Waring Harps…need answers!

[Evangeline Williams]

There’s a harp out there called the Waring Harp, and it’s

soundbox/board is made of heavy duty cardboard.

I know…eek, that does sound terrible.

But it’s for use in music therapy with children as an accompanying

instrument (the way many MTs use guitars and autoharps).

[Zen Sojourner]

OMGosh, I went and looked, and I can’t help it, that thing looks REALLY flimsy.

[unknown-user]

Actually, the Waring harps have a remarkably good sound.

[unknown-user]

I don’t know about the Waring Harps, but I have known lap dulcimers made of wood and carboard that are really quite sturdy. But, I know from experience that the harpscicles and sharpsicles are extremely hardly and have a wonderful sound.

[unknown-user]

Do they also mix milkshakes? Puree vegetables?

[unknown-user]

No blending capabilities, but you can slice hardboiled eggs through the strings.

[unknown-user]

If you use the strings as bowstrings, and buy a goodly supply of arrows, you can defend yourself against the barbarian hordes if they happen to attack while you’re at a gig.

[unknown-user]

….or if you don’t have the right credit card….

[unknown-user]

Sorry I haven’t seen this question sooner.

[Susan Dennis]

I know this is old, but it still comes up on top on Google, so I thought I would add my comments. I am currently in the middle of assembling my Waring harp, so I can’t comment on the sound quality.

However, the harp is not all cardboard. It has a wood triangle for the frame. The soundbox is cardboard, but sturdy with the addition of paint. If something happens to the soundbox, you can get another for $5.

Frankly, I would rather risk a $5 cardboard soundbox with kids (and then they won’t feel bad), then a $300 harpsicle (and definitely not my dusty strings). The harp is meant to be used by kids.

I’ll also note that so far the assembly is easy. I suspect that putting in the tune pins will be a challenge. And of course stringing is it’s own adventure, but you have to replace strings on any harp.

[unknown-user]

I’m a 59-year old beginning harpist and didn’t want to spend a huge amount of money on an instrument at the outset. I stumbled on the Waring Harp and ordered a kit, because the price was right.

[Tacye]

Nancy, there is a sort of non-slip material sometimes sold in cheapo shops as drawer liner.

[Dennis Waring]

In regard to Zen Sojourner’s assessment of the Waring Harp. It is obvious she has never seen one, held one, or played one. Waring Harps are serious instruments, sell worldwide and have received scores of positive reviews from amateur and professional alike. Why this person is so angry and judgmental I can only imagine. Ignore her.

[haromagik]

Hi 59 year old unknown user, have you tried a lap harp sling? They have one at Harps Etc. I’ve never tried one, but was thinking of getting one to see what it was like. It looks pretty useful! http://www.harpsetc.com/lap-harp-sling.html

[haromagik]

By the way, I did get a lap sling, and it works great with my lap harp, a Triplett Zephyr (teeny-weeny), but it would easily accommodate a larger lap harp. I think it was only $35… can really solve the problem of holding lap harps, and the sling folds up and is completely portable.

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