Aklot 16 String Deer LYRE HARP Review | Is it any good?

[@reynard1206]

Wolven Storm is always the best music for testing a lyre harp

[@SamanthaonMars]

True! And it shows you have good taste 😎

[@TheChaotiCake]

I really like this style of lyre, because you have access to all strings with both hands. Plus, it's pretty :) the lyre I have now is almost the same as your other one, just without the bowl in the middle. I was worried that the spaces were too close on this lyre, but like you said, it's something you likely can overcome. I think I'll get this as an extra and so that I have another to play with others.

[@SamanthaonMars]

The closer spacing calls for more accuracy and a shift from playing with my fingertips to the top most part of the fingertips. Right now, I'm having a lot of buzzing from accidentally touching other strings and it can be frustrating. The pretty design definitely helps with my motivation. 🤣

[@TheChaotiCake]

@@SamanthaonMars I'd like to learn to play that way, because it's universal to all lyres, I'm having trouble enough playing with my full fingertips so far though lol

[@gny2227]

​@@SamanthaonMarsdo you know where i can buy new strings for this model? Kind regards

[@AshleyCroft_atomicangel86]

This is the one I have! I love it. Such a beautiful lyre. I picked this style because I can use both hands, like you would for a harp. The finger spacing is small, but is easier with longer nails.

[@SamanthaonMars]

Thanks so much for the suggestion! Yes, nails! How come I never thought of that? lol

[@connieLo87365]

Thank you Samantha for this wonderful unboxing, the multi methods of playing. I think it is a worthy lyre.

[@SoftKitteh]

I bought this one. Mostly for the space there is to play two handed. Beautiful lyre, great review.

[@ghostleeee9036]

This is the type of lyre that I have ^_^ its really prettyyy

[@alicema8058]

The sound is clear, the teaching is clear and easy to understand, great! good❤🎉

[@SamanthaonMars]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for your constant support!

[@learningthelyreharp]

Fantastic unboxing video Samantha! This is my first lyre I love mine!

[@SamanthaonMars]

Thank you, Sharon! I'm starting to love it too!

[@petercane6376]

Thank you Samantha. As a follow up to this video and your comparisons video I have just ordered the Deer 16 string lyre. It seems to be exactly the same as an Aklot but I cannot read the label. At any rate it looks the same and is made of good materials. Only $53 Australian including postage. Cannot go wrong.

[@SamanthaonMars]

Oh wow, that's an incredible deal! Enjoy your new instrument!

[@chrismatthews2040]

I just bought one of these and I'm very pleased with it :) Although I'm not overly happy with the bag, as it doesn't offer any padded protection. So I'd be worried about taking it anywhere outside the house. Can you recommend any protective bags? I've run a quick search on Google but haven't found any bags that would match :(

[@SamanthaonMars]

Hello. Congratulations on getting a lyre! I've seen people use laptop bags for their lyres. There's padded protection and a handle for carrying it around with. =)

[@chrismatthews2040]

@@SamanthaonMars thanks! That's a great tip :3

[@SamanthaonMars]

@@chrismatthews2040 You're so welcome!

[@SmolAnon3]

I ended up buying this one after watching this :)

[@benedictash1358]

This is the harp I have 💙💚💙 I love it

[@SamanthaonMars]

That's cool!!

[@blairmiraculous7144]

Do those strings need to be changed? And what kind of strings work best for the deer head Lyre?

[@SamanthaonMars]

I've had the deer lyre for a year and the strings still look pretty new, but sooner or later they will rust due to moisture on my fingers and in the air. If that happens, they will need to be changed. The default strings are metal.

[@Voidling_System]

First of all, so close to 69. Second of all, I'm so happy to hear that you're being sent stuff now, you've been pretty valuable.

[@Voidling_System]

Of course, a flawless performane of "Can't help Falling in Love" to show off the instrument. Wish I had thought about using both hands before I had bought my lyre, but I spent the money and put several months. Don't sound nearly as good, but I got sloppy with practice unfortunately. But good to know about the string spacing, as I have fat fingers and struggle enough with my Donner 16 String. Though I might eventually get this because this is an instrument I can actually afford multiple of.

[@SamanthaonMars]

@@Voidling_System ​Thank you for always supporting me! This lyre has much closer spacings than my main Aklot, making it more difficult to play. I still can't manage to play with both hands. Maybe I'll post a video comparing the different lyres I have to serve as a reference point for anyone interested.

[@Voidling_System]

@@SamanthaonMars From what I've seen you've got two out of the three common designs for the 16 string lyre, and given that the only one missing is the style like the Donner 16 string I got, you've got enough to cover since the strings appear to be about the same width and the body is almost exactly the same as the Aklot, just with a flat back and the hollow inside like your 7 string, so I'd say it would be nice, especially for those looking to get a lyre as they'll see all the major designs, and hear from a player the differences in actually playing it to help decide what design to get since they all seem to be of similar quality at this price range. But yeah, I absolutely love to support how I can, this channel has almost singehandedly taught me to play and exposed me to enough lyre music to begin to pick up my own songs. Thank you for always putting out videos.

[@SamanthaonMars]

@@Voidling_System As a matter of fact, Aklot sent me another lyre that may have the same style like your Donner's! I haven't released a video of it yet but it's coming up. Stay tuned 😆

[@Voidling_System]

@@SamanthaonMars Oh? Looking forward to it now. Also, nice again.

[@Skeksistential-crisis]

I got this one!! Excited to start learning ❤

[@SamanthaonMars]

Wonderful! Hope you enjoy it!

[@desvictto]

i looove this lyre, i have the same in blue, she reminds me of the greeks =) ** sry for my bad english

[@SamanthaonMars]

Ah... the blue one is beautiful too!

[@theodoredan773]

Wow new harp ^•^

[@SamanthaonMars]

Yep! Cool design this one!

[@connieLo87365]

Samantha, how does the pic up sound, if you have tried it?

[@SamanthaonMars]

Hi Connie. I haven't tried the pickup. I think I'm going to try it in a new video. =)

[@ranuakter584]

SO COOL!!

[@SamanthaonMars]

Agree! This model is growing on me everyday.

[@Jacob_Yusuf]

This is awesome music instrument I need it for impress my God Plz help me where I buy it (My English is weak I hope are understand my feelings and my words) Thank you so much this video

[@SamanthaonMars]

Hello. I got my lyres on Amazon. If you click open the description, you can find the product links there.

[@mochitofumochitofu5970]

This is the lyre that I have!

[@SamanthaonMars]

How cool!

[@internaut4257]

im worried about buying a lyre harp like this because of the spacing of the strings, im a big guy with big hands and it might be an obstacle

[@SamanthaonMars]

Some people find playing with their nails instead of the fingertips helps. A pick may also be used but the downside is you can only play one note at a time.

[@brians132]

Use picks/plectrums with loops that fit over the end of your thumb and 1st finger for more accuracy if strings are close together. Zither players do this. Look at some zither music videos and you'll see what I mean.

[@SamanthaonMars]

@@brians132 Thank you. I'm actually waiting for my order of finger picks to arrive. They're on their way and I'm looking forward to trying them out.

[@coleenilagan6173]

Hi Samantha! I was planning to buy a lyre harp and happens to see your uploads. I was wondering, would you recommend this type for small hands. When I was younger, I want to play the guitar, but because I have small hands, it's hard for me to reach the other chords and can only play the simple ones. I know a little of keyboard and accordion playing though. I have learned from your other videos that this has smaller spacing between strings. Which type can you recommend for me? Thank you.

[@SamanthaonMars]

Hi Coleen. I have small hands and I play the guitar so I understand your concern. The good news is the lyre harp does not require twisting the fingers into awkward positions so it is not something to worry about. The only consideration is the spacing between strings. I play by plucking and so I prefer things to be roomier. The deer lyre has too little space for me to play difficult songs comfortably. However, if you use the gliding method (like what she does here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoLbo42Ne9SFqrc . See how her finger goes over but not in between the strings?). It works for the deer lyre and other types of lyres. If you play the keyboard, you may already know different ways to add bass notes to the melody. You may even consider 21 or 24 string lyres.

[@coleenilagan6173]

@@SamanthaonMars Thank you for a such informative response. I will definitely consider your suggestion.

[@coleenilagan6173]

@@SamanthaonMars I might as well go for another type because I think I also want to do the plucking technique when playing. Any suggestion for alternative to choose from for my first lyre harp? Hope of good quality but not too pricey.

[@SamanthaonMars]

@@coleenilagan6173 Glad to help! I haven't tried any 21 or 24 strings myself. I've only had three 16-string lyres and a 7-string lyre. I think you can look at other people's review / unboxing videos. Also don't forget to check the seller's reviews to get some idea of the quality. I hope you find the perfect lyre for you. :)

[@coleenilagan6173]

@@SamanthaonMars Thank you Sam! Your advice is a big help.

[@georginaart]

Hello, I bought the 16-string aklot lyre on Amazon, it is the same as yours except for the bridge that has metal in the middle, what is the difference with yours, which is the aklot okoume? thank you very much for your videos!

[@SamanthaonMars]

Hi. I haven't personally tried a lyre with a metal bridge, or one made of okoume wood, so I can't provide a comparison. I'm sorry I can't offer more specific insights!

[@harmonytrue6799]

Thank you

[@SamanthaonMars]

Thanks for leaving a comment :)

[@Kai-yx1eb]

10/10 I fucking lost it when you started playing priscillas song.

[@vickil6325]

I hope you can answer my question as I will return soon to check it out. My question is: Does all the strings matched the piano tunes??

[@SamanthaonMars]

Hi. I’m not sure what you mean by matching the piano. The 16 strings of the lyre are tuned to G3 A3 B3 C4 D4 E4 F4 G4 A4 B4 C5 D5 E5 F5 G5 A5, which are all notes found on a piano. For certain songs we may have to re-tune some strings to other notes, but it depends on the song.

[@4_P_010]

Do you recommend this lyre for beginners who know very little?

[@SamanthaonMars]

It depends on the type of music you want to play. Historic or ancient music gear towards 10 strings or less. If you want to play a wide range of music, I'd recommend 16 strings like this one. 16 is a good range for beginners. Enough to accommodate various genres, but not too many to be overwhelming. I have a video comparing three 16-string models. I think it will help you decide which type is better for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2TdZYJ4iamHerM

[@4_P_010]

@@SamanthaonMars Of course 16 strings seems fine to me, but could the space between strings be a problem? That makes me doubt and it would be a shame not to have that wonderful design.

[@SamanthaonMars]

@@4_P_010 The closer strings of the deer model do in fact make playing more difficult compared to the other two models in the video. Buzzing is still a problem I struggle with the deer lyre, even after 6 months. I feel more comfortable and confident with the other two models. But then this is also because of the way I play. My fingers go in between the strings which increase the chance of buzzing. If you use the glide method (explained by Sharon Brownell in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/pauuXomvj86pr9k) or the Kora method (kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnWrimqXqLBkedU), you won't get this problem so much.

[@1N5RYP710N]

Hi there! I’ve been thinking about getting a lyre, what would you suggest for absolute beginners?

[@SamanthaonMars]

Hello! If you're an absolute beginner, I would recommend considering a model with at least 16 strings. It provides a good range for learning and playing various melodies. You might find my other video helpful, where I compared different types of common lyre harps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2TdZYJ4iamHerM .

[@1N5RYP710N]

@@SamanthaonMars thank you so much! I’ll check it out :)

[@agnesgilliet1495]

Bonjour, j'aimerais pouvoir acheter cette Lyre. Pourriez vous s'il vous plait me dire ou je peux la commander .Merci beaucoup

[@SamanthaonMars]

Hi. I got it on Amazon. I've put the link in the description. Hope it helps. :)

[@KnotsnMore]

@Samantha on Mars is it ok if I don't adjust the string to be evenly spaced apart?

[@SamanthaonMars]

Yes. The lyre is still playable.

[@KnotsnMore]

@@SamanthaonMars Thx :)

[@KnotsnMore]

@@SamanthaonMars Sry but I have 1 more question what is the reason for adjusting the strings to be evenly spaced out?

[@SamanthaonMars]

@@KnotsnMore Sure, no problem. If the gaps are uneven, the fingers may bump into unwanted strings by accident. It's harder to play smoothly. Just like walking an uneven staircase. You have to walk slower because it's easier to fall. So if it's possible, even out the strings on the lyre. =)

[@KnotsnMore]

@@SamanthaonMars ok noted :)

[@Ezoupe]

I'm from Brazil, and I thinking on buying this one, I worried that when come this lyre to Brazil, broke in the way :(

[@SamanthaonMars]

Buy from a shop that offers returns. In the case the lyre broke, you can return it and get your money back.

[@Ezoupe]

@@SamanthaonMars thank you :)

[@Stefanovic]

Thank you for your thorough review of the Deer variant. I am looking to buy either of the two lyres in this video, but I'd just like to know what the difference in resonance is between the small sound hole of the Deer variant, and the open bowl of the other lyre? Which one has more resonance (acoustically, not with the mic)?

[@SamanthaonMars]

Hi. I'd say lyres with sound boxes have more resonance than ones that don't, so the Deer wins in this aspect. I see you play the guitar, and very well too! I've been learning the guitar for a few years, and to me as a guitar player, a notable difference between the Deer and the Bowl is the spacing between strings. The strings on the Deer are much closer to each other (compare at 0:40). Towards the sides they're even closer than the strings on my Fender Strat at the pickup. The Bowl, on the other hand, offers more generous spacings. Not sure if it matters to you, but hope this information helps. =)

[@Stefanovic]

@@SamanthaonMars Thank you for getting back to me with the insight and thanks you for the feedback! I will try each one and compare how I feel about the volume and string spacing. I’ll likely prefer the one with closer spacing to a standard guitar.

[@rezz3789]

Cool

[@sleepdeprived019]

Hello :)

[@SamanthaonMars]

Hello!! Hope you're doing well =)