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If you sell or ship a harp, unless overseas,you use a cardboard box. A van is much better than a truck to move a harp. Too much risk of the harp sliding and bouncing around.
What are your plans for the harp? If you will be playing gigs etc., I would buy a transport cover. If it is a home harp, pad the van with blankets, pillows or anything to protect the harp. Be careful to set the harp on a mat before you load it into the van. I use a large doormat for protection and to prevent slippage. Say no to the trunk. You will never use it. Go to YouTube and watch videos about loading a harp. Definitely rent a van.
PS/ make sure the discs face upwards – in other words the left side of the harp as you sit behind it goes up. Otherwise you could break the discs. Also be sure to fold the pedals up, Remember the tuning key, as well.
I have a chronic shoulder problem from an accident so I can understand what you are dealing with. I can easily get tendinitis anywhere from my fingers to my shoulder so I am very mindful. As you are now aware, you should feel no pain or tension in your forearms when you play harp. The minute you do, you must stop playing or you continue to re-injure yourself. I would practice in much shorter segments and stretch after practicing. I would not play technically demanding music for a while. It sounds like you get tired during practice and therefore tense your forearms. Think about feeling and playing from your shoulders. You may need a physical therapist or occupational therapist to recommend a few exercises to strengthen and stretch. I go regularly to the chiropractor and do yoga twice a week. There are a lot of good yoga videos. I like the ones by Jen Hilman of Pysche Truth. Be sure, too, your bench is the correct height and you are sitting up straight. This is going to be an ongoing process for you.
Excellent observation, Balfour. I have not played a lever harp in years so harp height was not on my radar screen. That is very important. Another reason why a video would help.
Biagio, harps these days most often are shipped in cardboard boxes that have foam at the top and bottom. The box is about $100. I don’t know the cost to ship the box. As an aside, it is important the harp be packed tight so it does not move at all. I recommend putting the base in an old t-shirt before putting in the foam base. Protects from scratching. Do not warp anything wood in bubble wrap without cloth or soft tissue under it. Bubble wrap can damage the finish.
Biagio, a minor addition to your post. The buyer needs to purchase full replacement value insurance from the shipper which adds another $100. So think of shipping as costing from $490 to $700 in the US.
Why don’t you video yourself playing and send it to your teacher. Take a few clips from different angles. Alison has good advice above. Upper arm fatigue can have many causes. Not seeing you and knowing you are a beginner makes me think it is because this is new for you. Obviously, you are aware something is not right but without really seeing it, only educated guesses can be made here.
Excellent advice above. FYI If the seller consigns the harp, he/she will need to pay shipping one way (think $300-400 one way plus $100 for the shipping box). Then there will be a 20% sales commission. You should get the price of the harp new and work from that. A 9-year old harp would be at its prime. But, asking the price of a new harp is unrealistic. You would simply buy a new harp. Like cars, harps depreciate as soon as you buy it. The value goes up only due to inflation over time.
The harp uses shoulder and upper back muscles. You will need to start by practicing in short segments and build up your endurance. There is a lot of mind/body coordination going on. Do you work out or do any exercises for your upper body? I do yoga twice a week which helps for strengthening and flexibility.
That’s great you were able to reach John Rutter. I did the same 5 years ago and was just directed to contact his publisher Hinshaw Music. I also sent an email to Catrin Finch but never received a response. Too bad this music will remain unplayed. But, at least we now have an answer.
Wow, you are in a difficult situation. I am sorry you are trying to do the right things and your harp is rusting. I see so many people here thinking it is romantic or whatever to take instruments to the beach. A salt climate destroys anything metal. I hope for you and your harp this coronavirus craziness ends.
You could see if you can find a liquid rust inhibitor (sometimes called corrosion inhibitor) at a hardware store or marine supply store. One brand is called Ospho. That is what we use. Put it on the rust spots carefully with a cotton swab. I’m sorry to say that when you get elsewhere you will need to replace your strings and eventually, the levers. You can buy tarnish resistant wire strings. I presume you’ve been playing your harp outdoors and don’t cover it. I live in Florida near the ocean. My harps stay in air-conditioning, never are played outdoors and always have a full transport cover when moved. I would keep the harp covered unless playing it – as well as your amp and cords. Beware of plastic that holds moisture in. A beach towel will work (which you should wash periodically). If you have air conditioning, use it, at least in the room you keep the harp. Welcome to the tropics.
I would contact the harp tech you would use to check the harp and ask about making a virtual appointment to do a first look at the harp. You could FaceTime with the tech and then decide if you want to pursue this further. Be sure to take a tripod for your phone so you can be hands free. Otherwise, ask the tech what photos and or video he/she would need.
The seller should know a replacement set of strings and regulation is going to cost at least $1,000. That may help with the pricing. I looked at a harp that had been ignored like the one you describe and the chance of serious damage to the soundboard was about 10 percent.
I would certainly take a serious look at the harp. Heck, I would go just out of curiosity.
Here is the link. The book Ten Pieces by Tournier is in print and digital format. https://www.carlfischer.com/h81-10+pieces+for+solo+harp.html
