[cynthia-artish]

Aria, Hi!
I appraise harps. The answer to your questions, depends on certain things.

1. If the harp is a quality instrument kept in good condition plus is “competitive” with the market’s desirable features (levers/stringing/size) it can, in deed hold value and sometimes appreciate.
2. However, if the instrument is a “compromise” harp, meaning it is of economy materials (e.g. Harpsicles) or is used and in need of repair or maintenance or has other features that may be out-dated, it can lose value. Btw, Harpsicles are holding value quite nicely!

Much can be said on this complex topic.

Also, don’t rule out the possibility of keeping a harp you’ve “outgrown” for those more informal playing events. A student of mine gleefully kept her small 26 string Ravenna to use to play at senior homes and farmer’s market busking – while her larger, fancier harp would never do at the farmer’s market or camping trip!

Another tip, check out the harp classified ads in the Column and other harp industry sources to get a read on what is out there and what it costs.

Meanwhile, I could help you better if you were more detailed in your description of the harp.

Good Luck!

Cynthia Artish

[Author]

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