Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
I’m not sure whether my Sharpsicle counts as a ‘lap harp’ exactly because it probably falls just outside the expected size but it is very light and portable weighing just 4lbs. Because I didn’t really know what I was looking for with my first harp I went for a Harpsicle as they seemed to have an excellent reputation and it felt like a safe bet; I certainly haven’t been disappointed and now that the ‘birth’ of my 34-string Clarsach is imminent I have no plans to let Orphea (the Harpsicle) go. I did buy a stick to go with her and a strap but I don’t use either – the strap because I don’t need to aggravate existing neck and shoulder problems and the stick because I found it encouraged, rather than reduced wobbling and, anyway, I find I am far more comfortable crossing my legs at the calves and gripping the harp between my knees – I can play for hours in that position without any discomfort or loss of grip. I also bought a stand but the thread on the vital screw adjustment packed up completely after about 9 months’ use.
I could have happily continued to play with this harp alone for many years as far as tone and general quality are concerned – my only real reason for ‘upgrading’ was the desire for some big bass notes (the Harpsicle has 26 strings with sharping levers on Cs and Fs). I still expect to get a lot of use out of her over the years to come.
Now I know I’m a real harper. Like Angela, I actually gasped out loud when I read that heading, just as I would if I’d read about deliberate cruelty to a dog. The idea of a roped-off area sounds a good one (though an electrified fence might be even better) and I’d imagine another problem might be actually getting the details of the culprit and/or its parents. Having never played in public this is all just theory to me but I wonder how practical it might be to include a clause in the contract to the effect that if damage is caused by a guest you will have to come after the organiser of the event? It doesn’t sound like the friendliest way to start the relationship but I’d suggest that your harp is more important than the feelings of the people who are hiring you. Might it even be possible to include a returnable damage deposit in the fee? Having seen the way some children behave at weddings and other events I’m surprised this doesn’t come up more often.
Now, if I could get to Yorkshire, I just might join in – sounds like a wonderful excuse for the trip. And if I could do your MP some (preferably long-term) bodily harm at the same time it’d be well-worth it. I hope everyone who does participate has a fantastic day.
To be honest, I’m not convinced having my MP present would make me feel very peaceful at all but I do like the general idea. Not sure I’m fit for anyone else to hear yet but maybe next year.
Thank you Barbara – it makes me feel much better to know I’m not beeing even thicker than usual 😉
Hi Phill! Lovely to ‘meet’ you! Of course I’ve heard of Bingley – my Mum was from Castleford near Leeds though she moved to Devon when she married and I’ve lived here all my life but I’ve always felt a large chunk of Yorkshire in my blood. I also have family in Exeter.
Please derail all you like and tell us newbies more about Harps for Peace – I know nothing about it (though I’m about to start Googling frantically) and I’d love to be involved if it was possible.
Thank you all so much for your patience. Am I the only one who has found this so hard to grasp? I think I’m beginning to understand though it’ll only become properly clear when I can experiment in different keys myself and a recent death in the family has left me a bit short on concentration right now (and, sadly, unable to attend the DPAF this year – maybe next) My new harp will be tuned to Eb and I’ll be doing lots of experimenting once I have the full range of half tones at my disposal.
Me too! I went out to visit and inspect the carving yesterday and I’m more thrilled than I ever imagined possible. Fingers crossed for the end of the month and thanks again for your advice.
I’m sure it will! Thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to write such a full reply. I’m going to need to reread what you have said a few times for it to sink in. Basically though it looks as if you’re saying I should definiterly take my luthier’s advice and ask him to tune to Eb (it will take me a little longer to understand why)?
Have no fear – when this little beauty is finally hatched I will be boring the whole world to death with photos! I feel so very lucky to have this chance to create an instrument that I hope to keep enjoying for the rest of my life and an heirloom for the kids when I’m gone. Discovering this amazing, helpful forum is only increasing my pleasure!
LynI’ve noticed those before and they really do seem like a great idea but at £350 for a harp that doesn’t play a tune – I think I’ll be giving it a miss for now. I keep hoping my husband will suddenly need something to do because I’m pretty sure he could knock up something similar for a fraction of the price. Meantime, I keep the ad permanently bookmarked.
Good point. All the more reason for me to check extra carefully before I do anything definite. Thank you.
Just a personal thought but I’ve always rather wished I could have worked something about Turlough O’ Carolan into my degree (sadly it was in English lit so I couldn’t distort things quite that far)!
It certainly seems that way! Thanks for your help – it looks like good news for Harpsicles about plane travel. As a kind of supplementary question I’d love to know whether people pre-arranged their harp-travel with the airline or just turtned up and hoped for the best. Nobody in those other threads has much to say about making the arrangements in advnce but I would have thought that was essential
