Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Well hello there! I’m no stranger to synthetic gut strings, I abandoned natural gut at the start of the pandemic in favor of longer useful life strings.
I ordered a full set of Nylgut from Aquila in Italy. I rather enjoyed the process of building my string set based on the string gauge chart that came with my new pedal harp. They took a while to stabilize but now that they stable it’s business as usual.As one of these older harpists Carl mentioned LOL! I comfortably and quickly adjust to various string spacing. The thing I would pay attention to is this- is the harp the correct size for you to spend extended periods seated behind it? Also semi grands will either omit the bottom C or the top G. What’s most important to you?
Generally the larger the lever harp is the more it’s tone will resemble a small pedal harp and the string tension will be pretty much the same as a pedal harp. Obviously tone will vary from maker to maker and model to model.
I agree with Charles, Dance shoes (ball room dance) work really good. They are not comfortable to stand or walk around in but they work really well for organ and harp pedals.
I quiet enjoy having a go on the the chromatic cross strung from time to time. It’s a nice break from pedals and levers. In the past I’ve also dabbled with the triple strung harp as well. It’s amazing to me the progression our instrument has taken.
Pratt harps has an active website you can visit. I’m sure they would be happy to talk you through the similarities and differences of these two models.
Why the gasp about cross strung harps LOL!
Triple strung is also an option for chromatic freedom.
All kidding aside I’m in favor of the most simple designed lever too.
I used the Music Makers Universal levers on a couple of harps I made. It’s a one size fits all strings easy install. My only negative about the lever was the length of the handles. I felt the could have been longer.Back in April I flew to Vegas rented a MASSIVE suv drove to Arizona to pick up a harp. Returned to Vegas built a padded base and upper cover from moving blankets. The following morning I swapped out the giant 2019 Ford Explorer for a smaller suv and drove from Vegas to Ann Arbor Michigan. The harp did fine!
My kids usually have their names before I’ve finished building them. The ones that come to me already built take a little time to name.
He’s who I have at the moment.
Georgio the Wurlitzer.
Carl Sasha the Erard.
Zebdiaha the big lever harp covered in zebra wood veneer.
Orem Phantos cross strung.
Lil boy small Gothic diatonic harp.
Larry my oldest living lever harp made by me.I’ve made a few dust covers from velvet curtain panels, and a shear cover from window shears as well as a padded cover from two twin comforters from a discount store. I leave the column end open however I make a big over lap and leave an opening in the back to fit a hand in. I stitch all mine by hand because I’ve a nasty habit of breaking sewing machines. I have used the iron on velcro to close the front in the past and it works for a while then once piece falls off. I’ve taken to closing the front with a couple of cotton shoe laces.
