Review of the Mikel 38 by Mikel Harps

Short version: the company is terrible to deal with and is potentially trying to rip off its customers. The harp, however, is a playable instrument!

[@JuliettaRabens]

These harps are quite a good deal, particularly for the price. I was especially pleased with the sound of my Saffron 34. It is remarkable to be able to provide a harp of this quality for $1200, which is 75% less expensive than standard pricing for harps in the U.S.. I bought a Saffron 34 directly from the company and the process went smoothly. Your experience may not be representative of all interactions. Also, these harps can be purchased via Ebay.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

I'm sure it's not how all interactions go, but I think it's important for people to know what to expect when you need customer service. I'm glad your experience went smoothly :)

[@Earedel85]

wow, thank you for the honest review! I really was suspicious about the price. Something good just CANNOT BE THAT CHEAP

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Yes - I feel like if I'm spending that much, it makes sense to spend the little bit more for real quality :)

[@rochellelisa7959]

Hi Molly thanks for this review. If I may say something about my experience with a Pakistani harpmaker, Adnan Sajid whom I found on facebook. It is a custom double wirestrung. It took a long time. They promised Indian Rosewood but changed to mahogany. Even the soundboard is solid mahogany. The wire strings are light tension and quite exquisite. There are imperfections but sound is slightly reminiscent of a sitar with a sculpted note that shimmers. They fulfilled some of my objectives but not all. They worked with me and gave a price that could not be found with any harpmaker in the western world. Basically it is a small miracle of a harp. I think it is fair to say that just being able to play the harp is something that must be earned. Those who are givin this opportunity may nurture it like a delicate tree. Any, I enjoy your videos. Good wishes and hope to continue watching more

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

I'm so glad it worked out for you! A double wire strung harp sounds amazing 😊

[@joanncooper7297]

Mikel Harp Review 7/31/23 The harp itself is beautiful, mostly from a distance as the finish is poorly applied. I'm not complaining; you get what you pay for and I made a bad choice choosing a Blue finish and expecting it to look smooth and one single tone of blue all over. I should have went with a natural finish, painting is not within Mikel's skill set, but I didn't know that ahead of time. Finish is bubbly and inconsistent in color. . . I stared at it for a while, thinking of how I could remove the finish completely without damaging it. . . I don't know, so I'll leave it. Try to get use to it, let it grow on me. The carrying bag that came included with the harp in the description was the reason I purchased the harp in the first place -value for your money. That was what pushed me to buy it on eBay rather than directly through their website where the carrying bag is a separate fee. However, it appears the item description from the seller is misleading, it says "Weighing 15.8kg and coming with it's own carrying bag to enable transport" . . . How else was I supposed to interpret that sentence? When people say "I am coming with you" that means they go together, it's a package deal. . . It's okay, I brought some cargo blankets from Amazon to sew together and make my own harp case but the whole reason I went for this product was because it was an all inclusive deal. Honestly, I just got it home a few hours ago and the customs/ cargo/ brokerage process was an extended nightmare, such that I am too tired after all of that to tune it and hear what it sounds like. So, as yet I don't know. I hope it sounds as bright and full as reviews say. . . As long as no one stands too close while I'm playing; it will look like a picture of beauty. I'm not beating up on Mikel, I am as happy as can be expected when purchasing an instrument sight unseen. It's fine. . . I did this to myself. I'm an adult, no one made me buy this. It is what it is.

[@AL-kv3vo]

I bought a Saffron 34 about a year ago. I'm quite happy with it except i've got a problem with string breakage like you mentioned (This might also be because the strings got damaged in transit). You mentioned that you've been replacing the strings on your Mikel 38. Would you mind sharing the brand of strings you've replaced them with? The company advised me to use "standard nylon" harp strings, but i'm not too sure what that's meant to mean hahaha. Thanks :)

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Of course! I'm not sure what brand, but I purchase strings from Robinson's Harp Shop, which has the string charts for lots of different harp models and can almost certainly find the right tension for your harp :)

[@stsoe2124]

Hi may I know how’s the sounds like? I also want to buy 34 from michael. Do you have video with ur harp? Thanks

[@attilakovacs5803]

I would never order a musical instrument by mail. It's a miracle you got the harp in one piece! I'm very much into guitars and I can tell that buying a suitable one is very difficult, even if you can test it personally. You must try an instrument at least 3 times before you make a decision.

[@harpofaworshipper]

Hi Molly, again I find myself on your channel for advice hehe I've been looking for a larger harp and my dream shape is this classic look. I only use my current harp (which is small) to play in church concerts. I jumped at the chance to buy one of these secondhand that has been refurbished by an expert harp maker - all the levers have been replaced with Reese levers. I haven't heard the sound of the harp but it just seemed too good to let go. Do you think the sound quality of a Mikel harp would be good enough to perform with in church concerts and private/solo performances? I'm getting a pickup installed too.

[@MatrixDonna]

Hello, are you able to please do a video that shows how you put your harp in its bag

[@user-sr7cz6ll4d]

i am very confuse should i buy mikel 40, the classical looks and the price is very attract me, but i am concerning the quality ( the strings easy to break? will lever let the strings have some noise?) could you give me some advice please

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

The looks and price drew me in as well, but if I were you I would look for a better quality harp. There are lots of options for 34 strings around $2000, so just a little more expensive, and generally much better quality.

[@CDWoolridge]

Did this harp (mikel harps) come with a tuning key?

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Yes, mine did.

[@TheCinderninja]

Do you know if Mikel are able to be strung with gut strings, or are they only able to use nylon?

[@sualexli645]

Only if you've uploaded this video a little bit earlier :( Mine doesn't have a tuning key, and the same string also broke. I know it's cheaper than others and ok to play for beginners, but I do regret buying it. But it does look nice sitting in the living room.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

I'm sorry, that really stinks :(. If you're in the market for another much nicer harp, the Vermont Violin Shop does payment plans for their Ravenna 34s! Gorgeous harps and the payments don't break the bank.

[@sualexli645]

@@MusicalMollyKhan that's good to know! Thank you!

[@elizabethdexter3779]

I would suggest if you wanted a Mikel harp perhaps buy it through a US distributor.

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

That is a great idea. I don't think there were any when I made this video, but I think there's one or two now

[@MatrixDonna]

Thanks so much for the review - do you know if this harp is also called MiClassic 38? Thanks :)

[@harpandhenna2289]

I love your laugh ! Nice video

[@MusicalMollyKhan]

Thank you!!

[@rondelby2482]

The expensive fees and shipping are horrible. I would use the price of the fees, toward a Lyon & Healy over here in USA.

[@cubeadventurer8143]

Thanks for the warning. A bad experience really damages the feeling have with a given product, even if it second hand. I will gladly pay much more to avoid a company like that!!! You owe them!? Inferior strings?! Rude behavior toward you?! Even if they are only sometimes this horrible, sometimes is too often.