Strings for classical music and fragile skin / hands?

[Gregg Bailey]

I should’ve clarified that when I mentioned the “proper” string-winding procedure of 2 winds to the outside before crossing over to continue winding towards the neck, I was, of course, referring to the Brilliant harp.

-Gregg

[Lily-White]

Hi Gregg,

What a fantastic answer, thank you!!! So informative and enlightening, thank you so much for taking the time to go into detail. I love it! I learned so many things I couldn’t have found anywhere else.

Thanks to all this information, it’s quite clear to me that the Ravenna 34 is better for me than the Brilliant. E.g the height is very important to me, and several other things, as well. I can get the Brilliant in white, but as a whole, the Ravenna outweighs the Brilliant. I have also decided to get one harp, not two. Either the Ravenna 34 I currently rent (it was brand new when I got it), or a new FH34S in cherry wood, probably lacquered in black. It’s sad to have to let go of my dream of a white harp, but I’m so ready to buy my own harp and these two models are definitely my favorites… <3

Yesterday I finally got to try the Camac Concert Mélusine (that’s why I’ve taken so long to respond, I wanted to be able to give you this information). Many people love the Concert Mélusine, both for its design and its HUGE sound, and surely for many other reasons as well. However, it wasn’t for me. It’s a “light strung” harp, that’s why I was interested in it in the first place (because of issues with my hands). Strangely, I couldn’t feel ANY difference in the string tension compared to the Ravenna. I actually had a Ravenna side by side with the Mélusine, so it was easy to compare. This was a good lesson for me, we should always try a harp, not only “read the label”. The sound of the Concert Mélusine wasn’t my cup of tea either, I’m clearly a Dusty girl… 😀  This has been proven so many times now – I’ve been looking for a harp for over 6 months! – that I’m sure a Dusty is what I want. The big sound of the Concert Mélusine was quite impressive, but not what I’m looking for. And finally the design. For a lever harp, I prefer a more timeless design, with less curves.

I was supposed to try a Dusty FH34 in cherry as well. But unfortunately the harp in question wasn’t – and will not be – available. That was quite a delusion. The FH34S is one of my two options to buy, so it would have been so important for me to get to try it. I have played a FH34 in walnut, which helps a lot, and I have gathered a lot of information about the FH34S. It ticks all the boxes – except being available in white! –  but I haven’t heard the sound of it live, that’s my problem. The sound of the FH34 in walnut was too dark for me.

I’m quite confused right now about what to do. I have asked for quotes for both my rental Ravenna 34 and a new FH34S. So maybe the prices will help me to choose – if the FH is too expensive for me…  
IF I had heard the FH34S and loved it, it would definitely interest me more than the Ravenna. The treble tension of the Ravenna is higher than the one of the FH34S. You wondered about this – which I understand perfectly! – but it’s a fact. The same thing goes for the FH34, which I have played in walnut – the treble tension was less! Also the design of the FH34S is more beautiful than the Ravenna’s. And I suppose the same goes for the sound, even though I haven’t heard it live… 
On the other hand, the Ravenna 34 would probably be a really good forever harp for my needs, and I do like it a lot.
 
You also asked about the FH34S lacquered in black. They can lacquer any of the wood options in black. And yes, it is a pity to cover those beautiful woods with a black finish, I agree. It actually hurts a little bit, so I’m still thinking about it. But I have never seen what their cherry wood looks like and how it ages. There are huge differences in cherry woods. It might not fit my décor… 😀

When I got my Ravenna 34 it had 5-inch legs. It was OK, but I would have liked for it to be taller. So the rental guy got me 8-inch legs – he’s amazing! – and I LOVE IT!!! I wouldn’t give away an inch of it, the 8-inch legs are perfect for me! It’s strange how big a difference 3 inches can make, it’s almost  like another harp. I obviously can’t know if you would like them as much as I do. Maybe you could put something that is 3 inches high underneath your Ravenna and see how it feels?

I love these harp discussions! I’m sorry this post is a little disorganized, yours were so well written. And please look past all my English errors…

I’m impatiently waiting for my quotes, this is so exciting! 😀

Warmly,

Lily

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