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Gretchen,
First let me say that if I could have afforded a Heartland Harp, I would have bought one in a “Heartbeat”!
As it is, I wound up getting a Voyageur kit from Musicmaker’s and building a harp myself. I’m very satisfied with this harp as well as the wire-string Limerick I just finished building this past summer.However, I must suggest this: If you plan on moving up to a larger harp in the future, it is easier to transition from a large harp to a small than vice-versa. I speak from personal experience. I had a 22 string Irish lap harp that I started out on and then transitioned to my Voyageur. It was like going from a tricycle to a bicycle. Very awkward. It was like having to learn all over again.
Karen
Fascinating and Beautiful! Congratulations Kate! I confess that I don’t know very much about the triple strung harps. I heard somewhere that they are Welsh in ancient origin?
Wow! Thanks for all the suggestions. I love Christmas music too- nothing quite gets me into the mood like listening and playing carols on the harp. I’ll have to look into these books.
Blessings,
Karen
Good for you Audrey! I will have to keep an eye out as well, hopefully I’ll get to see your performance. I always get stoked before a performance, and being on TV would just be awesome. The closest I have ever gotten was being interviewed by my county paper on my front porch. I did wind up on the front page in the people section on Sunday though!
What an exciting event to tell everyone for years to come. I am sure it is a memory you will cherish always.
Blessings,
Karen
I have a Voyageur that I built and I love it! I also have a wire-strung Limerick as well, in addition to a 66-string redwood hammered dulcimer from Musicmaker’s, both built from kits. I purchased the performance set strings for my Voyageur, and am in the process of installing Truitt levers on both harps (I highly recommend these levers). I know this is an old thread but I just had to comment on the quality of this harp model. The sound is ethereal, even at only 11/2 years old! Can’t wait to experience the tone after the soundbox has fully finished its “belly-up” process! I am an avid amateur folk harper and this is as good as it gets for me. Really don’t have the desire (as many harpers seem to) to move on to a pedal harp. Musicmaker’s has fulfilled my musical dreams, and they are wonderful people to work with, always there to answer any questions. Couldn’t ask for better service or a better harp for the price!
Regards,
Karen
I’ve never decorated my harp (yet), but if I did I would make sure whatever I used wouldn’t scratch the finish. That being said, here are some warnings: I would be careful with bows-they are usually tied with wire. Silk flowers might be OK, as long as there are no bare wires showing(I am a florist by trade so I know a little bit in this area). Fake pine also has a lot of wire running through it, so be careful of that. Real pine? Sap might stick. Fresh flowers are nice, but they don’t last without a source of water, and you don’t want that on your harp.
Sorry to be somewhat of a killjoy here, but I really think if you are going to decorate your harp for the holidays I would stick to a silk flower garland if anything. Even putting lights on your harp may not be a good idea- the heat source from those little bulbs aren’t good for the wood either. Maybe a ribbon garland? Just tie it up at the top of the pillar and wind it down, like a candystripe? I will try it and let you know, maybe if I can figure out how to download a pic on this site I put it in my next post.
Blessings,
Karen
Ahhh- I see. I strictly play Celtic folk harp so I had no idea what that meant. So I learned a new thing today!
Are you referring to a double-strung harp? I’m not familiar with the term single action or double action.
It almost sounds as if moisture has gotten beneath the finish, causing a “bubble” of discoloration. If this is the case, the only solution is to refinish. You can take a green fiber mat (like the one you use for dishes) and rub down to the wood if you want to spot-finish your instrument, then use a light coat of finish over the bare spot, blending it with the rest of the surface.
I’m curious about how your teacher goes about playing both. Does she grow her nails out to play the wire harp, then trim them to play nylon? Or does she just keep them long enough to play both, being careful not to snag them on the nylon? I tried to play with the nails but never could find a “happy medium”. If you could find out please share!
I have the Voyageur! If you do get the kit, I recommend you get the performance string set with it. Has an absolutely beautiful tone. I also recommend getting Truitt levers for this harp as well. This harp comes in cherry as well, so it will be a nice match for your Dreamsinger. Best of luck!
Cynthy-
What do you mean by a “pinching” action to move the Truitt levers? Mine just flip up with a flick of one finger. I don’t have to pinch the lever between a thumb and forefinger if that is what you mean. I know the Loveland’s “pinch” the string, and getting them to catch the string just right can be tricky if they’re not installed just right. Do your Truitt levers have a stiff reaction? If they do, you may want to try a drop of key oil to get a smoother action out of them. You should be able to flip these smoothly, with one finger under the lever handle.
