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Changing levers is perfectly possible, but my feeling is that it is the sort of major work that is unlikely to be worth it to change from good levers to ones you prefer slightly better. It would probably be worth it to change bad levers on a good harp. If for instance several were broken or worn out and new ones of the same sort were not available.
I use a bit of specially bent wire from Pilgrim harps to release the disk so the screw is easy to undo and a straight screwdriver. Never had any trouble with pulling the string aside enough.
Soundboards are replaceable and usually worth doing if the rest of the harp is fine – hopefully you can pass this gift on to someone who will renew its playable life.
Alexander Richard Blazdell (or sometimes Blaizdell) came from Germany to London, worked for Erard. Bankrupt 1845.
I have played David harps briefly at an exhibition and was impressed: liked the tone, responsive instruments.
Are you the Rosalind Robinson of Teifi Harps? It is good to know about alternative stringing available.
They are both good quality harps. The best one will be the one she practices on most – does she have a preference? Can you arrange for her to play and hear both? Does her teacher have a preference?
Personally, I prefer the sound of gut strings, but I’m not the person who will be playing this.
Are you aware it can be possible to buy it without VAT through her school?
Why have you narrowed your choice down to those three and not other harps in your price range? Pilgrim Skylark, Teifi Siff Saff? Starfish student is only just out of your range. If you know and don’t want these that is something to guide you.
If you are anywhere near Edinburgh or Caernarfon there are harp festivals coming up where you can try lots of harps.
You have been playing the harp two months now? That speed is not easy on the harp and needs decent technique. I expect it will take you several months to a year to get there, ideally with the help of a teacher.
That website is dated 1998 which does not fill me with confidence. The harps I see on it are Stoney End harps – at rather out of date prices!
Can you come to this? Lots of the harp makers and dealers all in one place… https://www.harpfestival.co.uk/
