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Try some French harps first. Just in terms of service–maintenance and repair–I think it is easier if you are geographically close to where your manufacturer is. I lived in New York and bought a Dusty Strings FH36S, which I love, but sometimes I wish I could just run into the Dusty shop–which is at the other end of the country. : 0 )
Anyway, even if you can’t play it yet, it is important to hold the harp as if you were actually playing–is it comfortable, can you reach the bottom strings, etc. It may just not feel right–or it may be wonderful. Have someone play it for you. Then you will know exactly what that particular harp sounds like, even if you can’t actually do it yourself yet. Read every review and comment that you can find about your potential purchase. I think the question about whether you speak French was very important, and I wondered the same thing–because it will make it a lot easier when you look for harps in France if you can communicate well. I started with a smaller harp that had legs for the floor–a Dusty Strings FH26. I taught myself on it–and loved that thing–but realized after four years that I was not progressing and that I was practicing a lot of mistakes. I sold it to a school-age child–it was perfect for her–with my new teacher as intermediary with her parents–and worked with the teacher and my new DustyStrings FH36. I do find that the phosphor-bronze base strings are very brittle–tune by tiny increments, and by ear as much as by the electronic tuner. But I don’t think you can go wrong with a Dusty, if that turns out to be your final decision. I do agree with the person who said that if you start with a small harp, you will soon be wishing you had those extra bass strings.That video is a scream–but if it’s true that everything in it actually happened–it’s not really funny. I’m cringing for the brides and grooms. In terms of the wedding music, I’m sure I’m preaching to the choir (yeah, pun). . .when I I say that there is just nothing that compares to live music. It takes it to a whole different level, and I feel sorry for people who don’t “get” it.
I will continue to look for all the products mentioned on this thread, “just in case.” I’ve already decided though, that if God forbid I get any bigger dings or scratches, I will email or phone Dusty Strings and ask what they recommend.
I went to Home Depot and did not find any of the two things suggested, so went home and very gently with the fine side of a worn out emery board took the paint off, and then used a Tibet Almond stick on the area. The harp looks fine, but I
I doubt that I would try it, because my harps aren’t dirty or dusty in the first place. (We won’t discuss my computer!) I was thinking that maybe the canned air
Hi Deb–After my earlier postings, I’ve never had any further problems. I think I was being careful, but not careful enough. Now when I tune the phosphor-bronze core strings, I turn by the most infintesimal increments–I’m really careful with it.
I had a husband like that–the D word (divorce) does not even exist in my universe–I am one of the old-fashioned die-hards who believes in one marriage forever– but I divorced him, married a second time to a man who has always been (17 years so far) a blessing and a gift. It is never too late for a happy family life. Ditch the jerk, keep the harp business.
Thanks, Autumn. I shop online from the Harp Connection a lot, and have been very satisfied with their products and service, but I had not seen any reviews of this particular cart. I am just looking around and keeping an open mind–don’t really need one right away, but the time is coming, I’m sure.
I did guitar for a long time–played classical, but also did a lot of folksinging gigs. Then I got serious about the piano, which then led me into voice. After nine years or so of classical piano, I realized that for
Hello to A. Riley: I know that you have already purchased your harp–and it sounds wonderful–but I did want to agree with those who said to just make an emotional choice and get a harp you love and that connects with you. I play for exactly the same reasons you do, and after researching widely, went with my heart/intuition/emotions and bought a Dusty Strings FH26 four years ago, and then a second harp, a Dusty FH36S in January. I can’t really explain it in any way that doesn’t make me sound like a New Age freak (and I’m not)…but those harps are like part of my body and part of my soul. I played piano for nine years straight, and it was never like it is now with my harps. I used to be very firm with myself about scheduling piano practice and trying to do all the “shoulds” that you have to do while learning an instrument. With the harps, it isn’t like that.
And you, too, Jerusha! I’ve had two Easter eggs, one chocolate rabbit, a bit too much champagne, talked to 5,000 relatives long distance, and played Planxty George Brabazon several times just for fun–not trying too hard to make it perfect–and it actually sounded better that way. (Or maybe it was the champagne.)
