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Hi Kristen,
I recently traded in a Voyageur to VA Harp Center. The harp is about a year old, and, honestly, it’s a very fine harp with a beautiful warm, rich sound. I only traded it in because I am getting a harp that is a little larger. The harp was made from scratch when I custom ordered it. It has Camac levers and is in perfect condition. It’s honestly one of the best lever harps I’ve ever owned. It’s a little out of your price range–$2,895–but, in my opinion, worth every cent. I have no financial gain for recommending this harp to you–it is already the VA Harpcenter’s property–so my comments are purely based on the quality of the instrument and my experience with it. I’ve played Ravenna’s before, and there is no comparison. The Voyageur sounds 10 times better. I know the Ravennas are meant to serve a specific purpose, but the Voyageur is in a whole different class of instruments. I encourage you to check it out if possible. Here’s a link to the posting: https://www.vaharpcenter.com/used-harp/music-makers-voyageur/ Best of luck to you!
Thanks for your insight, Balfour! As always, I find it to be quite helpful and spot on for helping me. You are a wonderful harpist with a great deal of experience, and I always learn something from your posts. Probably like you, I had choir rehearsal tonight, but I’m going to start on the Kroll arrangement tomorrow. All the best to you, my friend!
Thank you so much, Gretchen and Emily. I found what I think is the Kroll arrangement. I really appreciate your help!
Thanks so much, Gretchen. I’d actually like to have an arrangement for pedal harp if you know of any good ones.
Emily,
If you were recommending a version of this piece for late beginner/lower intermediate players, which one would you suggest? I’ve been wanting to learn this piece, but I’m not sure which arrangement would be best. I appreciate any recommendations you may have. Thank you!H L,
I must echo what Balfour said. The Chicago harps are priced lower than the 85’s, 100’s, etc. for a reason. In my experience, the sound is not nearly as good on the Chicago harps. However, as Balfour said, sometimes financial circumstances limit us. If at all possible, I’d encourage you to try out whatever harp you’d like to buy before you get it. Best of luck to you, and if you do get a Chicago, I hope it turns out to be a great harp!
I have always used the L&H transport set and have never had a problem. The top of a concert grand I used to own hit the top of my car when I was unloading it. I was using the transport cover but not the column cover. I just knew there would be a ding on it, but nothing at all. I’m not saying that the other sets are not just as good, but the L&H set has always worked very well for me.
You may also want to consider the Stoney End Marian. In my humble opinion, they are highly underrated harps. The Marian is their largest model, and they make other models that are very nice in their own ways, but the Marian really is quite nice. Mine is made from quilted maple. You could email or call to see if they have this particular wood in right now. Their Lorraine model is very nice too, although it has less strings and a slightly reduced finger spacing. Keep us posted about your your search is going!
I also have a Salvi Ana that I love:
Jennifer, I own a double strung Brittany in walnut, but I have played one in cherry. Honestly, I could not tell much difference in the sound of the two. They both sounded great. I ended up with the walnut simply because I prefer darker-stained harps. I don’t think you can go wrong with either. Keep us posted on what you get!
Balfour, I have no idea what happened there!! It looks like I tried to post something in my sleep – haha! Hope you are doing well!
Hi hearpe,
Leaving all of the bickering behind, my main concern is whether or not you are going to get this harp. Has there been any change since your most recent postings? After seeing the website, I would have likely considered it to be a valid online store, so don’t feel bad that you did as well. I do really hope there is a Camac Bardic on the way to you. I owned one once, and it was a great little harp! Please keep us posted.
Hi Jerusha,
It is. It’s made from maple, which they only are able to get occasionally. The harp has a very warm, rich tone. In my opinion, they’re one of the harp world’s best kept secrets (the Marions).
And–I have no idea why those pictures are showing up sideways. I followed the instructions for trying to fix them, but no luck. Sorry about that!
Kathy and Jerusha, the Style 11 Nouveau harps are stunning. I know some people may think they are too gaudy, but it’s hard to tell without seeing one in person. I had the privilege of seeing and playing one about four years ago. It’s one of the most beautiful works of art I’ve ever seen, and, of course, the sound was amazing. I’m currently playing a Style 85CG, but I’m hoping to move back up to a 100 or 30 in the next year or so. I’ve had some back issues and have had to learn new ways of transporting my harps. I moved down to a Daphne 40 that you would have thought was a 23. I don’t know what Salvi has done, but it was quite nice, just too small for my tastes. My friends keep asking me why I can’t just stick with the same harp–but that’s boring!! I do have a Salvi Ana, Thormahlen Serenade, and a Stoney End Marion I’ll probably never part with.
