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It’s also a very useful networking tool. I’ve made many contacts through local Twitter groups that have generated bookings, brought people to my concerts and helped sell CDs. I’ve also made contact with other harpists all around the world. It’s a great way to share tips and ideas with people, even thought you may never get the chance to meet in person. It’s all about how you use it. Like anything it can be open to abuse and misuse but it’s not a gimmick
Yes, you’re right Marco, I made it sound a bit more straightforward than perhaps it is!!!
I am happy to have my harps (Lyon and Healys) serviced every two years even though they are used professionally. If I have a problem in between visits, it is quite easy to get to a technician plus I am lucky to have more than one harp so there’s always a fall back! Having my (new to me!) Camac serviced will not be so easy as camac technicians are not often in the UK. Being able to at least regulate it myself is good. Using the rod tuner is a bit frightening at first but I found this video guide very helpful:Generally, I agree about getting the best harp you can afford. However, I would make absolutely sure that your daughter is big enough to handle a concert grand harp. Some 8 year olds are but not all. I am sure opinions differ on this but I insist that my pupils do not get a full size harp until they are big enough. I hate seeing tiny kids dangling their feet, perched on a really high still and not supporting the weight of the harp correctly on its balance point. It puts too much strain on a young back. I insist their are flat on the floor with the harp balanced lightly on the knees, not held on the shoulder. I dislike pedal extensions as I believe in pivoting the foot with the heel on the floor when pedalling. Just my personal opinion and others may well disagree. If you are looking at Camacs then I would consider the smaller Clio. An extended soundboard will give you more volume if needed. It has enough strings to get your daughter through all the grade exams.
On the regulation front, Camacs are designed to be regulated by the ownerI think concedo would be a good idea to try. You can just buy one octave’s worth of non coloured strings (so 5 strings) of the second octave for around $50. Try them out and see if they work. If so, you could buy them gradually. I’m not sure if they are the same gauge as the strings you already have so you may need to consult a technician to see if the harp would need to be serviced to check the regulation with the new strings. I used to have a harp strung with them and the are VERY bright white so the contract against the red and black is quite strong. I swapped them because I didn’t like them but I didn’t need to have the harp serviced once I did.
Ah yes, the cat issue! I’m not sure if this link will work but this was my harp last week while it was having a little holiday at my duet partners house!
I have a dog (who likes to roll in mud) and an open fire. Dust covers on every harp when not in use. Also protects from accidental knocks and from any sunlight. Not often a problem here in the UK mind you!
The second link works perfectly – and is lovely thank you. However,the first one (the Grandjany) says that the video is private and so won’t play. You might need to reset the privacy so that anyone who has a link can view it.
I’m not a fan of the three wheelers. I always move my harp by myself, often with steps involved. I swear by large, pneumatic wheels. My trolley was custom designed and built by my Dad so is unique, but the Harpo is pretty good. There is some video of it here.
Although the video shows two people going up the stairs, it isn’t really necessary. I actually find it harder with help because the second person will often lift the harp rather than just letting it roll over each step.
I don’t have a problem stopping halfway up.Basel, I know you may never read this but I am praying with all my heart that you find a way out.
All my love and prayers go with you. One day you will see your family again and you will play again and there will once more be light helping to end the memories of these dark days.
God speed Basel. xxxx“Nice cup of tea” seems to be the standard method of teaching this in the UK. No surprise there really! As everyone has said, it’s not complicated.
Depending which hand has the triplet, it works like this.
T = together R = Right hand and L = left hand. I hope it lines up properly when I post it!NCOT
TLRL
TRLRSorry, but I have the complete opposite opinion. I recently tried one for the first time and honestly, I wouldn’t go near one again if you paid me. They are a nightmare to manoeuvre as they don’t go round corners easily and they do not help with stairs. Your arms get jolted on the way down and they give no help at all going up. Big, pneumatic wheels are the best answer for stairs. I live alone and don’t require help when moving my harp. I go up and down flights of stairs with no trouble. The air in the wheels gives some cushioning and controllability as you go over a step and takes the weight on the way down acting as a shock absorber for your arms. Contrary to what some manufactures of the three wheeled version will tell you, the harp does not bounce off the trolley due to the air in the tyres!
