My new lever harp -- Dusty Strings Serrana 34

My brand new Dusty Strings Serrana 34 lever harp was ready yesterday, so I took a little road trip to the Virginia Harp Center in NJ to pick it up! Join me as we bring this little red boi in to his new home together~
of course the first thing we're gonna do is run him through an effects pedal ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Intro song is a remix of one of my tracks by the amazing Captain Lo-Fi: / captain_lofi
Full GFI System Skylar pedal demo: • GFI System Skylar Reve...
♡ www.emilyharpist.com ♡
♡ / emilyharpist ♡
#Serrana34 #Harp #Skylar

[@dougbeacon9760]

With those legs, the harp can probably run from the cops on it’s own

[@allenbogosian6455]

Renegade harpist running away from the cops is my new favorite thing

[@emilyharpist]

LMFAO new KZbin series?! 🤣 thanks for being here, Allen! ♡♡♡

[@noyd4172]

At last, a harp for crimes.

[@emilyharpist]

🚨🚨🚨

[@matts1246]

This is very exciting -- I'm glad you got a harp to dodge the coppers and keep jamming! Dusty Strings is a fun shop, for sure.

[@emilyharpist]

Haha thank you, Matthew! Dusty Strings is one of my favorite places!! 🥰

[@VegaDW]

11/10 your happy lil' dance made me smile. Thanks for brightening up my day

[@emilyharpist]

Hahah thank you so much for being here!! I’m so glad I could help make your day better! 🥰❤️

[@aleedulcimer]

Congrats! What a beautiful sounding and looking harp! I love Dusty Strings. I came very close to buying their D550 dulcimer when I was looking for a new instrument. Have so much fun with your Serrana 34!

[@emilyharpist]

Thank you so much! I'm a HUGE fan of Dusty! ♡

[@AnnaCurser]

they call it - Crimson Thunder!

[@travisnorman]

If I heard someone busking on a harp I'd swear I stumbled into heaven. Congrats on your new instrument! When you get a new harp do you have to do any initial tuning or intonation once you get it home?

[@emilyharpist]

Hahah thank you Travis!! When you bring a new harp home you probably should do a quick tuning to help it adjust to the new temp/humidity but I was too excited so I just skipped that part 😂 it’s the same tuning I always do, it takes about 5 mins and you don’t need to do anything special or any regulation on it (thankfully)!

[@Naotaku]

omg, this sounds amazing with the reverb

[@emilyharpist]

I know right?! I'm obsessed

[@Staticfair]

Omg, congrats on the new harp! It's gorgeous, and I can't wait to hear you play more songs on it! I was actually eyeing this harp months ago before I settled on my little harpsicle and fell in love with it. After seeing your video, the serrana is definitely in the running for when I finally upgrade to a bigger harp! Plus I just love the straight column design and the really gorgeous neck! I wish you much joy with your new little buddy! 🥰

[@emilyharpist]

Hahah thank you so much, Leah!! 🥰 Isn’t it gorgeous?! I’m obsessed with that carbon fiber column 😍

[@NaomiSV]

Such a nice sturdy column to grab while running from the cops! Sounds amazing, can't wait to hear pedal demos on the new harp!

[@emilyharpist]

LMFAOOO right?! ♡ I'm pretty sure that's why they used carbon fiber for the column, it's for all the times you need to run away from cops

[@Kaiularalei]

This is amazing! I have a dusty strings lever harp (specifically a Clarsach as it’s called here) and they’re beautiful instruments, I love it so much

[@emilyharpist]

Aren't they so beautiful?! I fell in love the moment I first saw it!!

[@therealandrew185]

You two are a ray of sunshine, also-did not expect that hit or miss cover

[@emilyharpist]

LMFAO it's been stuck in my head!! 🤣 We drove about 6 hours total to go pick up the harp at the showroom and poor Russ had to listen to me singing that song in the car the whole time along with "Chug Jug With You". He's a keeper

[@jpwaterman5104]

I'm inspired by the musical arc you are on!! If you ever showed up in Seattle, I'd totally go see you perform live. I like your use of effects. Really cool

[@jjhack3r]

Your personality is just as soothing as your music is...

[@rfeinstie]

I am blown away by that leg system. I have an old Stoney End lever harp (Lorraine 29 strings) and it originally came with four legs that you screwed in INDIVIDUALLY. One of the legs broke within a few years and I ended up getting a base that attached. I LOVE the retractable legs and the base that removes with one attachment rather than unscrewing all the legs. Might look into upgrading to Dustry Strings. I've been playing for 25 years, had a big orchestral harp for 5 years when I played in an orchestra and now I just play my lever harp for fun. Love your channel!

[@emilyharpist]

thank you so much for being here, and thank you for the kind words!! :) ❤️ seriously, my Dusty Strings Serrana has changed my entire harp world!! I LOVE playing while standing up, and the retractable leg system is so convenient!! it's definitely a harp model worth checking out (it's also SO LIGHT and unbelievably easy to transport)!

[@nicolassanchez3099]

Your vibe feels so bright and the music is really nice 💖

[@RegebroRepairs]

Mariachi and Harp are two words I never expected to go together.

[@Laurasiana]

Well then, allow me to offer this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppvXqaiYqMmZrrM. When the harpist starts singing, he’ll knock you right out! 😂 Harps are very normal instruments in the mariachi music of Veracruz, and La Bamba is one of their traditional songs.

[@pocketmonkie]

Fun fact, I got to try this harp prototype in a middle school mariachi competition. I added that I think the harp should have 2 legs instead of one big stand in the middle lol

[@murlthesquir]

Congrats on the new family member! Sounds beautiful 😍

[@emilyharpist]

Thank you so much, PIB!! :) ♡

[@SC-wu2dn]

Congratulations on the new harp. It sounds great. Have fun and thanks for sharing 😊

[@emilyharpist]

thanks for being here! :) ♡

[@NK-vj7ur]

Nice sound of it, how exciting!

[@VioletPrism]

I love your videos! Congratulations :)

[@emilyharpist]

Ahhh thank you so much!! :)

[@isomatic]

That's a really sweet harp, Emily! Can't wait to see you play more of it :)

[@emilyharpist]

Thank you so much!! I'm so excited to do some pedal demos with it! :)

[@ManiacRider3113]

Two beauties for sure🌞 Can't wait to here more✌

[@emilyharpist]

hahah thank you so much!! your comment made me smile :) ♡

[@ManiacRider3113]

@@emilyharpist You and your music make me smile!

[@sixstringedthing]

Love the shot of Big Blue with Serrana at 01:10. Gives a good sense of scale, forced perspective notwithstanding. You look so excited, this is great! :) Yeah, the retractable leg mechanism is brilliant, along with the little DIY base. And wow... beautiful sound.

[@mooseymoose]

Awesome new axe! It’ll be cool to hear what you do with it! Certainly sounds nice and the weight is way more manageable.

[@emilyharpist]

hahah thank you so much! I really needed something portable that could be used with effects pedals without sacrificing any sound quality, and this was the answer!

[@bonnibloop_]

wow, that looks and sounds incredible!

[@emilyharpist]

thank you so much!! :) ♡

[@carmenfreeman693]

Very cool! Thank you for your post. 🙏

[@emilyharpist]

❤️ thank you for being here!!

[@josephjester4917]

Easily my favorite harpist, and I never saw myself finding a favorite harp player! lol

[@freewheelinghorn]

that sounds gorgeous

[@dustydreambreather9155]

That's cool. I live in Seattle.

[@ameliakreager6434]

It’s so nice! I loved it with the effects pedal too😍 Your personality is so nice too! (that hit or miss cover was great😂)

[@emilyharpist]

HAHA thank you so much, Amelia!! I really appreciate that 😂♡ thanks for watching!! :)

[@ameliakreager6434]

@@emilyharpist hahah no problem! You create great videos:D

[@johnmr568]

1:26 WOW :D

[@emilyharpist]

🤣♡

[@sterlingmcvay2469]

Sounds Fantastic thru that SKYLAR!!

[@emilyharpist]

thank you so much!! :) Skylar is one of my favorite pedals!

[@DadBodDrumming]

Who would complain about beautiful music?

[@EXP-oi7qs]

Awesome 🤘🏽

[@emilyharpist]

Thank you!!!

[@acefrehley6410]

I’m hooked on your videos!👍❤️

[@emilyharpist]

Thanks so much for being here Ace!! I appreciate you :)

[@Laurasiana]

Those mariachi harps have to be lightweight for use in marching bands. Played upside-down. Over their shoulders. I’m not kidding. It’s awesome!

[@emilyharpist]

Hahah right?!? I’m so in love with this harp!! 🥰

[@itisaporsche]

Your enthusiasm is great. I play guitar. Our sons Piano. I am getting my wife a Harp for Valentine's Day, hoping she will join the musical family. Researching Harps now. There is a used Dusty Strings "Crescendo 34" Harp near me for sale used for $2900. I will have to research difference between that and the Serrano 34.

[@chrisrowley1]

Thanks!

[@emilyharpist]

thank you so much, Chris!!! I really appreciate you!! 🥰❤️

[@robharrison3231]

New gear day is always awesome. Thanks for sharing! You realize that the Harp Busking video is now mandatory, right?

[@emilyharpist]

thanks for watching! and LMAO yes I'll definitely do a busking video soon!! 😂

[@DreamscapesMusicCinema]

Very Nice Emily! Cool colour too. I will have to look at that one. Right now I have a Vintage Troubadour for studio, and a Silhoette for live. Thank you so much for sharing. Mark Bensette Aux Bois 🇨🇦.

[@emilyharpist]

Thank you so much!! The Silhouette is GORGEOUS!!

[@DreamscapesMusicCinema]

@@emilyharpist you are welcome 😊 Emily!

[@101iswhatsup]

Yeet! Emily swagging on em a bit. 💃💃 Lol. Nice new piece yo. 👍🏿. Thanks for sharing vibes as usual, the good mood is contagious.🤣 she said she can skate on 12 now 🤣🤣🤛🏿. Blessings E.H., be easy in these streets. 😁🕊️

[@emilyharpist]

Thank you Carlton!!! I always appreciate your comments ❤️ and I had so much fun making this video!!

[@marieandresen4060]

Wowzers! Not only good looking but great sound! I'm talking about the harp Emily, don't get too excited! 🤣🐧😁

[@emilyharpist]

HAHAH aww for a second there I thought I was cool... 🥺🤣

[@marieandresen4060]

@@emilyharpist Oh you're always cool! 🤣 But the harp was center stage in this video! 🤣💐☘️🐧

[@sakurapixey3043]

I wonder if that stand would work on my Blvd:o

[@emilyharpist]

OMG honestly I just looked it up; I think they're the same stand!!

[@Tetsaraku]

RIght on! Stay gangsta :)

[@emilyharpist]

😎

[@originalpleb]

ah yeah, ya girl ready to go out and do harp crimes >

[@emilyharpist]

LMFAO watch out everybody 🚨🚨🚨

[@TarkMcCoy]

Ahhh, that explains all the harp action in those mariachi bands...

[@resonantresendizrogelio]

Beautiful harp, I’m curious, For this model harp, could you technically switch the strings out to gut for a warmer sound? Or is that not an option for this one?

[@peterpascone6942]

Haha, thank you for your wonderful show and Tell. I live in Walla Walla WA and thinking about visiting Dusty Strings. Is the Serrana a light string tension, would you say? I also want to play for Veterans for Therapy for PTSD

[@johnhanover2229]

Sweet Angel Axe lol. Nice.

[@bornagainbornagain6697]

Congrats on your acquisition! I love how you show the advantage of the string space, and can now get more range of notes. Smart choice. First day on your channel and like a kid at a toy store, just can't get enough. Thanks for all the hard work, and for sharing the fruits of your labor.🎵❤

[@emilyharpist]

hahah thank YOU for being here!! It really means a lot! :) ♡

[@thisisnotme7549]

very funny miss Horpkins!

[@bettertomorrow2625]

I'm trying to decide between the Dusty Strings Crescendo, Ravenna, or Serrana so it would be very helpful to hear your feedback. Thank you! I'm curious what made you choose the Serrana? Is it the lighter tension, the closer string spacing, the different sound from a pedal harp? I see you have a Dusty FH, too so am wondering what your rationale was for the Serrana. I play the hammered dulcimer too, and Dusty Strings hammered dulcimers are world class, so now that I'm ready to upgrade from my 26 string harp, I'm definitely going with Dusty.

[@luludelasnubes]

For someone who would like to start playing harp, would you recommend this one or a bigger one (sorry for not being that technical, newbie in here...) ? Thanks for the help and advices.

[@emilyharpist]

I would definitely recommend starting with a lever harp like this one! Mine is the Serrana 34 from Dusty Strings, although I personally starting taking harp lessons back in the day on a Lyon&Healy Troubadour. I would highly recommend visiting a harp showroom near you if that's possible (or taking a little roadtrip to the closest one!) so that you can test out the harps yourself and see which one resonates with you the most!! :) ♡

[@luludelasnubes]

@@emilyharpist , thank you very much for answering back. I guess I could go visit Camac Harps showroom in Paris, but feel like a bit shy to do that... But that's the best advice, I always say that to people asking me about choosing a bass. I'll give a look to the Troubadour, too. I play lots of pedals, so an electrified harp would be cool, though. All my gratitude to you. Take care.

[@johnnyashtray]

Fancy Shmancy poopy pantsy. Can't wait to hear that bad boy do some harp type things and what not. Bye Cops!

[@theystoleitfromus]

"Hey harp, wanna do crimes?"

[@gourabshow3993]

👍

[@emilyharpist]

❤️

[@munchkinmeep]

s e e y a l a t e r c o p s

[@emilyharpist]

😆

[@yeshuaeclecticistide7427]

love u

[@emilyharpist]

Love U 2

[@mjproebstle]

busking gangster harpist on the lam…

[@bettertomorrow2625]

Emily, since you have both the Crescendo and the Serrana, which do you prefer and why? I have a choice between the two and I'm having a really hard time deciding. I want to use it with effects pedals, too.

[@emilyharpist]

hey! this is a great question -- I sold my Crescendo shortly after I got my Serrana. I MUCH prefer the Serrana for a variety of reasons, but one reason is that I just prefer the tone and the feel of the strings much more than the Crescendo. The Crescendo has steel core with metal wrap bass strings, and the Serrana has nylon core with wire wrap bass strings, which are MUCH easier on my hands. The string spacing of the Serrana is much closer than the string spacing on the Crescendo, and the Serrana has a lighter string tension overall. I very much prefer the feel of the Serrana, and the fact that it's a bit lighter and easier to move around than the Crescendo is also a plus for me! If you're ordering a custom harp from Dusty Strings, I HIGHLY recommend getting the pickup installed by the professionals there! I absolutely love the sound quality of mine, and when I tried to install my own pickup on my previous harp, it didn't turn out good at all. So in my opinion, it's worth every penny!! Hope this helped! If you have more questions, please join our Discord! We have a whole channel made specifically for harp questions!!! :)

[@bettertomorrow2625]

@@emilyharpist Thank you so much, Emily! You're awesome

[@Nachtuil36]

Sounds very promising !!! Will you please play us some beautiful tunes on it ? Where are these harps made ? China ?

[@emilyharpist]

These are made in Seattle!!! I’m including it in future videos for sure! My latest video has me playing it through effects pedals!

[@detenator890]

Hi! Would you recommend this instrument for a beginner?

[@emilyharpist]

Hey! Yes I absolutely would! :) all of the Dusty Strings models are wonderful for beginner harpists!

[@russellfrohberg2736]

I guess they never miss, huh?

[@kurobass]

You got a boyfriend I bet he doesn't play harp

[@emilyharpist]

👏👏👏

[@scythea428]

What is it tuned to in this video?

[@emilyharpist]

honestly I'm not even sure hahah I always tune to 440 but I took this directly out of the bag from the store and didn't tune up beforehand so 🤷

[@maximedaneau3397]

Dustry String's website makes it sound like the Crescendo 34 is an upgrade over the Serana 34, but you went the other way around. Do you feel like the Crescendo 34 has benefits over the Serena 34, or is the Serena just better for cheaper?

[@emilyharpist]

It honestly feels different; neither an upgrade or a downgrade! The Serrana 34 just resonated a lot more with me personally but I also loved the Crescendo!

[@LucidFeelingMusic]

See ya later cops! See ya later security 👋 IM OUTTA HERE 😂

[@emilyharpist]

😂 ♡

[@christineweatherford5852]

Ok I have to ask, why did you sell your Crescendo? Was it because you prefer the Serrana instead? And once you engage the two legs (which makes it super cool because you can stand) what do you do with the harp if you have to reach for a drink? It can't stand on its own correct? Aren't you afraid of it falling back?

[@emilyharpist]

I found the Serrana to be the perfect lever harp for me - the portability, lightness were a huge plus, and the pre-installed pickup sounds amazing through pedal effects! This allows me to busk with effects pedals, which I wasn’t able to do before. I also found I wasn’t playing my crescendo as much, even though it sounds so amazing (especially in the studio). While the legs are pulled out, it can’t stand on its own, but it’s fairly easy to get them back inside the harp so I can place it down for it to stand on its own!!

[@christineweatherford5852]

@@emilyharpist I LOVE the sound too! I have a pick in my lever as well. But I am intrigued by the string spacing on the Serrana. Do you find the tension super light? Like Harpsicle light? Those two legs look tricky to push back in with no other support for the harp...its a genius idea but I am wondering how difficult it is to push those legs in while supporting the harp?

[@JSTNtheWZRD]

You doing for the harp what Melora Creager did for the Cello.

[@NateHorn]

Would love a harp - need more space in my studio - and some talent.

[@emilyharpist]

hahah even if you ONLY play glissandos on this bad boi it will sound amazing! 🤣

[@NateHorn]

@@emilyharpist ha don't you'll give away my guitar secrets

[@aroldovilela5762]

essa garota é linda 😍🤩😘

[@rekindle]

Ahh, so being a harpist is kind of like being a skateboarder..."see you later security"....

[@emilyharpist]

LMFAOOO basically except I think skateboarding is probably cooler 🙊😂

[@rekindle]

@@emilyharpist not to me!....The real controversy is between playing cello and hang gliding...

[@3762302]

It sounds a bit like a Paraguayan harp ^^.

[@ThreeBeingOne]

Seattle, good shop. Good people, once you Break the ice, and start making 90k minimum.

[@nojopro908]

Okay so you traded your old harp for one that is as heavy as a tuba

[@cosmicreciever]

Damn, £19 IS affordable

[@PatGilliland]

I didn't realize that rogue harpists skulking around public places aggressively soothing the hearts and souls of tired and stressed out commuters and other people with string music, was such a huge problem that police action is required.

[@emilyharpist]

LMFAOOO you'd be surprised 😂 back in 2011 I took my pedal harp to Grand Central and I got kicked out!! in reality that was before I knew you needed a MUNY permit for approval to place in public spaces around NYC, so the cop who kicked me out actually did me a huge favor because he inspired me to audition for it and I got my permit because of him!

[@AnnaCurser]

"I can get tense easily." you and me both

[@awesomeguy45]

1:53 >:C

[@jrdhrpr]

Something tells me you could play mariachi just fine if you tried

[@emilyharpist]

hahah i'll give it a shot!!!

[@ttwopercent]

I put my harp in my pocket when the cops show up and say he went that way... calling a harmonica a harp always seemed a bit lazy to me.

[@catholicdoula]

LOL...

[@kadavropodden]

"you got a boyfriend? I bet he doesn't kiss you!" WHY? :)

[@TheM00ndawg]

19 pounds, you could even angus young with that thing.

[@emilyharpist]

LMAO don’t tempt me to try it!!! 😂

[@DAVIDGREGORYKERR]

if you love this what about Camille and Kennerly.