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I agree Audrey, and happily let you have the last word on this!
The beauty of a forum like this that we can all learn about all that pertains to the harp, including the large number of harp makers that are out there, so everyone can make an informed decision about what suits them best.
I am glad to hear how much you like your harp, Audrey. This topic must have kept you up all night…, I couldn’t help but notice the time stamp on your response.
One of the reasons I am a member of this forum, is because I value various people’s input. I personally have posted a few times when I was seeking advice on various issues, “Levers” being one of them. I was grateful and valued people’s input and have often found that opinions do vary greatly.
I think as members of a forum like this, it is important to respect that. I can much relate to Jenni, as I did a
As the saying goes, Audrey, you get what you pay for!
Take the time to play and compare the various harps and you will hear and feel the difference yourself. It all depends on what you’re looking for. I’ve known quite a few people who started out with Dusty harps just to trade them in a year or two later and ended up paying more in the long run.
If someone is starting out on a budget, I would recommend renting a harp until you can afford buying a quality instrument that will last you a life time.
That is the advice I was given when I started out and it has served me well. Of course, we are all entitled to our personal opinions!
…. opps, I pushed th “Post” button too soon!
I encourage you to consider other harp makers and compare them to Dusty Strings. Both Lewis Creek Instruments and Heartland Harps make smaller harp models, which are far superior to Dusty Strings harps in both tone and craftsmanship. In my opinion, you simply cannot compare them to Dusty, who are mass-manufactured. Loveland levers are pretty much out of date these days…, they are made out of plastic and break easily. Most harp makers will not install them anymore (they use Truitts or Camac levers instead). To me, the fact that Dusty is still installing these levers, is a sign that they have not caught up with the times, so why throw your money at something that is out of date?
Michaela
Hi Renate,
Actually, I have one more suggestion for you….
If you are unable to find a local harp teacher, you may want to contact Cynthy Johnson, who is a regular contributor to this forum. She is quite an accomplished harpist and offers harp lessons via internet: http://www.crystalharp.com/CrystalHarp/Private_Instruction.html
I had some email correspondence with Cynthy not too long ago, and found her
I just wanted to add something else to my previous post and in response to what others are suggesting…
It is important that we recognize that everyone learns differently, especially as adults! There are many roadmaps to learning out there, but ulimately, we have to find and create the one that works for us as individuals, matches our life styles etc.
A good harp teacher is invaluable in that he/she will make sure that you will not pick up bad habits on the harp. This is especially true if you self-teach yourself and venture out in learning music on your own. If you are unable to have regular lessons, try to take them whenever possible, to get feedback on your technique.
Some people are able to combine music therory and playing the harp with ease from the get-go, and some of us don’t. If the latter applies to you (as it does to me), make an effort to learn music theory away from the harp…, ideally by joining a class with other students. Practice sight reading away from the harp until you are comfortable reading the notes. And once you do, then try to combine the two, even if it means you go very slow at the beginning!
For me personally, there are four steps to learning a new song:
– study the music sheet and read/count the notes until comfortable
– learn the right hand (treble clef) while reading the music
– learn the left hand (bass clef) while reading the music
– combine all the aboveAnd, most importantly, enjoy every step along the way…, give yourself a break and laugh it off if you end up making mistakes along the way!
Michaela
Hi Renate,
When I read your posting, it sooo much reminded me of myself! I too have been playing the harp for about 1 year and, until about 2 months ago, have been very resistant to reading music. I used toAfter reading all the comments and doing a lot more independent reseach, I totally agree with you, Karen!
From what I can tell, Dusty Strings is about the only harp maker out there that still uses Loveland levers as their standard levers. Most luthiers
I have to agree with Ann about the Nightingale!
I did a great deal of research when I bought my therapy harp. A good place to do comparison shopping is http://www.emeraldharp.com/Harps.html, which is owned by Christina Tourin, who also runs the International Harp Therapy Program.
My cherry Nightingale (http://lewiscreek.net/lc_nightingale.htm) is very resonant, has a beautiful sound and is also a stunning looking harp! I recommend getting the Truitt Levers. Lewis Creek Instruments does not offer a lap bar, but the Triplett Christina lap bar fits the harp perfectly and is very comfortable!
My harp teacher is a certified harp practitioner and she has a Christina harp and played it for a couple of years. When I started taking lessons, she was so impressed with my Nightingale, that she ended up selling her Christina and getting a Nightingale instead. The sound difference is like day and night and aesthetically, the Nightingale looks so much nice too! Also, is the only therapy harp with 27 strings!
So I am joining Ann in recommending the Nightingale.., you are going to love this little harp!
Michaela
Hi Barb,
thanks for your input…., I think I am leaning more and more towards buying a Triplett harp. Glad to hear you’re enjoying yours!
MichaelaHa…., this is great, Audrey! And what a conversation piece indeed.
Would love to hear you play it too.
“SADD”…, i never heard of that disorder but I guess I am indeed suffering from it.
As for “Wire Harps”, I am sure you probably know that Triplett makes them. I know a guy here in town who owns a custom Triplett Luna Wire Harp, and that is the most gorgeous instrument I have ever seen!
I met him at
Hi again Audrey,
I’ve been add it for about 1 year now, taking lessons from Lynda Jardine in Carmel Valley. I started out with a wonderful 27 string lap harp (“Nightingale” by Lewis Creek Insruments), which I absolutely adore. I thought that some day I might want to go into Harp Therapy, so I wanted to start out with a good small harp.
However, for the last 3 months I’ve been feeling a real “itch” for a full size harp and the more I think about it, the more I want it. (From what I understand, this is a common problem in the harp world…).
How do like your Ravenna harp?
Michaela
