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I have a Brittany and it was the harp I used while working on my MHTP certification. My solution was to put a strap on it and hang it from my right shoulder. It is so easy to transport that way when moving from patient to patient or playing in a nursing home. It frees one to be able to walk around and play. I used a guitar strap. It also helps when sitting as one can adjust the strap. Let us know what you decide.
My Camac has more space in the upper registers than a Salvi. I love the Camac Athena. I bought mine from the original owner and it has a beautiful, rich sound.
I live in WV and have often heard the harmonica referred to a “mouth harp.” I’ve also heard about “harp” chairs.
I started playing lever harp after I retired in 2001. A classically trained harpist moved to our small community a year ago and I became interested in a pedal harp. I found a beautiful Camac Athena through the classifieds here. While teaching, I put money aside in a tax-deferred annuity which has accumulated into a tidy sum. I took some of the money from that annuity, paid the tax on it and paid for my harp. During the whole process, I made some wonderful new friends. I love playing my “new to me” harp!
I am saddened to learn of the death of Steve Green. I live about 40 miles from his company and visited with him when I first started looking for a harp. At that time, I couldn’t afford one of his, but had a most pleasant visit with him. We have also had some contact with him when he installed kitchen cabinets for my son. His love for his family was quite evident when visiting him. Thank you for posting this.
The biggest reason to have it fully levered is to be able to play in any key. If you do not plan to play with other people, then decide which strings should be levered. I have a little 22 string with levers on the F and C strings so that I can play sharps and in the keys of G and D. I have several books which have music written in the key of C. I needed a harp which was portable and also had a good sound. There are several “therapy” harps available if you just google them. I felt that the Ravenna was the best buy for the money. Hope this helps.
I have a 26 string Ravenna (with the leg inside the harp) that is fully levered. I bought it in 2006 or 2007. This instrument is very portable and holds its tune well. I have used it in bedside therapy as a Certified Music Practitioner, but have also traveled with it. I had a hard case made by Colorado Case and took it to Croatia in 2008. I am getting ready to take it to Guatemala in May. By hang it fully levered, you can play in most keys using an E flat tuning.
The only problem I’ve encountered is with the leg. I noticed that I could not tighten it to stay in the down position. The “puck” on the inside which serves as the guide for stabilizing the leg has come loose and needs to be reattached. I contacted Dusty Strings asking about a repair I can make and they responded very quickly and in a very friendly way. I wanted to make sure the integrity of the harp wasn’t compromised. They assured me that I can make the repair and made some suggestions as to how to proceed.
Let me know what you decide.
