Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
I’ve made padded covers for 5 lever harps. I used twin-sized quilted comforters bought at discount (one is enough for one harp). Pinned each one (inside out) on the harp before basting/sewing. Left the column end open and sewed velcro strips the length of the opening. Also left an opening in the back to slip your hand in when carrying. I hand-sewed fake leather inside the top along the neck to keep the tuning pins from wearing through the fabric. Sometimes I used hot-glue to fasten the fake leather, but sewing is better because it holds up if you must wash the cover (gentle cycle, cold water). It doesn’t need to be perfect, just serviceable. If I can do it with my mom’s simple sewing machine from the early 1950s, anyone can!
I seriously doubt taking the tension off (uniformly throughout the octaves) will damage the harp at all. It will keep the soundboard from pulling up. If and when you decide to bring it back up to tension, probably want to do it gradually and, again, throughout the entire range. No reason to completely remove the strings. Just keep it upright and don’t drop it (as with any harp).
Just saw a photo of one on the Venus website and it has no action on 7th octave D or C, like all other concert grands.
There is no way to stop them or any other kind of thief. All you can do is ignore them and warn others.
You can use a 4th octave D. They’re close enough to the same gauge and it’s long enough. Just order another but in the meantime you’ll be fine.
I use Anderson Insurance (requires American Harp Society membership) for my pedal and lever harps and for my husband’s trombones, euphonium, and tuba. If you want to insure items such as artwork or fine jewelry, get a rider on your renter’s insurance (or homeowner’s insurance if you buy a home, condo, etc.).
Try just a tiny touch of nail polish. You can get it any color and very inexpensive. I’ve used it to touch up colored levers on several harps and it works well.
My experience with the Camac cover set is that, although well-made and a good design, it fits very tightly and was a bit difficult to put on and fasten for that reason. I prefer the Lyon & Healy cover sets. They’re well-made and long-lasting. If you order one that doesn’t fit, they will exchange it.
I have used the Lyon & Healy transport cover set for years and really like it. The base cover opens in the front on the left. You don’t have to lift the harp; just tilt it forward and slide the cover under it from behind, set the harp down, and fasten the base cover. It does not attach to the large main cover. This has not been a problem. It is not water-proof but I have found it to be very water-repellant in a storm, to my great relief. I concur, definitely use a column cover. The set is expensive but it lasts a long time, and it’s a business expense, if you take that kind of deduction.
FYI, a L&H 17, though technically a semi-grand, is just a bit larger than other styles (the front feet stick out farther) so needs the concert grand size cover. A Camac Clio extended board will take a L&H semi-grand size cover.Definitely check out Erin Hill, who sings and accompanies herself on classical and popular music. She is amazing. ErinHill.com
Getting started is half the battle (and acquiring a harp!), and that you have done. The only downside to trying to teach yourself is that your progress will be limited due to lack of technique, and the chance you might develop some physical problems from improper technique, although you’re not playing that much so not really a concern now. Improvisational learning isn’t bad, per se; that’s how Harpo Marx started! But even he turned to teachers (Mildred Dilling) for help with things beyond his experience. You have resources he didn’t: internet videos, books like Sylvia Woods “Teach Yourself,” etc. Consider finding a sympathetic teacher who can do Skype lessons.
Re: reading music, it’s not rocket science. Think of it as a secret code like kids use to pass notes in class (do they still do that?). If you really want to, you can learn it. Take it slow and easy; the only deadline you have is self-imposed. Lots of info online. Start with a very simple arrangement of a tune you know. A piano teacher can help you, or any friend who knows how to read bass and treble clefs. Mark the letter names of the notes on your music or whatever it takes to make sense to you.
You can do this! Learning to play by ear (which is what you’re doing) is very useful and many of us wish we could do both. Keep playing! Good luck!You can take the music stand and some music with you and show them where it sits and what you need to see. (You could take the harp, too, if you want to do all that.) Or try checking with other musicians who are happy with their glasses and visit the doctor they use.
Preaching to the choir here, Carl. I’m afraid many composers are more focused on winning the prize than wanting to write for the harp for its own sake and would claim they’re too busy to spend a year studying the needs of the instrument. If they really cared, they’d jump at the chance or think of it themselves.
