Trolley for Lever Harp

[mae-mcallister]

Hello,

Looking into getting a trolley for my floor lever harp. It’s light enough to carry from car to pub and back and similar, but too heavy to cart around carless, which makes getting to rehearsals/pub/busking difficult (I live in a town with a pedestrianised centre ). Would like to be able just to stroll around town with it on foot… Dedicated harp trolleys are super super expensive and are usually designed for pedal harp monsters that do really need them. My teacher said that just a normal garden trolley is fine and many lever harpists use them.

Any suggestions ? Needs to be sturdy and fold up, apart from that it doesn’t matter. I’ve seen a few things here and there in Argos/Homebase type shops but don’t know if they’Il be any good and wondered if anyone had any recommendations. I live in the UK so british shop suggestions only please:)

Harp love,

Mae

[e-nb]

How about…

http://www.diy.com/nav/fix/handtools/hand-trolleys/hand_trucks/Aluminium-And-Steel-Foldable-Handtruck-11247688?skuId=11758393

Pad it with a bit of…
http://www.diy.com/nav/build/insulation/pipe-wrap-radiator-foil/pipe_wrap/Climaflex-Pipe-Insulation-15mm-x-13mm-x-1m-9273770?skuId=9283470

And secure the harp with a couple of bungees.

It works for me.

[Angela Biggs]

I use a Cosco 12-301 ABL 3-in-1 Hand Truck. I looked around a little, and maybe this exact model is no longer sold, but you should be able to get a more recent version. The prices I’m seeing right now are outrageous, I definitely did not pay what Amazon is asking at the moment.

You can use it with just two wheels, or (easily) convert it to a more-stable 4-wheel configuration, or (easily) convert it to a flat bed. It’s sturdy enough to navigate the broken, hilly *and* slanted sidewalks we have around here. I also use some double-sided Velcro — no sewing! — to attach my stand and collapsible stool to the cart.

The only down-side is that the platform at the bottom and the hand-holds at the top don’t fold in, so it can be tricky to fit into a car with a harp. In my 2006 Pontiac Vibe, I have to fold down the middle seat, then use bungees to tie down the harp and cart.

The first cart I bought was a Magna Cart. It’s cheap, but definitely not sturdy or stable enough for a precious harp, so beware. If you can’t get the Cosco for a decent price online, your best bet is probably to walk into your local Home Depot or similar store with your harp and try out some carts in person. That’s how I found the Cosco.

[haromagik]

I have used this harp trolley for my lever harps for many years, and it’s a champ. It’s $255, so not cheap, but it has been well worth it. It is easy to use, and folds up so that it takes little space. The four wheels make it very stable, so you can wheel it everywhere with ease.

[haromagik]

whoops, forgot to post the link: http://www.harpcenter.com/product/kart-bag-dolly/

[kay-lister]

Ellen,

I have that one for my lever harp as well and I LOVE it! Definately worth the price.

Kay

[Gretchen Cover]

Mae lives in the UK and needs something inexpensive there. The harp center cart cannot be shipped outside the US.

Salvi has a combination cover/dolly that fits the Livia model lever harp. A friend has one , and it is great to move the harp plus protect it.

Also check out Gruv Gear V Cart Solo. Musicians Friend carries it. Watch the video. I would sure think about investing in that cart for a lever harp I moved a lot. Not nearly as inexpensive as the cart system suggested by ENB. I don’t know if it is available overseas.

[emma-graham]

Even though it’s not cheap, this probably fits the bill better than anything.

http://www.welsh-harps.com/product_view.php?id=417

I think this is the same trolley being used on a pedal harp but is slightly cheaper

http://derwentharps.com/shop/4560360778/Harporter-Harp-Trolley/5207944

[mae-mcallister]

Thanks for all the suggestions!
I went for the same strategy as E and bought something similar, except that the one I got has wheels on a metal axle so they’re not in danger of snapping off or warping. It’s entirely made of metal (rather than having plastic parts) and feels quite rugged, plus it folds up. Hard wheels but I think that should be ok.
I already have a very snug, warm cover for it that I got from Morely harps (so nice and soft that I’ve often been tempted to crawl inside and take a nap!) so it’s well protected, and a couple of bungees should do the rest.

Gretchen – I know about the Livia cover:) But I didn’t want something harp dependent for when I finally get the harp I really want (I don’t know what that is yet…)

Taking it out for a trial spin tonight:)

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