Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Jerry, I have a 1912 Lyon and Healy style 21 (which is rather small, smaller than my L&H 17). In 2006 it was re-built by Howard Bryan and re-strung with light-gauge strings (lever gut). It feels very easy on the hands, but there is still a lot of sound, and it is a beautiful, beautiful sounding harp! For bass wires, I contacted Vermont Strings, and they made me a set of “Erard Gothic” wires. They took some getting used to—but they, too, have a good, big sound.
I really don’t play outside at all anymore. Even if the temperature is not a problem, there are always issues—-uneven ground, wind (even the slightest breeze can be a problem), hard to hear, etc. It’s just too much misery.
Of course, you never know—I played a wedding reception in January years ago, in an historic little stone church which turned out to be unheated. It never occured to me to ask whether the building would have heat!
As far as heaters go, I agree with Carl–you don’t want hot air being blasted at any part of your harp.Can you fit your hand into the gap where the body separated from the board? Do you see/feel screws in there?
Carolyn, how horrible. That is really grim—and bizarre, as well. 13 year old harps shouldn’t spontaneously split apart!
Sounds like L&H owes you a new board. Please let us know how they respond!This tripped me up during a recent gig with harp ensemble. I was playing from the older edition; everyone else, newer one. Fortunately I caught the discrepancy during rehearsal and fixed it before the performance!
I agree, Adam! His early stuff was lovely…and I remember he used a harp in his ever-popular “Your Song” to good effect.
What sort of store is it? Are you looking for a harpist as well, or just a harp? Who would be playing it?
I just heard this sad news from a violist friend in Boston. So sorry to hear of it. Thank you for posting.
Thank you so much for this helpful feedback! (Sorry about my delayed response—I haven been without convenient internet access for a while). I have a 23, so it is very good news to know that it loads easily in the SportWagen.
I believe Mr. Goodman has a Swanson Empire for sale. It is listed, along with pricing and contact information, in the classified section of this website. Best of luck to you!
Hi Neptune,
you were very specific in asking for books about the harp, and I hope you won’t mind if I offer some related suggestions. Books about music that have inspired me (though not harp-specific) include “Musicophila: Tales of Music and the Brain” by Oliver Sacks and also “The Art of Practicing: A Guide to Making Music from the Heart” by Madeleine Bruser. Another gem, if you can find it, is a soulful book about the art and “Zen” of practicing called “Just Being at the Piano” by Mildred Portney Chase. Every word of it is equally applicable to the harp.What a wonderfully thought-provoking thread. As I reflect on my 30 years of work as a harpist, what I can offer is that it is not an easy road, but uniquely rewarding. Performing is stressful, and there is financial stress, as well. Instruments are expensive, as are private lessons, university and conservatory educations.
