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… And this is the clip of the AZILIZ that I’ve thrashed. , yes I know I will never pay like that but just giving you an idea of what blows my particular mind 😊
This is my very favourite YouTube clip. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve listened to it, I’m quite addicted, lol.
Her playing is Amazing. I’m sure the sound of any harp comes down to who’s playing it as much as anything else.
Now that’s something I don’t quite get BIAGO this greater richer sound with more harmonic curve …. To my ears the Dusty has that sound but has very little of this curve compared to more classic style necks, like the troubadour or Egan for example.
it seems you have seen and heard many many harps to make a comparison between these tones. I’m not sure how to correctly describe the sound I love but it sounds more like a piano and less like a guitar, certainly not a ukulele, lol !!
I like a clear tone, not overly bright,not a midi sound, with a rich resonat bass. Hmm nah I’m not fussy. My husband is a musician plays piano/ keyboard but knows less that I do re harps.
p.s. I looked up the chair on Amazon and it was going to cost be $675 to get it sent here!!!! Yikes 😯
Hi Again , wow thanks so much for all your helpfulness !!
I had to laugh at your comment ElETTARIA about NZ being a desert when it comes to harps.
With your good idea I called the store yesterday that can get the Aoyama harps, like my teachers student harp. They had one to hire so I went and got it. So now it’s not so bad till I get my own. I realise I won’t be wanting to buy one of these though.
you asked WIL WETON what I didnt like….I find it too bright in tone and as for looks I’m not keen and don’t like the three legs. If I’m to spend all this money I better be loving everything about it. I take on board what you said re the harmonics you get with the extra strings, good point.
I didn’t say “I hate” using a stool for the smaller harp Elettaria, I’d just don’t want that to be what I will always have to, unless I was to play standing up for some reason. Just personally it feels makeshift. I just happen to want my harp standing ready to go at anytime like a piece of beautiful furniture with no setting up required, like a piano is. … And I’m 5’6″
I had a look into the 2nd hand Norris harp , thanks for that, unfortunately with our exchange rate, shipping, import duty and gst it would end up costing me $13,000 . I’m not willing to fork over that much and can’t really afford to either.
the Starfish harps look interesting for sure, you are giving me a lot of other options to consider I hadn’t heard of. Rather than the 2nd hand one I like the look and sound of the Mamore. It looks to a great size. I am concerned though re gut strings. I was told yesterday in the music store that gut doesn’t like our humid conditions here in NZ that they would be problematic and high maintainance, I don’t know enough to have an option on that. I’d just read several times nylon is best for beginners. If gut is less bright maybe it’s what I’d prefer….. So many desisions.
Hey MANDY, that is great that you are in New Zealand!
I live in Huntly not far north of Hamilton. Google says I’m about 5 or so hours drive away.
That’s amazing you have a Mark Norris! Is it in New Plymouth or does your friend live else where. I’m a bit concerned from what I’ve read re the Ogden and Troubadour that the tension and that they are gut strung they may be a bit much for me as a beginner in that they take more to play? Am I wrong that they are more for those that have played pedal harps or plan to one day? I really am now thinking more and more I may be better with med tension nylon .
Do you have just the Troubador at home with you? We could come down one weekend. I’m not a member of the harp society. Did you find the Norris a bit short for you? I realise it is the same height as the Aziliz I was so keen on. Does it have a big full sound?Im assuming you prefer the Troubador for yourself? Ive now been pretty well convinced Im better of with a bigger harp.
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Thank you for your valued input BIAGIO, I did wonder if that’s why I so enjoy the sound of the Dusty 36 so much. I just said to my husband yesterday about that width at the top end if maybe that is why it sounds so jolly good, and you have confirmed that. Now I dont really mind now I know its for good reason, and I would get the S model. I see that Brandon from Harp and Harps in Sydney has a very nice looking Bubinga one in stock so I will give him a call. The Auckland store has one in walnut. Thanks for heads up re Brandon WIL-WETON!
You’ve all been most helpful, thank you! 🙂
Jenny
Hi /Elettaria,
thanks for your interest and comments. I had written a long reply to your message but it disappeared on me, arghh.
I live in a small country town and travel to my teacher once a month. She plays an electric Camac and I’m learning on an Aoyama. The Aoyama is available here but it’s not what I want and as you have said I could get a Dusty Strings as the only other store that sells harps can import them. They have a fh36 in stock at the moment but although I live the sound it’s seems very bulky at the top of the soundboard. I thought I may like a fh34 but they will only bring one in if I commit with a 30% deposit. I’m worried it may be just as big and chunky. The price they gave me for a cherry with Camac levers and pickup was $12,500 NZ which is a huge amount for me to fork out.
I do like the way the camacs taper off and have the round back. For some reason they seem reasonably priced compared to others.
I defiantly want a harp tall enough not to need a stool or plinth of some sort. The 29 string I have now needs a stool and I find it a nuisance. As you have said though it does sound much better when raised up on the wooden stool than straight on the carpet. It’s made by a harp maker 8 hrs drive away but he doesn’t she stock to see or try his models as he only makes to order. To be honest I don’t particularly fancy his harps anyway.
I think your very lucky being able to get a Norris harp, that and the Fisher are the nicest I’ve heard online.
I have taken onboard what you’ve said re the Hermines tension as the Aziliz would be the same and I certainly wouldn’t like that either.
Thanks again 🙂
Thanks very Wil-Weton, your reply has given me a lot of food for thought! From what you have said I realise you are correct and that I’m unlikely to be happy with the Aziliz and am better off getting a bigger harp with 36 or 38 strings. I do not want to have to put my harp on a stool etc to get to a good playing height. I have to do that now with the 29 string hire harp and find it far from ideal. And yes I do want a big rich sound. I looked up the Excalibur and yes it sounds fantastic, I can’t imagine how anything could sound better.
I have no option but to purchase a harp unseen as it will have to come from overseas.I can order one though the Austrailian dealership. Even they only have a few models in stock at any time so have to get it sent to me from France. I certainly cannot go to France, I wish.
There is no such thing as a harp shop in New Zealand, we don’t have the population the warrant it.
I do love the sound of the dusty strings and like the look of the fh34 but I’m worried that the width at the top of the soundboard may be too wide. It looks very bulky.
As for the sound that stole my heart , I’ve only heard online, but that would be the Larry Fisher harp and the Mark Norris. I don’t think either are an option for me though.
thanks again!
