Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
That is a great suggestion, thanks Balfour! I will be playing my Prelude at this recital, her first maiden performance with me!
I dont want to seem cash grabby for something that I am inviting people to, as it seems more like I am hosting people than putting on a professional event. I don’t see what the harm could be in setting out a jar for people to contribute if they wish, but I’m torn on it.
Thanks for the replies!! Since this is my first performance, I wouldn’t say it’s a professional one. Even though I am performing. But it’s more like a showcase. I’ll probably just pay to host everything, just as I would pay to host any other party or event I was inviting people to. I did find another venue that is willing to let me use the space for free, so that will help offset the costs as well. I’ll probably give them a donation for letting me perform there but I’ll probably front the costs for small bites and some drinks.
Thanks for suggesting a possible issue- admittedly, I do not know what “fundamentals” are so this goes a bit over my head! But I get what you are saying about an old string maybe being out of tune with itself. My teacher is coming by today to take a look at my new harp so I will get her opinion on it as well and see if I maybe need to change some of the strings. I wouldn’t be surprised depending on how long the harp was sitting with the previous owner without being changed.
No I don’t think the levers are engaged on the strings I’m noticing it on, it just sounds a bit weird to me. I notice the same thing on my lesson book recording as well, so maybe it’s just me. Maybe some harps just sound different?
Balfour, your Angelica is absolutely stunning!! I know some people are split on Camac harps, (my teacher is not overly fond of them), but every Camac I have heard has been gorgeous. I heard someone on YouTube playing a Clio, and it sounded amazing. Enjoy!!
And thanks Gregg! I am thoroughly enjoying my Prelude! Good to know about the screws, too- I will have to watch out for that and make sure the crown will screw down flush with the rest of the column. Can you post a photo of yours?
Another thing– has anyone noticed with having a new harp that even when it’s tuned properly, some of the strings just sound “off”? Maybe it’s just the little differences in the sound between harps. Maybe I’ll just have to get used to it?
Hi!! Everything went great with the pickup and my husband and I have been thoroughly enjoying having a new addition to the family. I have attached a photo! We have the gold feet and crown which we plan to install over the weekend 🙂
I am still figuring out all the little quirks to this harp and getting used to how LOUD it is – I don’t have to work very hard at all to get the strings ringing and, actually, I have to tone my playing down quite a bit as the melodies can get drowned out for the sheer volume and resonance of the harp. The sound just keeps on going!
Your post made me smile- I am sure my husband will have to tear me away from my new harp as well! Which I have yet to name… and thank you for the beautiful photo of Cherie! She is gorgeous and no doubt sounds as beautiful as she looks. Cheers!
Thanks Balfour! It is good to know that it is retaining its quality. The previous owner kept it in great shape as well, so that helps. I will have a hard time leaving it alone once it comes home with us 🙂
Has there been another price increase this year? I noticed when I looked at a brand new Ogden this weekend, that the price was higher than on the January 2022 price list I have. Unless it was marked up by the store. BTW, the harp seemed really well made and I didn’t notice anything really lacking in the quality. But I don’t have another earlier Ogden to compare it against, so take it with a grain. But it’s certainly worlds apart from my little Folk Harp rental which is…. what it is. Ha ha!
Thanks all for your suggestions- I decided to go with the Prelude! I purchased it over the weekend and go today to return my rental and take home the new one 🙂 Eeeek! I am BEYOND excited!!! The sound is unbelievable, compared to my trusty little Folk Harp I have learned on for the past 1.5 years. This is such a huge step for me. I feel so incredibly lucky and blessed to own such a beautiful instrument.
It was a hard decision, because they had a brand new Ogden that just came into stock, which is basically just like my Folk Harp but with a better sound. I absolutely loved playing it! It sounded very similar to the Prelude. However, the Prelude has more strings, and that ultimately seemed the better investment. Even though it is 14 years old vs. the brand new Ogden, it is a good first purchase for me. It’s not so much of a commitment as a pedal harp, but it’s a definite step up from the 34-string model I learned on.
Thank you Saul!! I have been diligently practicing my reviews, going slower, and stopping in places I’m struggling (using a bead counter to do reps in those spots) and it is helping so so much to correct the technique issues. I think you are right- if I’m tense, I’m usually not fully secure in what I’m doing and need to go slower!
Thanks Sophie, and all the other contributors! I do want to stay with pedal tension for my first harp purchase but I may branch out to a lighter tension harp down the road, just for getting that brighter sound that I love so much!
There is a used L&H Troubadour III and a used L&H Prelude 40 available at my local music store, I’m leaning towards the Prelude as the sound is fabulous, but I don’t know yet!!
Hi Gregg! Currently I’m playing an old L&H folk harp which has pedal tension. That is all I have ever played on and would like to keep up with pedal tension in case I do eventually move to a pedal harp in the future. Thanks for your recommendations and I will check their harps out!
And thank you as well Balfour, I will also look into the Dusty 26 string!
Thanks to all the contributors on this thread!! I just arrived home from a 3 day trip and was surprised that my fingers were pretty sore after my usual 45-minute practice session. What a difference even a small break makes on your calluses!
Thanks for all the travel harp suggestions as I will need to look into getting one for an upcoming week-long trip out of the country next month. I reeeeally want a harpsicle, but can’t justify the cost right now 🙁 I had no idea the harp racket existed, so I might get one to take on my trip, or loan a harpsicle out from my teacher if she is willing.
Are there any more cost-effective options than harpsicle that has at least a medium tension? I’ve looked into triplett harps which are a similar cost, but I don’t think they’re very high tension.
Phillippa, thank you for sharing your journey! I have to agree with you that there needs to be a good amount of non-Suzuki rep in order to stay inspired, as I expressed in another thread that I was not feeling very excited about Book 1’s nursery-type songs in the first half of the book. But I do really enjoy the songs I’m learning in the second half of the book. I plan to stick with Suzuki for as long as I continue to enjoy it!
And Saul, is there a particular reason you aren’t a fan of the Suzuki books? Is it just that you think it’s slower learning that way? By the time I complete Suzuki book 1, it will have been about a year and a half for me. I have no point of reference to whether or not that is slow or fast.
