Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Thank you Carl! You truly are a treasure for our community—so much knowledge, history….and best of all, so willing to share. Thank you!
I am not necessarily talking about wanting to know about a specific harp at this moment. More trying to understand the numbers/formula for giving serial numbers to L&H harps.
Here is the hygrometer that I have. It is now $8.50.
My husband works for a company that is known (internationally) for their measurements, accuracy, etc. He took this in to work to see if it was accurate next to their expensive equipment, and it was extremely accurate.I would spend $12-ish on a hygrometer so you know what you are shooting for each day for humidity. Ideally 40-60%.
There are small dehumidifiers and humidifiers to fit the bill.
You can also buy a “Damp It’ hose to have hang inside of your harp (they are made for harps, stand up bass, etc.)
The experts say humidity is more critical than temperature, though evenness in both is ideal.I like them. Though, I must say I found the lengths a bit ‘stingy’ in the thicker strings….JUST enough to make it from top to bottom.
They do seem to be lasting so that is a major plus. AND, the folks at the Virginia Harp Center are so lovely, I am happy to do business with them.Update….the Jan/Feb issue arrived Feb. 16th. It was in perfect condition. My friend that lives an hour from me received hers on the same day. Seems like many others received their issue in mid-January.
January 26th and still waiting in California (responding to phs) so it is not only VT! Some of my other CA harp friends have not received theirs either, while other have.
Thank you Charles and Donna….mine will be here in no time then! Looking forward to it (as always..such a great publication!).
Hi Gail~
If you are positive you want to eventually move onto to a pedal harp, I recommend the L&H Prelude. Some of them have fantastic sound, and there are always a few used ones available since they are the natural step before buying a pedal. I played a Pratt Chamber Harp (lever) before moving onto a L&H pedal (a move I wish I had done earlier!). It had fabulous sound and is a gorgeous instrument. However, it was a bit tricky to play that all week and then play my teacher’s L&H harp at her studio due to string spacing, etc. It was just enough ‘off’ that it threw me. This does not happen with the Prelude. Another idea would be to get a small pedal harp (you can pick them up for $6k up if you are patient) One of my friends bought a Salvi petite pedal harp for $6500–perfect for her..not the best but perfect for her needs and ability.
How fun! Enjoy the process of choosing. Each one really does sound different so be sure to play it first.Emailing the music to her (or anyone) breaks copyright laws. If we just share music rather than buy it, the composers and arrangers won’t feel motivated to create new music for the harp. What a tragedy that would be.
Thanks Kathy and Sonya! I’m convinced and will give it a try! Kathy–I went to ‘harp-camp’ this summer in Canada(Canadian International Summer Harp Institute—fabulous!) and Judy Loman was one of the 3 teachers…she is a treasure!
We put hardwood floors in our house a couple of years ago–including my harp room. Because we live in CA, houses do not have basements (earthquakes), and more are built on concrete slabs. The wood over the concrete is very stable, and the sounds is wonderful. I don’t love the sound of harps when there is carpet because they don’t seem to resonate as much. If I had my druthers, I would love to have radiant floor heating! Lucky you. Just get a hygrometer (amazon $15) and keep an eye on the humidity (I think 45-55% is ideal—at least in CA). Good luck!
Thank you Charles, Bill and Jackie. Your comments and thoughts were most helpful. Thanks for taking the time. Community is a wonderful thing!
