What Harp Should I Get?

[sandra-malm]

Hello, harp players.

I have watned to play the harp for a very long time, and for the first time ever I am about to buy one. I want a lap harp with a soft and smooth sound with 19 strings. However, I have no idea what the difference is between brands, wood and types of strings.
I’ve been looking at the Gothic Harp and the Pixie, but I’m not sure what the difference between the two are, other than in the design.

I will be beyond grateful for any helpful replies!

Sweet regards,
Sandra.

[Tacye]

There are many makes of gothic harps, it refers to a pointy shape of historical harp, but you mention it in conjunction with the Pixie which makes me think you are looking at the rosewood instruments made in Pakistan under various brand names, especially including Mideast. There has been a lot written about them on this forum – I see no need to repeat it as I am sure you can find it on searching.

For an extreme budget instrument I am much more impressed by the ‘cardboard’ instruments such as the Waring harp or several others. If you can increase your budget slightly the Harpsicles are worth considering.

[Allison Stevick]

I agree with Tacye! I would look into the Waring harps, or, if you are also into woodworking, Musicmakers and Stoney End. They have great instrument kits that don’t cost much more than a Harpsicle.

[sandra-malm]

Thank you both for your replies! I looked into the Waring harp, but to be honest, it doesn’t appeal to me at all. I will do more research on the Pixie as well as the Gothic types to find a harp to my liking.

Thank you!
Sandra.

[harpglo-jean]

I also agree that Stoney End Harps in Minnesota has a nice selection of small harps, and the tone on their harps is very nice!

[phil-andrews]

You’ve probably heard this before, but most teachers will recommend that you learn to play on a larger harp, if possible. Though I’ve never played a lap harp, and am a beginner, I’ve heard that they are more challenging to learn on, because of the extra skill needed to hold it correctly and steadily on your lap. It is also harder to find harp music for the smaller range of strings that lap harps have. Most will also recommend that you rent a harp while you’re taking lessons, and that you learn from a teacher if possible, rather than try to teach yourself. I’ve been taking lessons for just over 3 months and absolutely love the harp. I’ve played many other instruments, and have finally hit on my “dream instrument”. I started off renting a 26 string Dusty Strings Ravenna, but then bought a lightweight 36 string harp (when I saw a used one for a good price) which weighs about 22 lbs. If weight is a concern, there are a number of different 34-36 string harps which are in the roughly 20 lb range. You can even go lighter (~10lbs) with carbon fiber (Heartland) if you want to spend that much. I would recommend at least a 34 string harp to learn on.

[haromagik]

I completely agree with Phil. When I bought my first harp from Sylvia Wood’s garage, she recommended that I not go with a lap harp, and I was so happy that I decided not to. that was over 20 years ago, and I recently sold that very harp to a student of mine who was trying to learn to play on a lap harp. Since moving to the larger harp, she has just taken off. The problem, as I see it, is that harp playing, especially in the beginning, is about learning patterns and hand shapes. With a small harp, basic bass shapes (chordal patterns) have to be inverted, due to the lack of range, which is much harder than learning the basic shape/pattern. If you can find the way to rent or purchase a 34-36 string harp, I highly recommend it. Good luck, and have fun!! there’s nothing like the harp.

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