Differences Between a Pedal Harp and Lever Harp

[@emilyharpist]

Thanks for watching! If you have any questions about the harp, comment below! 💙 🎶

[@diamondmoonwolf]

This helps a lot! I want to add the harp as part of my bouquet list of skills I can learn. Didn’t know which of the two was better for me but I think I’ll go with the Celtic/lever harp, thankyou!

[@brianweeks87]

What are the lowest notes on harps? Pedal versus lever? Cb1?

[@liszt132]

This video helped me a lot! This is what I was looking for. I didn't knew what a harp can play (I'm a composer) and I needed to know what's possible and what's impossible. Now I know how the instrument works, makes me a lot easier compose on it (I tried to avoid putting harp in my compositions by the same reason)

[@sofia.isabellawright2926]

I have one. What are the harp brands names?

[@miracleraynnecrockett]

Short, sweet, and straight to the point! This was great! Didn't even realize how complicated harp was!

[@emilyharpist]

thank you so much!! 🥰❤️

[@oscarosullivan4513]

Or get a Cláirseach

[@benjamin9901]

Much respect to all harpists. I studied music composition in college for awhile, and learning to write for pedal harp really well was difficult because of how idiosyncratic the pedal system was. I actually didn't know lever harps existed so thank you for teaching me something new!

[@russellfrohberg2736]

Table Cat is my hero, you really need to feature her in more videos

[@emilyharpist]

😂

[@NaomiSV]

Neat video! You mention that some songs sound better on lever harps. Which do you feel are more suited for lever harps? Is there a big difference in the sound between both types of harps?

[@emilyharpist]

Hey Naomi!! I find a lot of Celtic and folk music typically work better on lever harp! If I need something with a more “grandiose” feel, I usually use the pedal harp, especially for wedding music and pop music at my gigs. I used my lever harp last year in the studio for a video game score that’s still in development and it was just way better suited for the style of that game, and also for a cover of a Bon Iver song cause it had that level of intimacy and tone that song needed. I have a few videos using my lever harp which are a good example of the sound quality difference from my usual pedal harp videos! It’s not any better or worse; just a different sound! I end up using my pedal harp more because there are usually a lot of accidentals in the covers I play, and it’s so much easier to plug my electric pedal harp direct-in and not have to worry about background noise when recording

[@NaomiSV]

@@emilyharpist Thank you so much for the detailed reply! I'd love to get my hands on a pedal harp at some point, if only for the convenience with accidentals! My lever-changing game isn't exactly on point, so I usually just plan where my accidentals are going to fall and arrange around that, haha. Is the string tension much higher with your pedal harp?

[@emilyharpist]

@@NaomiSV hahah well that works too!! 😂 yeah I think the string tension is higher on my pedal harp; I think especially because it’s electroacoustic, it has a higher tension than my other Salvi pedal harp (or at least it felt like it!!). Each harp has it’s differences I guess 🤷‍♀️

[@BristolHarpist]

I was also about to ask this!

[@BristolHarpist]

@@emilyharpist That's so interesting! I've recently ordered my first pedal harp (I also ended up going for an electro acoustic one in the end) but while I was looking around and trying out different models I tried a camac little big blue and a few salvis and felt like the string tension was much higher on a salvi! But then I was trying these out maybe a month apart, so it's likely my memory of what each felt like/compared wasn't entirely accurate :D

[@rwoodw]

Thank you so much for this video! I'm a pianist trying to arrange a piece that has harp in it for a small ensemble, and this definitely helps make things easier!

[@emilyharpist]

I’m so glad to have helped in some way! Best of luck arranging the piece! If it’s for pedal harp, be sure to be conscious of pedal changes for harp when arranging, it can be very helpful for the performer!

[@rwoodw]

@@emilyharpist I did some research and found which pedal on each side affects each note, so I’ll keep that in mind when writing any accidentals! I’ll also talk to the harpist about what works best for them :)

[@danmccrossen4374]

Thanks so much for this quick video! I have a middle school violin student who also plays harp, so we're doing a piece with harp (Mvt. 3 from Mahler 1). She told me she had a lever harp, which I had never heard of. Luckily she has a harp teacher who will help her with the part! Thanks again!

[@IniresMirrors]

Oof. I wish I could've seen this video before I wrote that piece for that small ensemble. I finished it before I knew that not all harps are pedal harps (or work like them), taking great care to be economical and elegant with the pedal changes, only to find out that their harpist plays a lever harp. I'll definitely be keeping my eye on your channel, though, because this is super helpful (and fun, besides)!

[@EyeRed789]

i would love to hear more about harp string types, setup methods, and other luthier-oriented stuff:) and also just like learning more about how you as a harpist conceptualize the array of strings into different shapes n stuff would be cool! nice vid:)

[@emilyharpist]

I'll do my best!!! I've got some similar videos coming soon. Thanks so much for watching ♡

[@nerdebynature]

I had no idea! I assumed the pedals were similar to sustain pedals on a piano. Thanks for the informative video!

[@emilyharpist]

That’s a common misconception! A lot of people assume that, it’s a pretty good guess!

[@tonyadams4989]

Super! Love your blue pedal harp! You did a super job describing the differences!!

[@emilyharpist]

Thanks Tony!!! ❤️

[@TheRockinDonkey]

Thank you guys for sharing this video in your livestream. Very interesting. Something I never even considered.

[@ollocsband5137]

I’m just here for the cat on the table in the background

[@russellfrohberg2736]

Came for the harp, stayed for table cat

[@emilyharpist]

@@russellfrohberg2736 LMAO

[@agatone20]

I am amazed, I am discovering the world of harp thanks to you, so much respect for your skill and dedication. I play several instruments but nothing as complicated as harp. Thank you for educating us! Just subscribed. BTW, love that bad ass little blue harp, what a beast!!! I want one and I can't even play a note on harp, lol 🤘🤘

[@kickasscorm]

That is phenomenal. I am grateful. I have a lever harp and wanted to know what the pedal harp did differently. Thank you

[@EXP-oi7qs]

Thank you so much for sharing your videos, your candor is much appreciated. The experimental videos with the effects are great and fresh. 🤘🏽❤️‍🔥🎼

[@levithewizard]

I love dusty strings such a cool shop of old school bluegrass and folk pickers and their harps are amazing.

[@acbetka]

Before watching this, the only thing I knew about the harp was that I loved the sound 😅 thanks for the informative and quick intro!

[@emilyharpist]

Thanks so much!

[@murlthesquir]

1:18 Down at the base of your pedal harp, are those XLR jacks to hook up for recording?

[@emilyharpist]

they're 1/4" outputs for recording! :) I show them more in this video!: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2aVZmaMgZ6Ajs0

[@MrW3iss]

Thanks for the pleasant and thorough explanation, and showing off your harps a bit. They are beautiful, especially that Little Big Blue 😍 Best wishes 🌠

[@Ghaos]

OMG thanks for sending me here, and yay me for actually paying attention enough in theory class to understand what you were saying.

[@favoritemoovies4677]

Hi! I just got my first harp which is a lever harp. I have never played but I do play piano and guitar. This helped :)

[@emilyharpist]

Omg that’s SO exciting!!! :) I’m so happy to have helped you and I wish you so much luck on your harp journey!!!!

[@AndyMangele]

That was extremely informative I dare say! 👍

[@itznoxy7193]

Great video, thanks for sharing. Would you say there is a noticeable difference in the sound between the two? And if so how would you describe the difference? Thanks.

[@bassiclymike]

Hi Emily, I recently discovered your playing and am loving it. I am a bass guitar player in my spare time and really enjoy "how to" or informational videos of other instruments. About your gorgeous harps, what are the tuning ranges? Also, are they tuned chromatically or to a specific key? I'm thinking they are in a specific key, and you use the levers or pedals to change they key? Four strings are plenty for me to play! LOL Love your playing, the tones you get and the often amusing pedal effects videos! Keep up the great work!

[@xXKIKOXx0]

it was! thank you for the video. maybe do you have a few suggestions for nice sounds lever harps + affordable for a student?

[@emilyharpist]

yes I do!! please feel free to join my Discord channel, we have a whole section prepared for the best lever harps for beginners!! 🥰❤️

[@dougbeacon9760]

You should do a video on how to tune a harp!

[@emilyharpist]

Coming soon!!!

[@melodysisters2050]

@@emilyharpist thank you!

[@lyubov0807]

Thank you Emily for your information. I am a pianist, and would like to learn harp. Shall I begin with a lever harp? The other option for me is to practice on a pedal harp at my work place. If you have a good method book recommendation, please advice me. Greatly appreciate. Your harps looks fabulous and sounds gorgeous.

[@papaguillojr.6055]

Ohhh... I did not know that, for me it was only the big harp, the small harp, and the harp with things Jajajaja. But I have a little question, how much does one of those harps cost? Because do they look expensive. Regards!!

[@emilyharpist]

Hahahaha the more you know 🌈 ✨ Pedal harps are typically a lot more expensive than lever harps - the lever harp in this video costs about $4,000 and my blue pedal harp costs around $20,000

[@papaguillojr.6055]

@@emilyharpist I figured it out, that's more than I earn in two years Jajjajaja. And I'm sorry if I speak a little weird, what happens is that I am learning to speak English and I still use a translator to speak.

[@emilyharpist]

@@papaguillojr.6055 I didn’t notice!! Your English is great!! I have a lot of international friends whose first language is not English, so please, don’t worry about it! 🥰

[@RossellaDeFalcoSoleyCelticHarp]

Dear Emily, thanks for sharing! I'd like to ask: did you ever consider getting an electric harp (like Camac DHC, or Salvi Delta, etc.)? If not, why? I am very curious to hear your thoughts on this!!

[@davehopping7212]

As a pedal steel guitarist I'm intrigued with the idea of pedal harps using pedal steel mechanisms to change pitch. It would then be possible to "slide" from one chord to another on the same group of strings, opening up a lot of possibilities for harp players.

[@dakunclear]

I'm thinking about learning harp and I'm 35 now. I played clarinet in Junior High School for a few years but outside of that I have been out of the music playing fase for a long time. Do you think this could take me someone or just be something I would do for fun knowing my age.

[@emilyharpist]

Oh that’s so wonderful!!! I think regardless of whether you learn it for fun or for a career path, either one is possible - career path will take a lot longer, but NOT because of your age. It takes a long time for ANYONE looking to play harp professionally - I started my first gigs after 14 years of studying from the very beginning. Please never think it’s “too late” to start taking lessons. The harp genuinely brings so much joy to my every day life, so please, if it’s something that is strongly resonating with you, I really encourage you to seek out a harp instructor and take a few lessons at first to see how much you love it!!! 💖

[@dakunclear]

@@emilyharpist Thank you, I have begun a search for just renting a harp in my city and the only harps they have is 26string. Finding lessons has been a breeze though. Just finding a 34+ string lever harp has become a challenge the one place that does sell them doesn't have any in stock and haven't for a few years.

[@DadBodDrumming]

You are so adorable! I would watch you play anything

[@belladonna953]

Hello, have you done a video on how you set up your lever harp with distortion pedals, thanks.

[@emilyharpist]

This is the closest thing right now! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnK3aXlod698qdU

[@originalvonster]

Thank you. I’m reading a book on orchestration at the moment and it says there is no such thing as double sharps or flats on a harp. Is that true?

[@RJD3o2000]

What’s the song in the background called?

[@antosanchez9318]

Hello, Could you recommend a brand to buy harps?

[@melodysisters2050]

I was wondering if you could do a video on enharmonics? I know some lever harpists out there need help too!

[@emilyharpist]

I'll definitely look into it! :)

[@melodysisters2050]

@@emilyharpist thank you!

[@NayLovesJesus]

Wow thank you! Great video

[@littlemisskimmycat78]

I saw a kitty video-bomb the video in the background! So cute 🥰

[@emilyharpist]

😂 table cat!!!

[@ChaplainAcosta]

Thanks. And nicely done.

[@emilyharpist]

No problem, Luis!

[@LoneWombat2126]

What about when Harpo Marx played the harp, and he pressed and released a pedal on it like you would on a piano or something? Was that just a dated thing or is it different in some way?

[@isabelchapaespinosa46]

You mention some songs sound better on lever harps. I was wondering, could you please give a few examples and how come they sound better in lever harp? Thanks for the really informative video btw! I’m considering picking up harp and it helped answer a lot of my questions! 😊

[@kalamari3288]

Bit of a necro, not sure if you’re still looking for answers. From what I’ve read, lever harps are generally better for Celtic or folk music. This is due to the string tension they have being distinct from the pedal harp. The pedal harp, meanwhile, is more suited for classical music. You can emulate classical music on a lever harp or folk music on a pedal harp though. It’s just a matter of where they sound best.

[@xbriannaxbananax]

Fascinating!!

[@n.ee.h]

Thanks for the help! I was going to save up for a nicer lever harp but now I'm thinking to just save for a nice pedal instead.

[@LuanTrovador]

I don't even know how I got to this video, but I liked it.

[@arcturusvmoon]

That's so very cool!

[@himadri__priya]

How much your lever harp cost btw thanks for the information

[@emilyharpist]

Hi! The Dusty Strings Crescendo 34 (my lever harp in this video) is about $3500, after taxes and buying a case, probably about $4000!

[@adamsmith2209]

I saw someone that looked identical to you playing a pedal harp also identical when I went out on 4/20...😮

[@yours_sincerely48]

Thumbs up, It does Help!

[@elizabethdexter3779]

You can play 3 flats if you tune in E flat

[@FirefulXD]

i like your cat

[@emilyharpist]

her name is Penelope

[@joewoodchuck3824]

Very informative. I wish I understood music.

[@dafunkbombbrothegamecat4853]

And wow I never knew what they were doing flicking up there. I wanna try now lol

[@kylereese4822]

Oh "" DEAR "" two types of Harps to play :):)

[@emilyharpist]

😆 I wish I could play them at the same time! (New video idea??? 🤔)

[@kylereese4822]

@@emilyharpist to play at the same time... 1 for each hand but the same tune only on 1 side of the harp then compensate for the missing sides by going up and down the strings 1 hand high notes 1 hand low notes ??

[@kylereese4822]

@@emilyharpist how abuot this kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaqlaKhqeJqJgqc Gilbert O Sulivan is your left hand high to to low notes -- Elton John is your right hand low to high notes.... same song 2 harps side by side...

[@emilyharpist]

@@kylereese4822 I wish it was possible to play like them!! 😂

[@kylereese4822]

@@emilyharpist You have all the time in the world to do what they can do, there is no rush :):):)

[@ofadetergentsud]

Does anyone make a harp with all of the half notes and less octaves so you don't have to do all this stuff?

[@sybylo]

J'ai rien compris 😅

[@nicholasvenet]

Not me going to buy a harp

[@dafunkbombbrothegamecat4853]

I was thinking if I played harp be like I'm coming over guys, better move the furniture around lol bring it to a camp fire lol sry I'm not right 😂

[@AnnaCurser]

i dont understand any of this. but im not a musician by any means.

[@emilyharpist]

don't worry! it can get pretty complicated!

[@GothiicAngels]

I never knew harps had pedals and levers, i would be too confused. I'll stick to the guitar

[@frankwithrow377]

Obviously the pedal version is better

[@huypham2911]

Of course pedal harp is better. Why do want to force your hands to be extra busy? 😆

[@emilyharpist]

😆♡

[@LionDesign]

FYI... You are beautiful... Just sayin'

[@mohammadwasilliterate8037]

*I didn't even know you could change the notes with pedals or levers, I thought they were fixed when tuned, damn the pedal ones must be complicated mechanicals.*