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Bring on the dark ages then…I dunno.
I did not say that you should not talk about your harp, I was saying that I am much more careful with public endorsements of harps (ALL Companies) and maybe you should consider that too. I was pointing out that there are other experiences. And to be responsible of ones endorsement when recommending harps, which you have done on many occassions already, it might be good to recommend that people, see, play and try the harp themselves.
I did not attempt or mean to “crucify” you. I do not understand why you are so cross.
But I will say in general that if you put an endorsement out on a public forum you can expect people that do not agree will debate, counter and comment on what you are doing. And to expect that
I would like to add David, that this is your experience of one harp and their dealings with you. It sounds like you have had a terrific experience and have a truly special harp…but it is not the only experience out there. And you have to be very careful when you encourage people to buy a certain brand of harp, as they may not have the same experience at all.
From many discussions with harpist all over the world in recent months, I would not recommend any particular brand of harp to anyone – without pointing out that all harps vary and all experiences with harp companies vary. You need to not just order a harp based on what someone elses harp is like, but make sure you go and check that instrument that you are actually going to be sent personally, and take someone with someone that really knows about harps. An experienced player that knows something about structure etc. or a technician from another company.
Yes, I agree that we often do not get good harps in this part of the world. And how a I know this is that I studied in the states and also travelled there a couple of times to choose harps and visited the factories and showrooms around the country…so I’m not entirely and Oakie from Kinoakie! (hayseed)
Not all Camac have Carbon fibre boards, I saw a couple in the states that (I think) had Carbon fibre in them, and agree that they had great projection in the 4th to 5th range but the upper – treble – was very weak and unpleasant tonally. I found them uneven.
The
You mean you hijacked the hijack! ha ha ha! It was not a problem – getting back on topic is a good attribute. And I was not that fussed.
Thanks for that Barbara, I did get the Rhapsodie string parts from Lyra, but will ask about the Images. I did not see them listed on the catalogue, but then they often have more than what is listed, so I will ask.
Ta!
I live in Tempe Arizona, where we enjoy fabulously hot hot (but it’s a dry heat!!!) hot summers and the most beautiful fall, winter and spring days imaginable.
I recently started harp lessons (January 1 of this year) having never been up close and personal with a harp before.
Actually, a thought just came to me. I am writing a novel and my main character plays the harp (so that I can experience it through her!) and I just realized I centered the most important scene in the entire book around her playing it. I just couldn’t think of any other way to capture the particular emotions I wanted to convey.
Just so this makes a little more sense, the book is about a couple who get divorced a few years after marrying, regretting it for 12 years after the fact, and then are unknowingly set up by a mutual friend at her wedding. My main character, the wife, is playing the harp at the ceremony–just one song (Schubert’s Ave Maria during the candle lighting) to make it all the more special–while her ex-husband is watching her play from the pew, seeing her for the first time in all those years, and she doesn’t even notice he’s there until she finishes the song, looks up, and sees him sitting there with tears in his eyes. It makes me want to cry every time I think about it!
Wow, even though I haven’t started playing the harp yet I just KNOW I’m going to feel exactly the same way. It’s no wonder angels are always depicted playing them! They really are heavenly instruments.
Thank you so much for all your posts!!
Sherry, that’s funny that you have a hair-pulling spouse as well. Glad to hear they come around. 😉
As for all the other comments, they’re so many I don’t know if I can single them out individually! But you have all given me very helpful advice and food for thought.
I really wish I could get a harp with 30 or more strings and full levers right from the start, but the fact is my husband and I are only in our 20s and overwhelmed with student loans, mortgage payments, and the like, so I’m just going to have to make do. I am thinking (unless I see some harps in person and change my mind) that I will try to rent-to-own the Ravenna 26 through Harp Connection starting around Christmastime, and that I will take a few lessons with a teacher here in Charlotte, NC, beforehand, if my husband doesn’t mind. 😛 I think I’m making him nervous with this new expensive hobby!!
Anyway, there’s a teacher here who I think I will try going to, and I think she rents harps so maybe I’ll try a Ravenna for a month or something (if she has one) before I buy it/rent-to-own long-distance. Those shipping fees hurt!
The other reason I don’t think I can get a larger harp right now is because we live in a really small place and there simply isn’t room for a big harp. It already feels crowded. 😛 In any case, I have plenty of time to mull over the options! So I guess I’ll probably just start small and add on things like full levers, a case, a stand, etc. as my budget allows.
Tony, I know it seems crazy but I think you’re right–there really is something special about the harp. Almost everyone who plays it seems to be absolutely in love with it. I think the fact that harps can be so rare and unreachable makes those feelings even stronger.
All right, I’m off to do a little more daydreaming before my lunch break ends…
