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For comparison, I’ve played the Prelude, Troubador and a Stoney End lever harp. The L&H harps had a higher tension in my opinion. They sounded really good but definitely required more work, so to speak. I didn’t want a big whopping harp to cart around, however, so I opted for the Stoney End Briar Rose. I would say the tension is medium. It also sounds really good, and is easier to pull the strings than the L&H harps, but it isn’t floppy or light in tension at all. They also have a fantastic rent to own program at Stoney End and I highly recommend their harps! The Briar Rose is a smaller floor harp, but it’s easier to transport than a bigger harp. It’s still a bit awkward though, just because of the shape/size.
I currently have a loaner lap harp that has really light tension. I don’t know who made it.. someone in Tennessee. It has a very consistent tone and sounds fine, but the tension seems very loose and I tend to overplay it. I don’t care for it and prefer a closer to medium tension feel.
Hi Sherri,
Thanks for setting me straight! I didn’t know that about wire harps. I have fiddled with a few and tried to use my finger pads and it was rough, so it’s nice to know you use your nails so it wouldn’t hurt. I do love the sound of wire harps, and actually started playing the harp after watching someone play the cláirseach. When I went to my first teacher, she quickly set me off the idea of a lap harp at all and wanted me to start on the floor harp. For me, floor harp was probably a better choice as I needed “easy as possible” to begin. I do know that some people pick a lap harp up, however, and have no problem at all with it. I’m not as instrumentally inclined so I need all the help I can get. 😉 I’ve been taking lessons for a year and a half and I’m still playing Hot Cross Buns just to work on my technique!
Thanks! It really helps to hear some advice from someone who actually has both! So, I talked a bit more both with Stoney End and Triplett. Stoney End said the Britanny doesn’t use a lap bar because it’s too short. This makes me a little worried that it’s going to be awkward to balance on my lap.
I don’t know anyone that has a Christina to try, but I have listened to a few sound clips online and the tone is quite mellow and lovely. I did talk to the owner of Triplett and she was super nice! They aren’t really offering rent to own any more, but she did some legwork and found someone in Florida with a Christina, fully levered with Camac’s, and has hardly been used, for a crazy good price! They also do rent to own, so I may go that route. The price was so good it’s hard to pass up. I’m waiting on some pictures to see what it looks like.
The topic is a little older, but if you are new to harp, I would suggest avoiding wire strung at first. They sound awesome but are harder to play….very rough on your fingers! It’s also harder to learn on a lap harp than a floor harp because the strings can be spaced closer, and you have to worry about balancing it on your lap while also looking at music/paying attention to hand position/looking at strings, etc. I started out wanting a lap harp and my teacher talked me into a floor harp, albeit a small one. I’m very glad she did!
Depending on what quality you want, you can get a decent small floor harp for not that much more than a good lap harp. I started on the Stoney End Briar Rose and a year and a half later, I just now feel like I could transition to lap harp. Nylon strung will be easier for learning and once you feel like you are ready, then move to wire strung.
If you really want a lap harp to start with (and some people do just fine starting with them!), and want to keep it inexpensive but still get a quality harp, try a Harpsicle. They are very nice, if not somewhat modern looking. If you want to spend a bit more and want different wood options and a more “celtic” look, Stoney End has a few and they have a crazy good rent to own option so you don’t have to pay all the money up front. Triplett also has two smaller harps that seem to be a good quality and also have a rent to own program. I’m considering either the Brittany from Stoney End or the Christina from Triplett.
I know the topic is a little old, but I have the Stoney End Briar Rose (which is the Braunwen, F to F). My teacher told me to get the F to F because I’ll need the lower notes more than I’ll need the higher ones. I’m very happy with my choice and love my harp! It comes with a beautiful rose pattern on the soundboard and I can’t tell you how many people have gasped over how pretty it is. It also sounds great! I’m now hunting for a lap harp and may get the Brittany from Stoney End, which is just a smaller version of the Braunwen.
