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Roosebeck Harps (also called Mid-East harps) are pakistani harps.
Google on ‘pakistani harps’ and a lot wil become clear to you.As alternatives you may think of a 22-string backyard music fireside harp (with a cardboard soundboard), also available as a kit). Or one the 26-string harpsicle harps (harpsicle, sharpsicle, flatharpsicle or fullsicle). Or one of the Stoney End lap harps. Or of a Dusty Ravenna 26…
Hi CelticKnot,
There are a few blind harpers on the Virtual Harpcircle list at https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/virtualharpcircle/info You may like to join that list, search its archives and ask questions.
I am certain you will find a lot of handy information there and (virtually) meet many friendly people with different backgrounds who like to share their insights on playing the harp.
Hi Kevin,
On 20 November 2014 you wrote on a cherry fullsicle:”I am actually expecting this harp to arrive this morning, so I will give a full report.”I could not find your report on this little harp, but I would really like to know what your experiences are regarding this cherry harpsicle (must be 3rd generation, I think) in relation to your 10 year old maple harpsicle.
Hi Biagio,
In Europe Dusty Harps can be bought by several fine harp shops. In the UK Morley Harps, in the Netherlands by De Zingende Snaar.In the Netherlands Blevins can be bought at De Troubadour Harpen and Rees Harps at De Troubadour Harpen and at the shop of De Veer-Van Hattem.
Stoney End Harps can be bought in the UK at Hobgoblin’s.
This list is not exhaustive!
As to harps of Lorien, they used to be sold at De Zingende Snaar, but I can’t find them any more on their list of harps.
If one can’t find the links of the shops above, I’ll be happy to give them.
Anyway, at the Zingende Snaar, the kind shop owner is used to speaking English and to doing international business. And I think that at De Troubadour Harpen speaking English should not be a problem either.As I like to complicate things… as you mention loving to play chromatic music, have you thought about a cross-strung harp? Then you would not have to hassle with lever flipping… Of course, learning to play this kind of harp does bring it’s own problems: http://www.harpspectrum.org/folk/harper_long.shtml
Hi Elettaria,
You wrote: ‘ I tried messing around with recorder a bit recently, but I no longer have the muscular strength to hold an alto (I think it was a close call in the past).’I think this situation doesn’t only ask for a harp with a light string tension, but also for a lap harp you can ‘attach’ unto your wheelchair. I know that some people in wheelchairs are able to play floor lever harps. Floor harps are easier to keep in balance. Some of these harps do have a light string tension. Maybe this is something you may want to research.
Hi Mae, any news? I very much like to hear about any new developments regarding your double strung harp.
Congratulations, Mae, that the ‘C-side’ of your harp sounds decent now. This must be a great relief.
Looking forward to your first video!
These are, as far as I know reputable harp shops in the UK:
http://shop.morleyharps.co.uk/acatalog/folk_harps.html
http://www.camacharps.co.uk/There are more fine shops in the UK.
There’s a lot of difference between the various in lever harp, not only the amount of strings and/or levers on them, but also the kind of strings (nylon, gut or KF etc) and the spring tension.
In your case, I would find a teacher first and then buy a harp together, based on the kind of music you like to play on it and some other factors.
To start with: I would never buy a harp with less than a whole octave below middle C as a first harp, because then you would need to be creative from the very start, as most lever music goes down to two whole octaves below middle C.
Hi Mae, I have no idea why this reputable Dutch little harpshop has not yet answered your mail yet. I can’t imagine their English wouldn’t be well enough to understand your questions and reply to you within a few days or a week. And even if English were a problem, they undoubtedly would have friends and acquaintances to help them out. Or maybe they have been abroad to select some new fine harps to sell?
Do I understand correctly that the soundboard already has developed a 2 cm belly?
O, and I am really interested in a video of your playing the harp as it is now (with the dull strings on de lowest strung side!)
Hi Mae,
Trying to find a creative solution: I searched what abrasive cord is used for and I found: “They are ideal for finishing new wood spindles or stripping old furniture. Other uses include jewelry finishing & repairs, automotive applications, sewing machine maintenance, gunsmithing, plumbing and many more!”So, are there people in your network working in one of these branches that may be willing to help you to the amount and kind of cord you need?
Hi Mae, what a nightmare you’re in now. I do hope someone knows a great solution for you.
As to nylon wound nylon harp strings. You may like to try and contact: http://www.harpen.nl/informatie.php?info_id=4 They make such (and some other) harp strings by themselves. I have no personal experience with them, but other harpers in the Netherlands say they are a fine shop and make good harp strings.
Anyway, this may be significantly cheaper than ordering and importing strings from the USA.
Use Google translate to translate the page. Most Dutch people are able to speak and read English.
I feel for you!
Wow, Mae, thanks for loading up all the pictures! They give a nice picture of all the things that need to be done to make a harp of a kit. The oiled end product does look great!
So, now it is time for stringing, I guess. Please, tell us about your experiences with putting on the strings and getting the harp to hold its tuning. And after that, of course, we would like the first sounds coming out of your brand new harp!
