used Lyon and Healy shamrock or brand new for first harp?

[Sean Richard]

I’m getting my first harp and can get a refurbished 2005 Lyon and Healy shamrock with new strings and regulated levers for $1995. Is this a good deal or should I be looking at a new model like the dusty strings or Triplett 34 string models in the same price range

[deb-l]

they are all good makes of harp, listen to what they sound like and go with the one that you like best.

[brook-boddie]

Sean,

I am a big fan of L&H harps, but you may want to consider the other builders that you have mentioned, or even a L&H Troubadour.

[Jerusha Amado]

Sean,

Do whatever you can to hear or play the harp in person.

[alice-freeman]

I agree with the previous posts. Try to hear your harp choices in person. The right one will call to you.

I have had several 34-string Tripletts and the sound is fabulous. I would buy another one in a heartbeat.

— Alice in windy Wyoming

[jessica-wolff]

Like some of the others here, I have heard negative things about the Shamrock. Basically that L & H had set out to make an actual folk harp (which the Troubadour isn’t) and not quite succeeded. But I’ve never actually heard one. Most of the Dustys and Tripletts you would be considering AREN’T in the same price range, alas! unless you go for something like the Ravenna 34.

What kind of music do you think you’ll be playing down the road? Folk? That will play a role in your choice.

[Ann]

Triplett and Dusty 34’s (except for Ravenna) are not in the same price range, but there are other 34-36 string

[shelby-m]

If you’ve never played harp before, I think it’s a good idea to try renting one for a little while before purchasing.

[kirk-kupensky]

Hey Sean–that is a good deal on a Shamrock.

[deb-l]

Kirk, don’t know why Shamrocks have gotten such a bad rap, or maybe your just that good of a harpist that any harp sounds fantastic.

[kirk-kupensky]

Deb, thank you for your very kind words! I don’t know why the Shamrock gets such a bad rap, either.

[deb-l]

Kirk, that’s a really lovely version of Blind Mary, one of my very favorite songs.

[rod-wagoner]

I have an L&H Folk Harp and really like it for the higher tension compared to some of the other lever harps around.

[deb-l]

Different people bring out different things depending on the harp too.

[kirk-kupensky]

Hi Deb–thanks again! (wow–you’re good for my ego!) Blind Mary is certainly one of my favorites too.

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