Salvi Hermes

[sally morris]

Yes – the harp I have was purchased from a young lady who decided to focus her energy on Irish dancing instead of playing the harp. My gain! It had lived an obviously busy life before I encountered it, to put it mildly. Missing a string here, a lever there, but oh, so beautiful in its Celtic glory, with the Book of Kells ornamentation. It’s green. I didn’t know that when I said I’d buy it – I figured it would be mahogany or something like that. But I just loved it at first sight and would never part with it. That said, yep, it is getting “old” at 40, and although it still sounds great, I am hating taking it out in the cold – which we have a lot of where I live! Anyway, where I live a larger, “classic” style lever harp would have a bigger market than my Celtic harp.
I agree – the Hermes harp is very elegant looking. Looks a lot like their famous “Daphne”, actually. “Understated”! I like the look. But I also love the appearance of the elaborate, classic style such as the Preludes and Anas. I think, in the end, I will need to get a pre-owned harp if I can get one at all.
Thanks for your insights and encouragement! Have a wonderful new year!
Sally

[Gregg Bailey]

Hi, Sally,

Did my long post go through last night– the one in which I mentioned harp (dot) com, optional stringing choices for the Ana and Hermes, salviharps (dot) com, etc? I always worry my posts won’t go through whenever I supply website addresses.

-Gregg

[balfour-knight]

Gregg, are you talking about this post?

“Hi, Sally (and Balfour),

If you visit harp.com and select the “Harp Strings” tab, you can scroll down and see exactly what the stringing choices are for each L&H and Salvi model. The Ana has two stringing choices: folk-gauge (“lever”) gut in the middle with folk-gauge bass wires, or pedal-gauge gut in the middle with pedal wires. The Hermes has three choices: the same two stringing choices for the Ana, as well as (folk-gauge) biocarbon in the mid and top. I actually wasn’t previously aware of the pedal stringing option for the Hermes; that’s very interesting! I see on salviharps.com that the Hermes weighs just a little less than the Ana and would be less expensive, being in the “student” category. I should also point out that when a folk-guage (“lever”) stringing is chosen for the Ana or Hermes, the bass wires go up one note higher (to 5A) before switching to non-wires, which means the 5A wire emerges out of a “dot” in the soundboard instead of an eyelet just like the rest of the bass wires.

Also, be aware that the Ana is available with either the pewter-colored levers and pins (less expensive) or as the Ana Deluxe with the gold-plated levers and pins…..etc…..”
This post came up just fine, but if you have sent a further detailed one like you described, I don’t see it here. Thanks my friend!

Harp Hugs,
Balfour

[balfour-knight]

Gregg, I did not copy and paste all of that post–just enough for you to see if that is the one you are talking about.

Sally, good luck in your harp quest! I know there is one out there that is “just right” for you!

Best wishes and harp hugs,
Balfour

[balfour-knight]

Sally, I will try to post a photo of “understated elegance,” ha, ha!

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[Molly]

Hello!

I have had my L&H Prelude 40 for a little over a year, and I cannot say enough good things about it. The sound is very rich and full-bodied, yet bright. It definitely has the feel of a small pedal harp and the string tension to match. I started out on a Folk Harp and I’ve only ever played at that tension, so it made sense for me to choose this model as my next harp. If anything, I find my Prelude just a little bit higher tension. I really don’t think you can go wrong with it if you’re looking for that pedal look, and it’s reasonably priced too. I found mine used in great condition for $4750 which I thought was incredibly fair. I’ve only had one little issue with it, but overall it’s a fantastic instrument. Like others have mentioned, it doesn’t have levers on the last two B and A strings, but I haven’t found that affecting my playing in the least. Bear in mind, though, that I am just a third year student and don’t think I have ever had to use those strings. But, I can understand how this would be a downside to some.

Hope you are able to find a Hermes to listen to, and please do let us know what you end up going with!

[balfour-knight]

Good to see your post Molly! Glad things are going well for you and your harp.

[sally morris]

Thanks for your input! I do think the Prelude is a beautiful looking instrument. I played my teacher’s many years ago and liked it, although my favorite of her harps was her Salvi McFall. I have seen some good deals on them, but by the time one figures in shipping it becomes more of a cost thing, plus one needs to be so careful in shipping that the shipper knows how to do it properly. I’d hate to have anything happen to a harp in transit! That said, I will keep looking a while longer. Your comments are very helpful. Thanks!

Sally

[sally morris]

Thanks for bringing Molly’s comments to my attention!

Sally

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