Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
I’m relatively new here, too, and I think it can be good to repeat some old questions, because new people might be able to weigh in or new information might exist. Don’t worry about messing up– it seems that most people on the site are kind, helpful, and understanding.
Here are some threads where this has been discussed in the past. I’ve never flown with a harp, but I will use this advice if/when I have to!
http://www.harpcolumn.com/forums/amateur-harpists/posts/42604
http://www.harpcolumn.com/forums/professional-harpists/posts/54838
http://www.harpcolumn.com/forums/professional-harpists/posts/52667
Deb, I like Fiachra too! When I was just beginning, I watched his videos a lot to try to make sure I held my hands correctly.
I have heard lots of good things about the Stoney End Eve. I don’t own one, but everyone who has one says it sounds great, and I agree from what I’ve seen/heard on YouTube. I don’t know anything about the Innisfree, though I’ve heard that Timothy harps are also good. To throw something else into the mix, I have heard very good things about Blevins harps, and they have many different models to choose from. They will play harps over the phone for you for further discerning than just the sound clips on their site. I hope that’s at least a little bit helpful! 🙂
p.s.-Truitt levers are definitely my favorite, too.Deb, I’m definitely excited for spring, too! And, oh how I would love to get to Somerset sometime. All those harps and harpers in one place–how wonderful! 🙂
Deb, I don’t currently have a lap harp, but when I did, I took it with me to many places. I don’t have any actual advice about what TYPE of lap harp (mine was a Mideast harp, so we won’t go there), but as for REASONS to have a lap-harp, I had many! It was SO easy to hike down to the creek and play, take it to my friends’ homes for some surprise mini-concerts (they liked that), open mic nights at the coffee shop, it fit in the small car along with luggage AND a kid in a carseat, etc.
I will say that 22strings worked ok for me, but when I get a good lap harp someday, it will have at least 26.
Happy harp-hunting! 🙂Oh, and because you both mentioned it, I just went and ordered Stairway to Heaven. In a few weeks when it arrives, I look forward to learning it!
The Butterfly is a traditional slip jig, and the version I originally learned was Laurie Riley’s. I have seen/heard several different versions (both harp and non-harp) since then, and I really fell in love with the tune. I will try to add a youtube link to Kim Robertson playing it. I’ve changed it over time, mixing together different aspects of what I’ve heard and different sound “experiments” I’ve done myself… 🙂 I suspect it will be a work-in-progress for some time.
What a fun idea for a forum! (I’ve noticed that most people–myself included–don’t really update their profiles that much, so this is great)
I’ve been working on “The Butterfly,” arranging and trying to get up to speed (it’s been a long but fun process!). I received a Kim Robertson book for Christmas, so I’ve been playing through it a lot, too. Carolan’s Dream, Chanter, Arran Boat Song, and Skye Boat Song are the main ones so far.I agree with what William said. For “cheap harps” the harpsicles are better made and higher quality than the rosewood harps.
However, I actually started with a MidEast Heather harp (very similar to, and same brand as the one you linked to, as well as the minstrel harp Alison linked to) and it served me very well for 3 years. I may get blasted for saying that in this forum, but I was quite pleased with it. It actually held a tune, had a pretty good tone, and gave me something to learn on. The levers were terrible, but once I regulated them, they were ok enough to play with F and/or C levers engaged. I have since sold it to a friend, and she hasn’t had any trouble with it, either. So, 5years and counting for that harp, and no structural problems have presented. I’d say for the $350 I spent it was a good deal.
Good luck in your harp adventure! 🙂
I have it, and it really helped me get a better handle on how to actually play what I was hearing in the celtic music I was listening to. (In fact, getting it out again to refresh my memory as I write this is reminding me how helpful it is! I kind of want to put down the computer and pick up the harp…) 🙂
The DVD is divided into sections, with the following headings:
1) introduction
2) drones, ornamentation, trills, and grace notes
3) snaps, runs, rhythms & accents, and hovering
4) syncopation, damping, and adding interest
5) the tunes –full versions of the pieces used throughout to teach each skillI think Laurie Riley does a great job of giving clear instruction. Each section starts out with her playing a bit of a tune including the skill to be covered. Then, she stops and explains, demonstrates, gives tips for success, plays some more. Then, on to the next thing. The camera is zoomed in on her hands for a lot of the time, and I think that is really good.
I could (and probably should) watch this again and again and still get something out of it.
Hope that helps!I have a Heartland Delight (carbon fiber). I love the sweet tone and how well it holds a tune. I get to spend more time playing actual music and less time tuning than with my old harp! It is very resonant, and I really just think it sounds wonderful. The extreme portability and durability are really great, too. It doesn’t matter how humid or dry it is, I can still play outside whenever I feel like it. Being able to play by the creek or in the back yard without worrying about weather at all truly is my favorite thing about this harp (aside from the sound, of course). I really, really love playing outside with the breeze. 🙂
Haha ok, point taken. 🙂 I knew the whole song/tune difference, but tend to use them (incorrectly) interchangeably… I should say, then, that most of what I do is sans voice, so they are tunes or airs. Though, my 3-yr-old is obsessed with “Lark in the Morning” and insists that I sing and play it for him every time I practice… It’s good, though not my favorite, but he is so cute when he asks that I can’t resist!
I want to learn Cooley’s, that may be next up for me. 🙂Tony- I also likeTam Lin and Farewell but whenever…! And I like to listen to some American folk music, too, but I don’t play it on the harp. Sometimes I do on the guitar, though.
Thank you so much! Now my F#s will be in tune again! 🙂
Actually, about 3 yrs ago when I was considering what harp to get, the Sylvan was my top choice. They had JUST stopped making it by the time I was ready to get my hands on one, though, so I waited a little longer and eventually got the Delight. It worked out for the best though, I think. I really feel very lucky to be able to play the one I have.
