Venus vs Lyon & Healy

[Saul Davis Zlatkovski]

It just occurred to me, the so obvious reason why people are forever comparing Venus to Lyon

[unknown-user]

And they are all copies of Lyon and Healy models, and openly so. When you go to the Venus factory they will tell you openly that the Aria is a style 11, the Protege is a 17, the Traditional is a copy of the 22 etc. etc.

[unknown-user]

Thanks for that June, you sound like you got a really very special harp. And congrats! I’d be interested to hear how the sound develops. As I like you, really like evenness of tone and a refined and not coarse sound. It sounds beautiful! I need to see more Camacs!

[Evangeline Williams]

When I first looked at Venus harps, some people had negative feedback about them.

[unknown-user]

I’ve seen your harp on your website and it looks lovely, I think that model is one of the nicer ones..and the colour is fab. And from what you have said elsewhere, you got a really good one. And its not what you play, its how you play it!

I’m just a cranky old gal. I probably have good reason to be, but I should remember that we all take comments about the brand of instrument we play personally and as a reflection of ourselves. And what I feel about companies and their policies and the way they treat customers, is not what I feel about other musicians. And there are alot of great harpists out there that play all sorts of brands of harp…

I was influenced by these threads to buy a certain brand of harp, and I lost

[David Ice]

Bravo, Rosemary.

[tony-morosco]

+++I haven’t secretly desired a 23, but I have always wanted an old 22+++

I definitely don’t secretly desire a 23. They sound good and all, but visually they are just not my cup of tea in the least.

But I would love an old Salzedo. I am contemplating either a Camac or a Lyon & Healy, but if I go with L&H it wouldn’t be a 23 even if I could come up with that kind of money.

[Jerusha Amado]

I’m with you, Tony.

[andy-b]

Several years ago, I played a couple Swanson harps in Tallahassee…one was an

[Jerusha Amado]

Andy,

I’ve not had the opportunity to hear a La Scuola, but

[unknown-user]

The 22 has similar carving, but it does not have quite as much carving, does not have the cameo looking thing on the column – and with the old ones the carving is less sharp and more soft looking….and when they go old they are a rather yummy caramel colour. And have an overall softer appearance. I also love 17’s – the carving is less over the top and more uniform than the 23.

Salzedos have grown on me, the old ones are gorgeous, the wood quality amazing and just shimmers and glows…changing the appearance in subtle ways. And I have never heard a bad one.

[unknown-user]

David,

There is alot more to it than this. I would never deal with that company ever again, and it is not the case of an open mind or not. I will not say anything much as I do not want to upset or concern Evangeline more than I already have as she is a honey. But your comments are off the mark. If you want to email me privately I will discuss it with you, but I don’t want to go into detail here.

I

[Saul Davis Zlatkovski]

Yes, I have had my problems with Lyon and Healy, and in particular with their lousy shipping company, or rather, the local guys who pick up and deliver harps. I just saw one pick up a harp and bump it down every step. I told the harpist to be sure to file a claim right away, and then see if there was damage or not. If you do not file a claim within two weeks, you are screwed. As was I.

Yet, I would never buy anyone else’s harp. I long for the day when I can own a Salzedo, preferably an original, and a 3. I think the 24 is much nicer than the 26. Wurlitzers have a gloomy sound by comparison, I think. Beautiful carving and design, but too dark and heavy. Maybe if I had one that was rebuilt and strung as I like it would be fine.

No Salvis, Venuses, Camacs or Aoyamas for me, and I get bupkis from Lyon and Healy for saying so. (Nothing.)

[unknown-user]

Although I’m only at the lever harp level at this point, my harp teacher has both an L&H and a VENUS and she said she loves them both for different reasons and that they are unique each in their own way.

[unknown-user]

Whatever you buy Anita, make sure you see and inspect that actual before it is sent to you. Especially if you are dealing with a smaller company. The harps you see in the showroom, when you go and visit, may be very very different from the one you are sent. You must go and see the one you are actually buying and preferably have a wide selection.

People can be extraordinarily nice to you when they are about to get your money, but you may find that they turn from Jekyll to Hyde very very quickly if you have a problem with an instrument. They may not have the inclination, or the understanding, to resolve the issue with good grace.

You also need to deal with someone that has the facility to maintain your harp, and/or has a good relationship with other companies. A small problem with a harp, can become a large one it you cannot get it rectified. Some companies use their warranty to stop anyone else seeing and inspecting their instruments, they use it to protect themselves not to protect the client at all. And the warranty can be more of a hindrance than

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