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Hi Gretchen. I will let Kim Webby know that you are asking about the cost of his harps and waiting time. The last I heard a pedal harp was approximately NZ$130,000. Mandy.
Hi Jenny.
Harps are a very personal choice, no one can tell you what you are going to like or what is going to suit you. My tastes in the feel and sound of harp have changed with my playing, so the harp you want now may not be the one you want in the future or even in another years time. So keep an open mind, and be prepared for this. I can remember struggling with high tension gut in my first year of playing, but now I love the tension, its feel, and responsiveness. Levers are also extremely important and what I want out of a lever has changed over time, so this is also something very important to consider.
My Mark Norris harp is in Palmerston North and is one of my prize possessions. My friend loves this harp. It is a small harp and needs to be placed on a low stool. I love my Troubadour due to the above, and I the sound. I find myself migrating to this harp to play and not wanting to stop when I am.
Mandy.
Hi Kiwibelle.
Where are you in New Zealand? I live in Palmerston North, and I have quite a few levers harps if you want to try these. I have a Lyon & Healy Troubadour which has a stunning sound. I am 173cm tall and this harp is a perfect height for me. I have a Lyon & Healy Ogden which is currently rented out. I also own a Mark Norris harp this is also rented out to a very good friend. I may be the only person in NZ with one of these. If you are a member of the New Zealand Harp Society, you can get in contact with me through the members email list.
Mandy.
Can anyone tell me if the final stage of the USAIHC will be available as an online stream when it starts in a few hours?
Amanda.
Hi,
I only joined this group today, and even though your post is 11 months old, seeing it made me smile, and think of my situation.
My husband has “banned” me from playing a particular piece of harp music that shall remain nameless. The solution to this practice issue was to allow him to buy an expensive pair of wireless headphones (with noise cancelling, not that what we play is noise, but you know what I mean), so he can wander around the house listening to his music while he does important things like washing the dishes. Peace and serenity now reigns allowing different music to be played at once.
Amanda
Hi Kate.
I own several Lyon and Healy harps, though I do not own a Prelude. I totally agree with Andelin that changing the strings (especially when they are that old) is a great idea and will improve the sound quality. Take note if the top octave has been strung in gut or nylon.
I do suspect however that if you apply too much pressure to the strings in the top octave this makes it sound harsh. I always lighten the pressure I apply to the strings as I head to the top of the harp. I suspect if you change the strings and lighten the pressure you apply to the strings (do not alter the speed of your finger movements) you should improve the tone somewhat.
All the best with your decision.
Amanda.
