all included accessories, would cost $1539 new (plus tax); Joyce is
asking just $1150! Prefer cash only or (cleared) check, and pick-up or
rendezvous in person (though will ship if necessary). You can contact
Joyce at joycec@comcast.net or by
phone at 206-992-5811. (new 3/12)

[jessica-wolff]

The Ravenna’s not bad, but it does have a less firm stringing than, for example, a Trooby.

[diana-lincoln]

I have an Ogden and a Dusty FH26. I love them both for different applications.

I love the Ogden for its 34 strings, deep tone and concert tension pedal gut strings. I love my Dusty for it’s portability and sweet tones. If I had to choose, I would pick Ogden. More flexibility and closer to the feel of a pedal harp which is the goal you stated. You can’t go wrong with either one but I think you will miss those base stings. Look at Ravenna with 34 strings. Awesome harp!

[Sabrina Gardner]

Thanks all, for your help. I think my husband is convinced that it’s worth it to pay a little more for more strings and pedal harp feel, and after looking at all your suggestions, I think we will go with an Ogden. Yay! 🙂 Thank you all for your help and feedback.

Sabrina

[deb-l]

Sabrina, do share with us your happiness when you get it. I love a story with a happy ending. congratulations.

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