Hi, Christy-Lyn, not only are your videos a joy to watch for the wonderful presentation, but you are such a cheery person it's always uplifting! you have a real gift as a person, not just as a harpist, and we are so lucky that you have chosen to share of yourself in this way! I loved all your videos, but this is the one that really did it for me I've been wrestling for some time what kind of harp to move on to after enjoying harpsicle (I'm an experienced musician, but relative beginner on the harp), but at the same time wrestling with them mostly on account of my large hands. I've been trying to do research to find thorough yet concise information on the different features that I was looking for, but it was unfulfilling. I was still left scratching my head. This video summed up everything I needed to know! On Tuesday my beautiful Dusty strings Ravenna 34 arrived and oh my goodness, what a sound! I'm in heaven! It's gorgeous, and it's the perfect instrument for me! Thank you again, I just can't adequately express my appreciation!
Wow Linda, this is such a wonderful comment for me to read!! Thank-you for your amazing compliments and encouragement, it really makes a difference for me to know that I’m helping people with my videos. I’m so pleased that you were able to pick out a harp that you enjoy. The Ravenna is a really great instrument, good choice! ❤️
Linda Sue hello. I saw your post and I'm glad you got a Lovely Dusty Strings harp. was wondering if the 34 means it has 34 strings. thanks for your post.
Hi Christy-Lyn. I love this video. I am now ready to purchase my first beginners harp. Which are the most reliable sites for purchasing a harp online. I am writing from Nakuru in the Rift Valley in Kenya
In Hungary there ist a harp maker who does very affordable harps with a very good quality and there is not a big soundboard needed, bescause they have a huge Sound.
I have a question about lap harps for beginners-- Does playing with a stand fix the issues with learning technique? Harpsickle also has a harp stick that helps balance the harp on the lap. What do you think about that? I'm a piano teacher with a dream of becoming a harpist, and I want to get correct technique from the start, hopefully with a smaller harp 💜
It does definitely help to use the Harpsicle stand, but I still find it easier to teach good technique to a student who has a floor harp because it is more stable, has wider string spacing, and slightly higher tension than a Harpsicle. Perhaps look at the Ravenna 26 from Dusty Strings too? But of course a Harpsicle is a great harp quality-wise and many people start with it 😊
as a violin performance major in university who was forced to stop playing due to tendinitis, I appreciate the health related discussion points. I miss making music more than anything, and harp is an instrument that's always spoken to me, so knowing there's options to make it adjustable to my requirements is really helpful. Here's hoping I can learn harp to get myself back into the world of music
So sorry to hear about the tendinitis! If you get a low tension harp and make sure you learn good technique to prevent strain on your hands, perhaps it might be the right thing for you! After learning a bit of basic technique you might want to invest in a consultation with a music ergonomist (about $60 US) to check that you aren’t causing pain or injury by your technique. All the best!
Have you thought about the Theremin!? It may be a perfect option for you because you don’t touch it. In addition it’s tones mimic violin and other strings when set to different octaves.
I’m kind of in the same fix- playing the violin for so many years and I can’t hold it under my chin - my neck muscles are all screwed up and I get severe migraines- I just can’t believe the hours and orchestras and competitions and everything I put into the violin to end this way- so sad. I was thinking the harp- maybe to get some musical enjoyment somewhere just for me
Buying harp without knowing is really tough! My first harp was a very cheap harp (budget limitations) bought online, without a known brand. Just waste of time! Terrible levers and not tuned. I had to return it and rent a Harpsicle from my harp teacher. As I live in Ireland, I got to know a small harp maker (Callan Harps) through a friend who also plays the harp. I could go there, play the harps available and pick one. He had all this options you mentioned, but best of all: if you buy the lap harp, when you upgrade to the floor model you would have a discount if returning the small. So, it was great for budget limitations. Now I have the big one, with native timber and it has beautiful wood patterns, great sound!
Fantastic video Christy-Lyn! I was lucky with my first harp, but I sure could have used a video like this to help navigate that big decision. Great job!
Hi ChristyLyn, enjoying a Dusty Harp 34 string that I literally found under the Christmas tree more than two years ago.. A friend recommended it t my husband. Lucky me!!
I spent months researching and I’ve had 4 harps since then, a harpsicle (perfect little travel harp, but lap harps are more difficult for beginning harpists) a Blevins (no longer in business) which I did not love. It had mediocre resonance, was very heavy for its size, and had Loveland levers, which I will never ever use again. I truly dislike Loveland levers for so many reasons. I have a Salvi Aida which has nice tone and good levers, but it’s voice is a bit quiet, especially noticeable when it’s outdoors. It’s a good price range for a new harpist and the company is well known. The Aida is no longer being made, but they have the Mia, which is pretty much the same thing. But the love of my life is my walnut Heartland harp. It’s booming in the bass, it twinkles at the top, with all the middle treble ringing like crystal. It has a curved sound board so it doesn’t actually lean on my shoulder, which is good for my bursitis. They no longer make wooden harps (they are exclusively carbon fibre now) but the CF harps are also amazing! They let me take one to my room for the night while I was at a harp festival in Canada and it was amazing! So light. Someday I’ll own one!
I just bought my first harp. She has full levers, 27 string cherry wood heartland harp a local instructor had in the market. Beautiful harp and sound is amazing. So blessed to have her as my first harp.
I really like to buy a Harp.I mean I really really want to buy and learn how to play it. But my dad said that we still doesn't have the budget to buy one😢😢😭😭
I just discovered your channel and I already love it! I always wanted to learn how to play the harp, but never had the time to do so. Now, however, I am searching for a new hobby and thought that this might be the right thing and moment. Looking forward to watching more videos!
Ong i almost bought one from pakistan. I was wondering why so many harps are or sale from that country. Im hoping to buy a great harp for my hubby for Christmas. He plaid at college and i loved it! I want him to get back into it. Im interested in playing too. But i don't know anything about harps. Im afraid to ask my hubby because i want it to be a surprise.... !!!
This was very informative and helpful in my journey of rekindling my passion for music. I was a guitarist for years until I developed a neurological disorder that wrecked both of my hands with chronic pain in college. I've gotten it to a point where it's much more manageable, but for now returning to guitar is not feasible. It seems that fretting is the motion that seriously inflames my wrists and not plucking, so I'm looking into harps as an alternative. I've actually already started my harp journey. Sort of. I'm playing a cheap, 19 string lyre that only plays in one key. It's capabilities are seriously limited, but it sounds beautiful and I'm making music that fills me with passion again. I still want to upgrade to a lever harp one day and this has given me a much clearer picture of what that would look like and when it might be reasonable. The only issue is that lyres and harps are basically strung backwards from each other. That's going to be a fun brain exercise when I eventually get there.
I’m looking to buy a harp but I’ve never played a harp or any instrument besides the recorder that they made us play in 4th grade, I’ve forgotten how to read sheet music aswell so time to study up!
Am a psalmist and I praise The Lord a lot with my gold sound 6 strings guitar and I would love to have a harp one day for praising The Lord and I have a very sweet golden voice like singing or praising with or from my soul just like King David and which floor harp should I buy and where is the best place to buy one? Thanks and God bless Christy
Christy-Lyn thank you for fabulous videos. I’m having my first beginners harp class in three weeks and I’m so excited! I subscribed to your channel a while ago and my fingers are itching to get started! I’ll be using a hired harp to begin with and this video, and your others have been so informative. I have previously looked at harps to buy online and become very confused so your check list will help a lot!
Thank you Christy-Lyn! The best almost half-hour time I've spent listening to your video! So helpful! I'm looking forward to purchasing my 2nd harp someday and now I am a more-informed person, thanks to you! (thank you, too, Cara!) :)
Hi Chrissy-Lyn! I love watching your videos! I’m considering starting harp private lessons once COVID calms down more. Do you suggest a beginner start with a lever or pedal harp?
Thank so much. It’s been a deep and silent desire to learn to play the Harp. But I have this vision in my head of me playing so beautifully one day. So far this Is my first introduction starting with you to entertain this idea. Now I so need guidance. This video was very helpful but it’s nothing like having a real person lead the way. Thank you. Do you have suggestions on where to purchase my first harp.
This is such a helpful video! I've always been interested in harps but have never known much about them. I didn't realize how many aspects there were to consider, and this made everything very easy to understand and compare!
Sr i did need to check what these really cost:) Lever Harp (Celtic/Folk Harp): Entry-Level: $500 - $1,500 High-Quality: $2,000 - $5,000 Pedal Harp (Concert/Orchestral Harp): Entry-Level: $10,000 - $15,000 Professional-Grade: $20,000 - $50,000 or more Electric Harp: Basic Models: $1,000 - $2,000 High-End/Electro-Acoustic: $5,000 or more Used Harps: Prices vary widely based on age, condition, and brand. Generally, you can find used harps at a significant discount compared to new ones. .-
Thank you SO much for your video! I love classical music. I play the flute and want to learn how to play the harp. I adore how informative your video is overall. Sadly, I don't have anyone who plays instruments in my life currently so I have no one to turn to for advice. This video was so well put and thorough. Thank you a ton!!!!💗🙌
Mam pls help I'm trying thru mails but not getting info for 34 strings prices of camac , salvi , only dusty strings providing I want to know the prices and want to order very quickly I Just can't wait to learn Harp
The Pakistani harps are very hit and miss. I've played one that was good enough for fire wood only and another almost as nice as your branded harps with a super lovely tone. This second one Is totally playable and easy to travel ( I flew it with me outside of South Africa) as its not worth as much, you have less worries. It still holds well after 15 years of playing too. But still its risky to buy as you might get a bad one. At least then you can have a lovely barbeque...
Hi, does anyone knows about some good 26 string celtic lap harp? Under budget $1500… thinking about choosing my first harp and I am lost. Does anyone have experience with the Marini Made Harps brand? Thank you all for any recommendations and for the great video ❤️
Thanks for this video - I am getting a lap harp, but it comes with legs - so it is a best of both worlds and it is a double. LOL. I know might be complicated - but I have played before - just been awhile. I cannot wait to get it now. :)
Christy-Lyn this video is really well thought out and explained. Thank you! For me, the deciding factor, was the sound of my harp. I arranged skype sessions with 2 different harp makers (it would have been 3, but the third company had become frustrated with all my questions, and had stopped responding to my emails which made me feel they were not interested in doing business). So... if you cannot get to a place to test harps - use skype and have the seller play for you! If I had realized how important the "extra" strings would be, I would have gone for a "bigger" harp. Yes, bigger would take more space, and I didn't know I would stick with the harp. But I do have a really good harp with lovely deep rich sound (THE deciding factor was my harp's sound). The maker's (Teifi Harps in Wales) biggest lever harp (Eos) would have been a better choice and would ultimately have cost about the same, but would have been a bit heavier. Transport! I have rediscovered baby prams! Someone was discarding a small baby pram (folds almost like an umbrella), and I have repurposed it for transporting my harp! I've added two "belts" to make sure my harp doesn't tumble out if the pram hits a bump, and it has simplified my life and getting around SOOOOOOOOOO much. I can hop on and off city buses with my harp, basically feel I can go anywhere. Can actually just unbuckle and unzip (it travels in its travel bag) it and play without removing it from its "pram"., then rezip and rebuckle and keep going. Me and my unusual "baby". And most "good" harps maintain their resale value. And finally, one more thing: find someone to help you! Great idea. Find a harpist. How? Ask your nearest symphony orchestra if they know of ANY harpists. There probably is at least one whom they know of. Get the names /contact information for all whom they know. Contact the harpists one at a time until you find one who will help you. You have very good chance that they will help!
Hello mam i am english literature student from India, I was watching movie that was a novel in my syllabus.. The last of Mohicans.. I happened to listen to the music of harp... I was so mesmerized that now I want to play it... But i am 35 and don't know to play any music instrument... Can i least it ..... I love playing and listening to harp music
Cape town!!! Totes have to meet you sometime, would love to actually see a harp in the flesh! A burning interest has just fired up in me, keen to learn more about harps
I dont know anything about the harp - and dont plan to buy one, but i could watch/listen to Christy-Lyn talk about pretty much anything. You have a calming nature
Haha yes she totally does!🤩 And it's super helpful for if one ever did want to learn the harp- it could feel daunting, but when you're learning from someone who makes you feel calmer- it definitely helps😋 xx Nicole, LTH Team member
Thank you, Christy-Lyn! I’m about to buy my first harp and this was very helpful! Yes I’m nervous, but you’ve made me feel better about the one I want!
Jesus you will get a brand new one in heaven onless there's a recession or something I will probably end up with a serpent that's an early reainessance instrument the auld devil might only give you a used second hand one or a kick in the arce.
Shure if you wait long enough you will get one for free in the above along with wings they will come as a package thanks for your information and be an angel.
Such a helpful video - many thanks! My husband bought me a harp a few years back after overhearing me say "I've always wanted to play the harp." He claims he has never heard "I've always wanted . . . " come out of my mouth before. I'm a violinist, but had wanted to learn harp! Anyway, he bought me a lovely little 24 string lap harp ('County Kerry', with C and F levers only) and I finally started lessons a few months ago. The limitations were almost immediately clear to me. I rented a Dusty Strings Allegro (26 strings), and have been doing my research - leading me to decide on the Crescendo 34. I already had the plans in place to go pick it up tomorrow, and then came across this video. You have given me such confidence in all the issues I sorted through to get to this decision. I will keep the lovely lap harp - maybe the sweetest gift of love I have ever received. But I look forward to continuing my learning on the 34 string one!
It is so sad to see all the negative comments that are made about cheaper harps.I wonder how many South Africans can actually afford to buy a harp that is made in the USA for example and import it to South Africa
Yes, it's a pity that the harp is out of reach for so many people! There are no commercial harp makers in South Africa that I know of. But I hope someday soon that will no longer be the case. It's certainly exciting to see all the (relatively) affordable but good quality instruments coming out in the US these days... so the time is coming soon, I think!
Just to say that sometimes you can strike lucky with a Pakistani harp. I have had a wonderful time with my little Mary Anne for the last year - she has a beautiful tone, holds her pitch astonishingly well and as I am now transitioning to a higher-spec harp I still intend to keep her, as I can carry her around to sessions and she's just right for accompanying Gaelic songs.
This video is very helpful! Thank you as well for the list of harp recommendation. I wanna ask if any of you guys have heard of Mikel Harps and what you think of it! It isn't a known brand but the very few reviews I have found were positive. Would appreciate anyone's help!
Wonderful in-depth information! I’m going for a Dusty Strings brand. Very lovely harps for affordable prices. I’m still saving, but hopefully soon I can bring my harp home. 🙂🎼
i'll be getting a lap harp for various reasons, but admittedly the largest reason is the price point. It's an instrument i'm not sure i'll regularly play and want to learn simply for myself as an easy going hobby. If i get to the point where i need more strings or enjoy it so thoroughly, i will save for a floor harp later down the line. Another reason is being able to take it outside would be lovely. I spend a lot of time cramped up in my study, and being able to take it out to the little woodland for an hour to practice and take a break from my assignments with some fresh air sounds like a nice idea.
@@LearningtheHarp Well i have a little saved up, but it will probably take me another month or so to get all the funds together. luckily a lot of reputable online stores in the UK do payment plans now which make it much easier on my crying uni wallet. I would go to look at some harps in person, but there are sadly not any stores anywhere near where i live that sell the wonderful instrument.
Hi Christy-Lyn, I feel inspired by your beautiful voice, your excitement for the harp, and the lovely sound you make with your harp. I bought a full-size (36 str) harp from Dusty Strings many years ago, and I enjoyed it for a while, but eventually, I gave it up because I tired of having to tune it so often. (It's pins were held by friction and would slip -- making frequently retuning necessary). Also, while I was taking lessons, I didn't enjoy practicing the same things over and over again; it felt like work and wasn't fun. I love the sound of the harp and enjoy listening to it. So, I'm wondering if I could enjoy playing it again? Any thoughts?
Hi Roger! It’s great that you enjoy listening to the harp, and perhaps you would enjoy playing, but those two things don’t necessarily have to go together. Learning an instrument does require a lot of hard work (frustrating / boring at times) and harp does require a lot of tuning time compared to other instruments! So if you’re willing to spend the time and commit to tuning, I’d say give it another try. But if that’s not for you, then you can enjoy listening without having to put in all the effort 😊
I don’t know if you answer questions here. But I am looking to purchase a harp very soon. I have severe arthritis in a thumb and it subluxation (partially dislocates) frequently I should be okay until I have a thumb replacement surgery but think I would need medium tension. My question for you is, can any harp have the tension of strings changed as one progresses? Or would the wood need to be thicker to accommodate the tension?
Hi Christy-Lyn - thank you for this very comprehensive video! A question: if I beleive I will eventually play a pedal harp in an orchestral setting, should my first purchase ( or rental) be a pedal harp? I'm a singer and pianist, but don't have experience playing strings.
If you can afford it, that’s great! But if you’d like to start with something less expensive, I’d go with a lever harp with gut strings, concert spacing and higher string tension (made by a classical harp maker) like the Ogden from Lyon and Healy 😊
I have been very lucky with the little 12-string Roosbeck I bought. I'm in my 70s and have rheumatoid arthritis -- there are days when I can't lift either of my bigger harps into playing position. They are a Dusty Strings Ravenna 34, and a 26-string Blevins (weighs a TON!) But I can always play Roselyn (the Roosbeck). Now I get a kick out of arranging classical music for her - it's a fun music-theory challenge. Her tone is not brilliant, of course, but not bad either. Music friends have described her as "sweet" sounding. She is my little buddy - my arthritis-friendly harp - and I do not regret buying her at all!
Wow!! Thank you so much for committing to creating this video. i have been looking for a good video to help guide me with highlighted information for choosing my harp. thank you!!
Thank you, Christy-Lyn! I have decided that I need a floor harp, and am about to do it! My sweet little Celtic harp is lovely, but a bit limiting. You've provided a great deal of useful info, and I can now go on my harp hunting adventure with a bit of confidence!
Christy-Lyn has three harps. The two harps you will see most often are her Lyon and Healy Ogden, and a Rees special edition fullsicle in cherry. Different ones for different spaces and occasions ☺️. Xx Nicole, LTH Team Member
If you're wanting to think through the options more, we also have a fantastic Facebook group called Learning the Harp Together. It's filled with so many people with various harps and experiences of them. A great place to see what people would recommend if you're stuck between choices 😁. Xx Nicole, LTH Team Member
Do you have a video where you mention the differences between the different kind of wood sounds? For example walnut, maple, other wood types? I don't know which to buy but I like the warmth sound of walnut wood 🪵
No I don’t think I’ve ever spoken about that. There is a slight difference in the sound between the different woods, but I have noticed a much bigger difference in sound between different brands and models of harps. Different harps of the same model but different woods: the sound is very very similar, only small differences. So personally I choose the model/brand of the harp strongly considering the sound, but the different woods for the look and not the sound, because it’s a much bigger difference in appearance than sound, to me 😊
Hey Liam! We haven't done any content on wire string harps. They're quite different to nylon/gut string harps in terms of playing technique. It's really cool that you're learning to play!🎉 We have quite a few blind harp players in our community.😊 xx Nicole, LTH Team Member
Thank you so much for this wonderful video! I've been struggling with what Harp to get... my main areas of concern were spacing and tension. Although I was interested in a higher tension, I'm not intending to do classical music - so that part of the equation is solved! The other was the spacing… I was REALLY EXCITED to hear you say floor harps are likely to have decent spacing. I bought a harpsicle at first to make sure I would take to the harp (I have!!!), BUT, it has been a real struggle with the spacing, for the very reasons you cite here! Also, I have big hands/fingers which doesn't help. I actually think that some issues i've been having are do the spacing, not tension. I had been considering and Ogden for a long time, but I think I'm going to opt for the Dusty Strings Ravenna PS: have you ever played a Dusty Strings?
Dusty Strings will arrange a skype conference call for you with whichever of their models you wish to hear, and they will play them live for you during that call. You just need to ask them and get the time and date agreed.
Yes Dusty Strings harps are really great! I’ve played a few of their models at a harp shop, so I didn’t get very long with them but I did like the sound and feel. Ravenna is VERY good value for money, so that’s a great choice! Or if you’re willing to save a little bit longer, their Cresendo and FH harps are worth the higher price 😊
Unfortunately I don’t know enough to be able to give you a clear answer! I know some of the Pakistani harp makers have been making a big effort to improve their quality, but I’m not sure which ones so I can’t give a recommendation. Sorry about that!
I had wanted to buy a harp for a while, and I watched your video on a whim last week. I was instantly inspired, and your video was extremely helpful in picking out what I wanted. I am fortunate to have a harp store literally down the street from my home, and I am now the proud owner of a Dusty Strings FH34. Thank you, Christy-Lyn!!!!
Hi Christy-Lyn! I'm finally realizing my harp dream this year (I've been wanting to play since I was 6) and it's an absolute dream I thought would never come true! I have a question; how safe is it to 'decorate' a harp? Both mine are second hand, and although I know painting on the soundboard is a big no-no, what about decals? Should the column be fine to decorate? What about safely embellishing a harp with things like small flatback gems/pearls in a way that won't affect the sound? Is there such a thing as safe adhesives to use? In the end I understand it's more important to have instruments that sounds good above all else, but if there's a way I could make them a little more 'me', that would be fun! Thank you for your time :)
If you can afford to get 26 strings that would really be worth it, because with only 22 strings you won’t be able to play a lot of arrangements written for small harp and that could be very frustrating for you. I recommend 26 strings if you want to start with a small harp 😊
That’s a tough question, because I like different harps for different purposes. At the moment I’m really enjoying my Jolie Hybrid from Music Makers, because it has a clear bright tone which works well when I play in worship band. But when I play for accompanying my singing, I prefer a warmer tone, with lower string tension than the Ogden. So I’ve enjoyed playing harps with folk gut strings, like the Glenelle from Starfish Harps, or the Clare from Thormahlen Harps.
It’s never too late, you can do this 😃🙌🏻 There are even people much older than you learning for the first time in our community, you’ll be in good company 🤗💕
We are Looking for a harp for our toddler, should we start with small harp? Or should we let her use a full 36 strings harp with a chair that can get her up tall enough to play the strings?
That’s a great question! I wish I had more experience with toddlers to give you the best advice. Perhaps you could speak to Keziah Thomas - she has been teaching her son harp since he was very small and she’s excellent with him! I found her on Instagram @harpistkeziah but I’m sure she also has a website / email address. She is based in London.
It’s totally fine to consider the looks as well! You want it to be a harp you like the look of 👍🏻 But also important to consider what music you want to play, and how the harp will interact with your body (tension of strings, size of harp, etc).
I (61) like your videos and they help me a lot to find “my” harp. I am a beginner in playing harp, but I have a lot experience (> 40 years) in playing organ in church… In our city (Germany) is a harp shop and the owner offers a second-hand harp from 1997, Camac lever harp with 36 light-tension gut strings. After your recommendations this could be a good harp for beginners. Next week I will see and hear this harp, and may be…
Hey Larry, generally you wouldn't want to get a harp below 26 strings as anything below would really limit the pieces you would be able to play. Where to buy it? It depends on where you're based. Often it's helpful to try find a local music shop that does harps or you could get it shipped. But we would recommend you start by seeing if there's anywhere you could hire a harp from so that you can test out what would work best for you and then buy it☺️😁 Xx Nicole, LTH Team Member
Hi Christy-Lynn! Lovely to see you, as always. This video is a goldmine of information, I'll definitely come back to it when my harp time comes! I didn't know that the material of the strings affects the sound of the harp (it makes sense, I just never considered it). If I could buy a harp now, I would go for the Ravenna 34. I love the sound of Dusty Strings harps!
Hi Eri! Oh it’s so good to hear that this video has helpful for you... I’d rather share everything I know so you don’t have to do so much research! 😊 The Ravenna is a great choice, lovely harp 👍🏻
Having a dedicated tuner is a good idea because not every phone can pick up the lowest notes of the harp easily, also, you can use a piezo clip-on mic with it to tune in a noisy environment. Or, maybe, get a clip-on tuner in the first place. These tuners are more reliable and durable than phones, too. It's not like they're expensive anyway, a Korg CA-50 costs what, 20 dollars now?
I was playing on my harp but How can I keep it going and I want to keep it up but it is very hard to do because my mom said that I should quit because I am not playing has much I love the to listen to me when I am playing with it but it was hard any ideas on how to keep going
Maybe if you see yourself making progress in your practice time, you will be inspired to practice more! I find that when I see all the success I’m achieving in my practice time, it gets quite addictive! I have some videos to help you practice in the right way so that you will get a lot of success in your practice. Try watching my videos called “the most important practice skill: chunking” and also the video called “watch me use practice loops to progress quickly”.
