34 string comparison: Ravenna vs. Ballad harps

[@smworswick]

The Ravenna is brighter and crispy whereas the other harp is mellow and more dramatic. I love both!!

[@Xani13]

Exactly. They both have their uses depending on what you're trying to accomplish.

[@makeitso4793]

Wish I could afford just one of them. Brought one that would not stay in tune for one sec. I know that happens a bit but it was just silly. It was nice looking but too much work. Maybe I should have pushed the pegs in as I tuned it like I do my violin. When I get some real money I will try again.

[@Xani13]

@@makeitso4793 I hear that. I had to return mine less than a week after purchasing it because I discovered to my surprise the environment in my house is not conducive to a harp. So I have to wait until I can get a house that can handle it.

[@screbbels]

They’re both amazing harps, but there’s something so magical about Dusty Strings instruments 😍

[@pattianne]

The Ravenna sound goes on and on. Love that.

[@susannekalejaiye4351]

very nicely done comparison. I appreciate the text, rather than talking, because it allows my hearing aid assisted ears to focus on the sounds as you place your points. Both sound lovely, I really appreciate the upper register of the Ballad. But I also appreciate the full bodied sound of the Ravenna. I have a 30 string harp

[@LearningtheHarp]

That's so great to hear, and very helpful for us to know when we're planning future videos! So glad you enjoyed 🥰

[@cherrycordial4180]

Agreed. I noticed the text and my first thougtht was 'wow, text to tell of the differences is a fantastic idea'. I much preferred it to speaking or even having a bullet list because it allowed me time to take the information in one piece at a time while i was listening.

[@TheJunehog]

I'm a Dusty Strings guy. I have an FH36S made of maple -- an astounding instrument I don't deserve. I also like the look of them more.

[@balfourknight7011]

Very nice comparison! As a professional pedal harpist, I prefer the Ravenna, and I had the pleasure of owning one for almost five years. I "upgraded" to an FH36S in cherry and traded in the Ravenna! Thanks for this video, and keep on making beautiful harp music.

[@lindadorsey9623]

I’ll take one of each. Depends on the mood I’m in. 😊

[@LearningtheHarp]

Hehe I completely agree! ☺ --Carrie

[@organist1982]

@@KR-ms6km I'll be curious to see if anyone else replies to your question, but I should point out that the Ravenna 34 is widely considered to be a very good all-around harp for beginner and intermediate harp players, as it's relatively inexpensive compared to higher-end harps, has medium string tension, good medium spacing, and is capable of both folk and classical music (though geared more towards folk). I have a large collection of lever harps, including a Ravenna 34, but I chose the optional lever gut stringing. The sound is warmer but still has plenty of sparkle, and I love it! I should point out that the Ballad model has lower string tension and narrower spacing.

[@organist1982]

@@KR-ms6km Oh, I didn't realize you weren't here in the U.S. Have you looked into Salvi or Camac? They both make excellent medium-tension lever harps.

[@TrinityDivineMozart]

The Ravanna has a absolutely wonderful and clear sound. 🎼🙏

[@skiingharpist3147]

The Ballad has a less consistent tone color between octaves. Sometimes it sounds almost PDLT, then other times it’s dark. As I listen, the attack at the beginning of each note on the Ballad can sound initially percussive and bright. Maybe that’s what gives what I’m Perceiving as a slightly inconsistent tone color. The Dusty has a more even color throughout the ranges. Both are beautiful. And both would work better in certain venues &/or churches than the other depending on the harpist’s desire and preference in performance. Both lovely & you play beautifully with awesome technique … so you play them in a way that brings out the depth in both!! Brava!

[@LearningtheHarp]

Aww thank you so much! Those are really interesting observations you made 🙌🏼 --Carrie ♥

[@Momo-dv3ix]

I have the ravenna 26 and the sound is unreal.

[@Tinykniter]

I had a Ravenna for 3+ years and now have a sister of the Ballad, the Jolie. So not a fair comparison, but I prefer the Jolie because the entire range is beautiful. The high notes of the Ravenna were noticeably quieter and brighter. There is a string spacing difference as well. The Ballad has narrower spacing than the Ravenna. I have large hands so it would be an issue for me. Love my Jolie, but I’d say you can’t go wrong with any Dusty Strings or MusicMakers harp! 💕

[@LearningtheHarp]

I have long fingers and could definitely tell a difference with the string spacing as well! Something to get used to forsure 😃 -Carrie ♥

[@organist1982]

Very nice comparison! I should point out that the Ravenna has the option to have Camac levers just like the Ballad. I have a Ravenna 34 and requested Camac levers. I also have a Dusty Boulevard 34 with the stiffer Loveland levers, as the Camac levers weren't yet an option on the Boulevard when I got it, but I much prefer the Camac levers.

[@LearningtheHarp]

This is a great point! 🙌🏼

[@AngelaBoraston]

So interesting to have these two side by side to compare. Both beautiful harps! Thanks for making this.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Yes hearing them side by side really makes you aware of qualities you might have not noticed otherwise! It's so interesting 😃♥ -Carrie

[@AngelaBoraston]

@LearningtheHarp yes exactly that...and in the same way helps make one more self aware too. Its been interesting to watch this and find in myself what I prefer and don't. Harps are so personal aren't they? And so special.

[@shannonsharpstory]

Wonderful comparison! I like both harps. I have the Ravenna 34 and LOVE it. I have the regular levers, and I do agree they are a bit stiff feeling, but if you buy direct from Dusty Strings there is an option to upgrade to Camac levers. I have a pick-up in mine and when plugging in, I often let the Sound People know they may need to turn down the bass a bit, as the bass strings really resonate forever! (Sometimes a bit of slight muffling helps). But I love my Dusty Strings Ravenna-34 and will be keeping it for quite awhile. 🥰

[@marykatespring]

Great video! I loved the Ravenna.

[@clawrence53]

Your playing is beautiful!! I like both of them.

[@GrupoChucumite]

I've always loved Dusty Strings and have owned 2 FH36, a Ravenna and now an Allegro 26 which i picked up locally for $150 (!). I must say I like the mellow, rich sound of the Ballad. Well done.

[@aidaniams9160]

Lovely comparison! I started on a Ravenna back in 2017 and was very pleased with the quality. I tend not to like lower tension harps as much, but the medium tension of Dusty instruments feels very comfortable for me. One note about the levers: the comparison is less about the model of the harp and more about the type of lever itself. The Ravenna comes standard with Loveland levers (the black levers in the video), but can be "upgraded" to Camac levers, similar to what is on the Ballad here.

[@LearningtheHarp]

That's a great point about the levers! 🙂

[@yomo4u]

Beautiful comparison!

[@ceilidhmckay9066]

Wonderful to learn the subtle differences! ❤

[@SharonCullenArt]

The sound of the Ravenna sounds harsh to me. It is somewhat unpleasant to my ears. It sounds like the notes lose their tone over the sustain whereas the Ballad has a cleaner fuller sound. It holds its tone throughout the entire ring of the sound. I actually compared the Ravenna with the Jolie for several weeks with different harpists playing them and listened to recordings with my eyes closed over and over and the Ravenna began grating on me. I just don’t like its sound. Yes it is louder but that’s all it has going for it.i often wondered if the tension on the Ravenna was a bit lower or something and that’s why I didn’t care for the sound.

[@ShelleyE]

Thanks for doing a great comparison of these harps! Tip: add the written notes into your transcript file with time stamps. We can listen without watching and read the notes later then.

[@inthedaysstillleft1257]

Thank you, Carrie!

[@nwpioneer2551]

I love the Ravena. I't so much brighter, fuller and very wholsom. (spelling?) And you are so fantastic, thank you.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Aww thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts! ♥

[@skipdubrin8825]

Great comparison video. Would be nice to have a comparison done of a Dusty Strings FH36S in cherry and a cherry Thormalan Swan.

[@taracarolin9082]

You are right. They both have different strengths. Overall, I prefer the warm resonance of the Ballad. I find the high notes too shrill on the Ravenna. I got to play a Ravenna 26 in person once and found it tinny and disappointing, but I would love to hear a Ravenna 34 in person.

[@organist1982]

Next: a comparison video of the Ballad vs Jolie hybrid! 😃

[@nikikranz]

You play the Ballad faster, lighter, thanks to the less string tension. The notes flow so easily on it! Both sound wonderful. I have a Salvi Mia, it's much easier to get that here in Europe I guess :)

[@HarpKit]

We at Musicmakers are in the process of setting up operations in Sweden to assemble and distribute our popular harps in Europe. Keep an eye out in the near future.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Yes, those quick passages really do flow on the Ballad harp!

[@drp2200]

I love sound of music makers harps the best. So glad there are different options for us😊

[@maatkaramaatkara5170]

The Ravenna has a sharp sound while the Ballad is warmer...

[@simp_pdf]

Omg! Great comparison! I love both 😍 Are we getting tuts for the Butterfly Jig soon???? 👀🤞

[@emblamiriam]

The Ravenna is more resonant! Definitely my favourite of the two, though both sound very nice. By the way, I'd love to learn The Little Fountain (you've really made me fall in love with the piece!!), but I'm unable to find the sheet music anywhere... Any ideas? All the best.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Here is a link to purchase a book that includes The Little Fountain! www.vaharpcenter.com/sheet-music/p/danses-pour-la-dauphine?rq=pratt I believe it can be purchased as a solo piece as well, but I'm honestly not sure where. The wonderful folks at the Virginia Harp Center might be able to point you in the right direction if you didn't want to purchase the whole book! 🤗

[@emblamiriam]

@@LearningtheHarp Thank you so much!! 💓

[@SiljeLiumMusic]

Your playing is so, so beautiful ❤️❤️❤️

[@LearningtheHarp]

Aww thank you so much! 💚

[@musicalmarion]

Hi Carrie ! Wonderful comparison, I have the Ravenna which is strong but quite blurry, but the Ballad is clearer with a less powerful sound I think. Both sound great though when you play ! 🎶

[@LearningtheHarp]

That's a great way to describe it! 💚

[@CzechJamie]

I have. Listened to this comparison 3 times. Thank you for your comments while reviewing these 2. Actually, I am considering Ravenna vs Jolie. I would love any comments you have, or if there is a review of those 2, please advise me. My harp journey began 2 yrs ago. I jumped in and got a walnut full sickle se. While learning my 1st song, I realized I wanted a few more strings. The ds fh36 has caught my ear. But I think 36 strings might be a clumsy reach for me esp for lever changes. Maybe there is another I should include in my KZbin reviewing?

[@bettyp6259]

What a wonderful comparison you provided! One question: do they have the same string spacing? Thank you.

[@LearningtheHarp]

No, the Ballad’s string spacing is narrower 😊

[@GloriaGarcia-yv1tk]

Wonderful comparison, thank you for doing this! I actually love both! However,maybe I’m a little biased (since I own a Dusty 36S & a Ravenna 26) but I still love the resonance of a Dusty, but yeah those Loveland levers, I agree, are too stiff & Camacs are so much better (I have them on my 22 string Triplett Zephyr) and they’re like butter for flipping…thanks again!!

[@LearningtheHarp]

So you can really relate to this video, having both harps! That's so neat 😃 Glad you're enjoying them! ♥

[@KaysCutz]

Please don’t take my comment the wrong way but as a bilateral hearing aid wearer I much prefer the sound of the Ballad, as the Ravenna sounds very tinny in comparison. The Ballad sounds much clearer to me. I would love you to do you lessons on the Ballad instead of the Ravenna as it is much clearer and the sound doesn’t resonate as much.

[@LearningtheHarp]

No offense taken! I actually only teach on the Ballad now 😃 The Virginia Harp Center was very generously lending us the Ravenna for Learning the Harp videos, but we've since given it back now that we have the Ballad harp! ♥

[@barbaragittings5523]

I prefer the Ballad it has a beautiful tone I find the Ravana to sharp on the ears 😊

[@bluelinebabe1]

This type of video is so very helpful and educational --plus, just a delight to hear you! Thank you!

[@LearningtheHarp]

You are SO sweet! I'm glad you enjoyed 🥰 --Carrie

[@cassieescobar8083]

The Ballad harp to me sounds cheery, higher pitched (although I know it's the same notes!) and softer; the Ravenna sounds richer, louder, and I agree, the strings seems to ring longer. Both sound very pretty though, and it is very interesting to hear both played side by side. I would not be able to tell the difference if I was hearing them separately. It's like seeing identical twins - I can only tell the difference when they are both before me at the same time! Hard to tell them apart when they are not together! (my neighbors!) :). Thank you for doing this, Carrie! Good to hear differences in harp brands! I'm curious - does the shape of the harp make the difference in sound? (i.e., Dusty Strings is pitched higher on the lower strings)

[@LearningtheHarp]

Yes!! Hearing them side by side really makes you aware of qualities you may not notice otherwise 🤗 As for the shape of the harp, I would bet there is an impact on the sound! That would be really interesting to ask a harp maker 😃 The harp is such a complex instrument, I'm sure they think through every detail like that!

[@nwpioneer2551]

I justy found THE KINGS HARPISTS. Fantastic. 144 harpists at he same time.

[@dgsoriano]

The Ravenna has a brighter more melodious sound. Both sound beautiful. If I had to choose I would go with the Ravenna.

[@immortalshe3333]

Ravenna's note (pitch) is quite higher and somehow muffled (not noticeably) and ballad sounds kinda deeper with much of an elegant pitch. Seems I'll be choosing Ravenna for bright music and ballad for some serious soundings❤️

[@sprinklechesed]

There is an online harpist from Italy who talks about how she likes different harps for different songs. A Thousand Years and Mahogany Moon both sound gentler and more soothing on the Ballad harp. The Ballad also sounds more -- antique? It makes me think more of a harpsichord sound, of an older sort of harp. The Ravenna seems to have more volume.

[@LearningtheHarp]

That's so interesting! I can definitely hear what you mean about it sounding more antique 😃

[@elizabethdexter3779]

How about string tension?

[@Pythonaria]

The Ravenna but then I am biased as it's a Ravenna 34 I have.

[@hollyharps]

To me, the Ravenna has a brighter tone and is louder. While the lower weight is a plus, I prefer lighter string tension. I think the higher tension is for people who want to play pedal harp later on, or who play both. I wouldn't complain if someone gave me either one, though!

[@makeitso4793]

Seems to depend on the song being played. Just like I would not play bluegrass on a classic guitar for say, the 1st harp seems more robust in sound and clarity, while the second one is a bit more quieter and sounds better with a slow tune carefully plucked or played out. One song soungs good on one and another on the other one but I like the 1st one.

[@LearningtheHarp]

That's a really great point! It's cool to have different instruments for various styles ☺

[@ericdoce4974]

Although I love the Ravenna’s brightness and fullness and design, I hear on the Ballad a kind of clarity that surprisingly I seem to prefer!

[@LearningtheHarp]

I totally get that! It does have a very clear sound ♥

[@cheryla9951]

The sound of both harps is lovely as I listen through my computer headphones and I so appreciate these harp comparisons! It can narrow the field when you are shopping for the sound you want. Just keep in mind hearing the harps in person can give you a different sound/feel than a reproduction. I bought a harp based only on what I heard played online and was greatly disappointed. So if at all possible find one you can hear in person. I went to Thormahlen harps and heard Sharon play the different models after hearing them on their website. I liked what I heard and knew it was the sound I wanted...... And if you can't visit a harp store try to find someone in your area that has a harp you are interested in and would be willing to let you hear it in person. This approach may save you much time, money and disappointment.

[@LearningtheHarp]

That’s great advice, Cheryl! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@medicinehatpinto7242]

Creator bless n keep you safe, sister. Love you!

[@karlaarndt1321]

If the notes are low, I prefer the Ravenna. If the notes are high, I prefer the Ballad. The Ravenna’s high notes literally hurt my ears. They are much too bright.

[@orionspero560]

Both harps have a lighter brighter sound than I would prefer.

[@RonaldDelby]

Ravenna best especially if you are in a venue without sound speakers

[@omarkassem8191]

I think the Ballad has a little richer, warmer tone than the Ravenna.

[@maddalenasodo9566]

Ravenna

[@friedfish69]

Through tablet speakers? Ravenna has more high-end without being shrill. Ballad is beautiful, perhaps better in ensemble, because it leaves a bit more room for other instruments.

[@LearningtheHarp]

That's a really interesting thought about the Ballad! It certainly could cut through an ensemble nicely 👍🏼

[@artviolino7251]

❤🤗🎶🎶🎶

[@loco4636]

Send me one of each, please. . .

[@LearningtheHarp]

😆💚

[@MariaFlores-eg6zq]

Ravenna is more brighter and ballad sounds like it is more lacked in the sound box

[@moniquemanspeaker7803]

I like revinna more

[@friedfish69]

Second comment... You say the two harps have different strengths and uses. Don't leave us hanging; what are the strengths and uses? Also, you comment that the Ravenna is mellow, while @smworswick and aI both heard clearer high end from the Ravenna. Could be the speakers. Could be confirmation bias on my part - I've been drooling over Ravenna's for a while. Thoughts?

[@LearningtheHarp]

Yes I've heard varying opinions on this! It could be the difference of speakers, and also maybe how I hear it live as I'm playing may be slightly different than how it sounds over a recording. As far as the different strengths and uses for the harps, I would say the lower string tension of the Ballad feels more suitable for Celtic music, while the Ravenna leans more in the direction of classical music with the slightly higher tension 😃

[@jeannieb.]

The Ballad is "fruitier."

[@LearningtheHarp]

Haha "fruity" isn't a word I would've thought to describe the sound of a harp, yet, it's so accurate! 😆

[@ZhiyingChoo]

what does Fruitier mean?