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I know it will be simple to make, but I don’t have time anymore. I’d like to use spruce for the platform top but that may be hard to come by. I’ll have to do some research to see what will provide the best free vibration for the harp.
Jill Levy’s platform (that her dad built for her) had wood feet. The rubber feet in the platform we’re discussing shouldn’t affect the sound as long as the rubber doesn’t butt up to the wood. I’m thinking hardwood because of its durability, remember, the harp will be scooted (is that a word?) around on it which would quickly damage a softer wood platform.
Sid
Michael,
I think it’s because it has feet that you get the resoation ( the whole platform vibrates as you play). Even at the church where I play, the stage area is a carpeted wooden platform and even that helps the sound. Without the carpet would be even better. That’s why this appeals to me. And yes, hinges would stop that vibration as well as any joints, it needs to be a solid piece of wood.
Sid
I think I understand your question but remember that the addition of hinges can cause a buzz that harpist so dislike. Personally I’d rather have a solid platform and less worry that it may collaspe.
You’ve inspired me Michael, while I don’t plan on building a platform myself, there is a contractor that
Yes Saul and when I meet you I’m going to smack you! lol, just kidding. There wasn’t enough time to call a service as I would have to ask what is available then go on line and see if it’s big enough (the cab business isn’t that savey in Dallas). It really was easier to walk it. For the actual performance this Sunday, I’ve arraigned for a taxi van to haul me. The driver was nice enough to come by (at no charge)
Yes Carl, I have a copy of an old Lyon Healy catalog that has a wooden platform for the harp. My second harp teacher Jill Roberts-Levey has one that her father built. It’s really great as we used it in her carpeted living room. When we took it away the sound was much smaller.
I found this a good warning when it happened, Don. I now have a full set of pedal rods as well as a full set of pedal springs on hand!
I’d never slide a harp on a hard surface Saul, maybe a short scoot ( a few inches) on the carpet but will always pick it up or use a cart on a hard floor.
My Bengal cat, Pharoah, insists on sharing the bench with me while I practice. It’s crowded but after 16 years he’s taught me that he will win this struggle. He also likes to rub his teeth on my bass wires (he’s no chewing them, just rubbing). I wonder if the wire vibrates slightly when he does this. It’s creepy but that’s a cat for you!
Hannah, when this happens to me i take a pumice stone to it while in the shower. even a nail file works great, just don’t take the callous all the way down or you’ll be too tender to play! Remember that callouses are important for a harpist as long as they are smooth. Apply a non greasy lotion to help keep them from getting rough.
Hope this helps you,
Sid
Thanks Andy, yes, ebony and bronze. How funny, I was just looking at your pic thinking how nice your ebony harp is! I do hope that something like this doesn’t happen in the performance, you know, what are the odds?
Sid
Yes, that’s why I posted this question. What is too far to walk? I know I said if my ride fell through that I wouldn’t walk the harp… but I did it! Yes, it was nuts but what a bonding experience it was with my instument. I now have many volunteers to pick me up for next weeks rehearsal and well as the concerts themselves. What was dissapointing though, no one gawked at the sight on the street, even at the busier intersections! Geeze, you would have at least expected a horn to honk, or two!
Sid
Such great advice you guys! I never thought of the cab thing! A neighbor has also offered to help me by giving me a lift in his Explorer. We’ll see if he’s still around at that time
This is not a paying job, the choir is Resounding Harmony; it raises money for different charities, this concert being the North Texas food Bank. I do sing with that choir under the direction of Tim Seelig who has been kind enough to send an email to all the members requesting help. After I’m there, there’s no problem getting a lift home. This is still a wonderful experience for me as I’ve never dreamed
