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Wow! Those kanteles are gorgeous. In the end, though, I decided I wanted something portable and easy to play while lying down (I’m a chronic pain/fibromyalgia sufferer and spend quite a bit of time in that position!) Anyway, I took the plunge and ordered a 17 note hugh Tracey kalimba which arrived a few days ago. What a little gem! So very intuitive and great for playing by ear and improv. Maybe more important, though, is that it is small enough for me to take it on holidays or trips away from home (never that easy with a harp, as I’m sure we’ll all agree!) I’m completely in love with this little beauty and have barely put it down since it arrived. Thank you all for your suggestions, especially those that led me down this path.
Alison and Randal – actually these are just the kind of instruments I think would suit me perfectly. I definitely like the idea of something portable. I’ve obviously got lots of research to do! Thank you all.
Well, thank you all, there are some wonderful suggestions here. I’ve often wondered about some or other kind of dulcimer and I’d like to find out more about those. I’m very interested too in the guzheng, which is an instrument I’ve never heard of before, though it clearly bears some resemblance to zithers etc. I like the idea of something I can hold in my lap to play and also that isn’t too heavy or cumbersome (due to disability). Though I would dearly love to play the flute or clarinet I’ve never had a lot of ‘puff’ and I suspect I’m destined just to enjoy listening to those. You’ve all given me food for thought hear and helped to direct my research so many thanks for that!
Changing striungs is surely a vital part of playing the harp. If your customer intends to play rather than just use the harp as a piece of ornamental furniture she will eventually need to be able to do this herself so why not charge her for an hour’s lesson and use the time to demonstrate on one or two strings, then supervise while she does the rest herself. I went to my lesson yesterday to find my tutor had a broken string (well, her harp did) and I was very pleased to be able to use some of the lesson in learning how to do the change when it happens to me.
Glad to hear you’re feeling better Marco. Natalie, I so agree with you – brand new or old favourite we should all be proud of our own harps. I believe an instrument that is played regularly and lovingly becomes a part of its owner and there is a connection between the two that is unique and deeply satisfying; presumably players of other instruments feel the same way about theirs too. I’ve seen some very beautiful harps since getting Eleni but none of them match up to her in my opinion because she’s the one I have such pleasure from playing and we’re definitely a team.
If you’re planning to be at Edinburgh you might also want to look up Tim Hampson who made my beautiful Eleni. Although his harps are usually made to order or are reproductions of antique and traditional instruments he has recently started to make some ‘basic’ harps for beginners. I haven’t played any of these but I do know that Tim’s focus is always on the voice, over and above anything else so, while he is saving the customer money with these ‘baby’ harps it won’t be at the cost of their sound. Of course, as he builds to order there shouldn’t be any problem with adding your own specifications to anything you like the look of, though obviously, that may alter the price.
She’s gorgeous Marco – so very elegant. There’s something very special about knowing your harp was made just for you and I believe it increases that close connection we feel with our harps. I can definitely understand your reluctant to post anything that won’t do justice to her wonderful voice but your descrip[tion of her sound has obviously made us all hungry to hear her. Looks like you’re going to have to visit every one of us individually and play for us in person. 😉
Deb L – The part about the sheeps’ innards was my reason for choosing KF composite strings. Just mentioning this as a viable alternative for anyone who is contemplating the same problem.
And Harp Column seems to be one of those rare places where good manners still exist so it’s particularly galling when such things happen here.
Down in the south of England we’re also up to our knees in rain. I’m one of the lucky ones living at the top of a hill but some people have been wearing wellies indoors for a month now.
No information, I’m afraid, but it sounds like a fascinating projects you’ve given yourself and I just wanted to wish you good luck with it.
Please note I’m only a beginner here myself so don’t take too much notice of anything I say (and I’ve no idea what is actually meant by a ‘false string’) but I just can’t help wondering why on earth it would matter if all strings sound equally good? Are you sure your teacher doesn’t sell harp strings?
Oh dear, David, I’ve often thought of you over the Xmas period and hoped you’d come back with a funny story about a major misunderstanding followed by lots of kissing and making up. What vile people and such a shame we will never know what the heck was going through their minds. Here’s hoping they live to regret it next year when they need you desparately and find they’ve well and truly blown it.
The worst thing about all this is that in leaves a nasty taste in the mouth of the innocent party. I hope you won’t let it affect your attitude to other employers (though one lesson worth learning is that of detailed contracts and non-refundable deposits) and that your future gigs will be such positive experiences that it becomes easy to put this one behind you. I hope you didn’t let it spoil your Chirstmas.
Wishing you everyone else here a very happy New Year.
Oooh, yummy, that looks lovely! How any strings has it/he/she got? Ain’t that Santa Claus a wonderful bloke!
