Which would you choose and why?

[kay-lister]

If you were given a choice between two harps, built by the same company, one being older but having a voice that would knock your socks off as well as all the fluff of fancy carving AND the other harp being new but obviously not “Broken in” as far as voice, not as detailed as far as carving but again – new, which would you choose and why? Let’s say BOTH harps are being offered for the same price with the older harp (in its day) being a harp of more value when it was new and if offered today would be valued several thousands above the other harp.

[andee-craig]

The old one, of course. Am I missing something? I don’t understand why anyone would choose the new one unless the old one had lots of scratches and dents etc, even then it seems the better option.

[Angela Biggs]

The old one, as long as it’s still young enough to reasonably maintain. You know what you’re getting, and you’re sure it’s going to knock your socks off (the carving doesn’t matter to me, I prefer cleaner lines anyway). It sounds like the older one was a better harp to begin with, and I also prefer items with their own history. If the older harp is too old to maintain without completely rebuilding (increasing its actual cost), I’d pick the new one – I wouldn’t want to spend all that money just to end up with an expensive decoration.

[katie-buckley]

The one that sounds the best and feels the best. Carvings mean nothing 🙂 Be very careful with older instruments. Check the neck alignment and ask how well its been maintained. Regulated every year? These things make a HUGE difference. And, if you can, play them next to each other! I’ve had new harps and older harps. I’ve loved them all. Put the decoration blinders on and listen, its all that matters.

[stan-guy]

About a year ago I bought a 90 year old L&H gold harp for less than the price of ANY new L&H pedal grand harp. The gold is in beautiful shape, everything is original and it shows no sign of weakness anywhere. The sound is fabulous. It is a joy to play.

[andee-craig]

I understand now. You are all talking about pedal harps, I play a lever harp. There is much more that can go wrong with age in a pedal harp!

[katie-buckley]

I think you also have to take in to account what you are using it for. Older harps are lovely, but can be temperamental. Do you have to move it a lot in a rough climate? Will it go from humid to dry environments often? Are you using it in orchestra and do they tune above 441? I’ve heard harpists struggle to get their older instruments to 442 and higher. The difference in sound is quite obvious. Older soundboards can sound so amazing! For where I live now, I don’t think I could handle a temperamental older harp. Its moved often in extreme temperatures. However, I have a friend and colleague who lives here and handles her lovely older instruments just beautifully! (Of course, the neck has been replaced on one…) Just some things to think about 🙂

[Loonatik]

I would have less doubt on the sound quality, more on the mechanics.

[aaron-walden]

Assuming the broken-in harp has come from a competent former owner, and has been well-maintained, I would be inclined toward it. The new harp will be “used” as soon as I get it, anyway, and it would be nice to have one that is already where it’s going to be, so to speak. I mean, you get to hear it as a mature instrument, up front, before taking the gamble.

[Tacye]

I am surprised no-one has yet mentioned gettting a competent assessment of the condition of the older harp. If you are not confident to judge the mechanical condition, potential problems and tempermentalness of an instrument you are considering buying then call in your favourite harp mechanic or someone else whose knowledge and judgement you trust. It may cost you, but is surely worth it for the chance of a “knock your socks off” sound.

[kay-lister]

Let’s say an assessment has been made, and the harp is in great condition and should have many years left in it before having to have anything done to it. I’m just curious as to which on a student young or older might preferr if the financial situation wasn’t really an issue at all and it was just a matter of choosing between the two harps. I tend to compare it to possibly someone buying a car – thinking that a younger person might go for the shiney new hot red Mustang over the used BMW (for the same price lets say). Where the older, possibly more seasoned harpist/driver might go for the used item overlooking the little dings knowing that the older harp/vehicle would be the better choice . . . possibly. Just thinking out loud here and would love some more opinions.

Kay

[Tacye]

You can get harps refinished and undingified…

[kay-lister]

Undingified . . . just LOVE it! =))

[katie-buckley]

But isn’t it really only a question of sound? If mechanics/price are not an issue, I think a student old enough to play such an instrument would understand that the sound is what is important. Not to mention, vintage is in!! When I was in my teens, I only wanted an older harp mostly because my teacher had these beautiful older instruments. Now I have three newer harps and I love them as well. I just don’t remember the way a harp looked ever being an issue, even when I was young. Maybe I was nuts 🙂

[eliza-morrison]

I would absolutely go with the “knock your socks off” instrument, assuming it is structurally and mechanically sound, and not in need of imminent expensive repairs.

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