Small harp comparison: Waring cardboard, Triplett Christina, Dusty Strings FH26x2

Thinking about buying a small harp? In this video I compare my three small harps: Waring Cardboard 19 strings, Triplett Christina 25 strings and Dusty Strings FH26x2 double strung.
I recorded in my studio with the exact same conditions and mic placement for all three harps. I used Audio Technica ATM33R (close to sound board) and Audio Technica AT8471 (overhead) with the Arrow Universal Audio interface. My goal was to capture the true sound of each harp (along with occasional cat meowing and traffic and husband noise).
(Please note, this video is not sponsored.)
🔸 CHAPTERS
3:30 A section - Waring
4:34 A section - Triplett
5:19 A section - Dusty Strings
6:04 B section - Waring
7:04 B section - Triplett
8:03 B section - Dusty Strings
Light of Morning was crafted to fit a small 19 string or small double strung harp (or larger). This mid-elementary arrangement is perfect for beginners, with finger and brackets added for helpful learning support. The first half of the piece is an original melody and then the music moves into the familiar tune Morning Has Broken.
🔸 Light of Morning Performance video
• LIGHT OF MORNING (Morn...
🔸 Harp sheet music (PDF download)
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Thanks for watching!
♫ Anne
🎶 ABOUT
My name is Anne Crosby Gaudet, I'm a music educator, composer and independent publisher from Nova Scotia, Canada. I am passionate about creative teaching and lifelong learning at the piano and harp.
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Copyright © Anne Crosby Gaudet
Composed, performed and recorded by Anne Crosby Gaudet
Select photography and graphics from Canva Pro

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

This was a really fun video to make! Personally I think the video captures the true audio quality of each harp and that was my primary goal. I like them all for difference reasons! If you listen with headphones you'll probably also hear Mezzo meowing, and some occasional traffic and husband noise. Plus, you'll notice that "Light of Morning" can be played on any size harp!

[@ms.yespiano]

Anne Crosby Gaudet Thank you so much for the introduction. Where can I buy a harp? Do you have any recommendations of store or online shopping?

[@Brembelia]

The cardboard Waring is rather remarkable for what it is. I found the Triplett to be more chimey of the three, and the Dusty Strings has a robust sound. Very interesting comparison. Thanks for sharing. 🍃

[@davidtrapp2157]

I have a 26 string Triplett Christina. It's a wonderful harp, with a delightful resonance. I would highly recommend it.

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

Oh yes, it's a beautifully built harp! Mine was really best suited for very gentle bedside playing when I was working as a harp therapist in long term care.

[@jandunn169]

I loved hearing you play the 3 harps....and nice to watch your hands. The dusty Strings FH26 is my dream harp. It has a beautiful sound. I would love to find one used but it is not easy. I was surprised how nice the Waring harp sounds.

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

If you ever have a chance to go to a harp festival, that’s a wonderful way to try many different types and sizes of harps.

[@jandunn169]

@@annecrosbygaudetmusic Thank you so much. I live on Kaua'i so it is difficult to even find a music store with anything but guitars and ukuleles.

[@joseph2832]

waring harps are really great! Who would have thought! So pretty and surprising what you can do with 19 strings!

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

It's amazing what that little harp can do! I am planning to release a new video on Sunday featuring the little Waring harp.

[@joseph2832]

@@annecrosbygaudetmusic yay!

[@leannmarshall28]

Beautiful! I love each of them. I'm always amazed by the little Waring harp's rich sound. Makes me want to get one!

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

Leann Marshall The Waring is a great little surprise isn’t it?

[@klaudiagaeunkim]

I love the sound of a double strung. And I rally like that piece, it's so peaceful.

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

Thank you! The double strung harp is lovely isn't it!

[@shannonmccoy9103]

I'm amazed at the nice sound of the Waring harp, I like it better than the Christina, but Dusty Strings is always my favorite. And as always I so enjoy your videos.

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

I find I have to play very gently on the Waring to find its best tone, but I actually like it a lot!

[@elizabethdexter3779]

I am amazed how good the Waring sounds. The Dusty has a truly beautiful sound and of course I love the Christina. Of course, I have a feeling that not only can you make an elementary piece sound lovely -- but I think whatever harp you play would be impressive

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

I just try to figure out the character of each harp and adapt my touch and playing style to suit its personality.

[@elizabethdexter3779]

Anne Crosby Gaudet I am finding that also on the Christiana that I just got a couple of months ago

[@sissyjane6656]

Thanks for this am considering a Triplett Christina and found the sound comparison useful.

[@Tinykniter]

Great way to compare the three! It reminded me of why I love Dusty Strings so much. That said, the little Waring harp is an amazing value plus we learned so much assembling our 15 string version. Thanks, Anne!

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

I think a Waring double strung would be super fun to try!

[@miaramer]

That was very interesting! I was impressed by the sound quality of the cardboard harp, I really didn't expect it to sound so good. I loved the Christina, I was considering getting one but ended up deciding on a beautiful cherry wood Harpsicle because of its light weight and practicality

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

The cardboard harp came across very well in the video didn't it? It does light and sparkly very nicely. There are always pros and cons to consider in choosing a harp! Your cherry Harpsicle is a lovely choice.

[@miaramer]

@@annecrosbygaudetmusic Absolutely! I was skeptical the first time I heard about cardboard harps so this was a nice surprise :) Thank you Anne!

[@jillgeary1313]

Thanks for creating this, Anne! I listened with headphones. the "A" part I liked the Waring the best. The "B" part was more of a toss-up re: which I preferred. But with your touch, they all sound sweet and wonderful!

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

You really do have to play each harp with a touch that best suits it's personality. Isn't it interesting how the cardboard harp comes across so well on the video.

[@carpenanne]

That double strung is impressive Anne 🎵🔥🔥🔥

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

It has a wide open voice doesn't it? Even prettier on the quicker pieces.

[@paullyle3461]

The second part of the second part of your song sounds just like Cat Stevens song Morning has broken, thanks for sharing the song and three harps.God Bless.🎶🌈🌈😎

[@vanessahodge9724]

Thank you so much for posting this Anne! All three harps are so unique, and incredibly beautiful. I'm so partial to the little Waring. :)

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

They really are quite unique! Gotta say, I'd love to have the opportunity to make a little double strung Waring!

[@johnj.flanagan-songsoffaith]

Interesting that there are smaller, more affordable harps. I admit I am ignorant about harps. But this would be a good way to encourage more people to study the harp and play it in their homes, especially in small apartments. Great video,

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

Absolutely, learning the harp has become so accessible with small harps.

[@kristinewarmhold]

Thanks for that great video, Anne, really lovely comparison between the harps. My favorite (hearing with headphones) is the Dusty Strings, then the Waring and then the Christina. Of course, it is difficult, just from hearing on KZbin, to judge a harp, I always need to feel, hear, play in person. But the video is such a brilliant opportunity, to get a good impression for the sound. Thanks so much for your work, I really appreciate it. 🌺🌸🎶🤗🤗🙏🙏🙏

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

Oh I agree, it really helps to have the chance to hold and play each harp! Fun fact about the Christina, in my trio we all have Christinas and each one sounds quite different depending on the age and wood.

[@christine8961]

I am very impressed with the Waring! I own a Stoney End Brittany 22 string and have a bit of string envy over your Dusty Strings harp. All three of your harps had beautiful sound.

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

Each one is so unique. I like them all for different reasons!

[@meredithbocek8749]

Hello, they all are beautiful, lovely tune and playing! I had to keep in mind the size of the sound board, the purpose of the harp, and the weight of the harp. For therapy the very light Waring would be great since it is so light, but it is limited due to the number of strings and lack of levers. It did have a lovely tone. The Christina is a very light tension and mellow harp designed for therapy, it sounded very bright here. It has a strap and can be played standing up or on your lap. It is a very comfortable harp. The Dusty double strung has the biggest soundboard and double the number of strings so it is more resonant. It is very bright since it has the tightest tension. Not sure if it can be played as a lap harp or if the stand is required. I wonder how the harps were mic'ed and recorded. Thank you for letting us compare!

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

Such important points, thank-you! There are a lot of considerations beyond the number of strings! I recorded in my studio with the exact same conditions and mic placement for all three harps. I used Audio Technica ATM33R (close to sound board) and Audio Technica AT8471 (overhead) with the Arrow Universal Audio interface.

[@GloriaGarcia-yv1tk]

Thank you for posting this comparison Anne! I am just blown away by the sound of that Waring cardboard harp, incredible sound!! I am a big fan of Dustys, as I own 2, but to my ears, the Waring sounded even better than your DS double strung. I just visited the Waring harp website, & did see where they do make a 19 double strung, which really caught my interest. The only thing is it appeared there are no levers on that one either, & that could get rather dicey having you tune to different keys. Ok, thanks again for posting, very interesting!🎵🎶👍👍

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

Each one has its own unique personality and color! Thanks for listening!

[@SharonCullenArt]

Wow huge difference on the third Dusty Strings harp.

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

Oh yes indeed!

[@PhilippeBarrilliez]

Wow, great video dear Anne! Strangely, I prefer the sound of the small cardboard harp whose sound is very velvety. Then it's the Dusty Strings FH26x2 double strung. As for the Christina Triplett 25 strings, I find the sound a bit metallic or maybe the string tension is higher? In any case, thank you for this superb presentation and very beautiful Sunday to you. Musically Phil

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

Thanks for listening, Philippe. The Waring and Dusty Strings are bright and cheery harps. My Christina is quite muffled and subdued (which is actually great for bedside playing). I think a cherry model would sing a little better.

[@brunoblivious]

I don't know anything about harps, but I just saw an ad for the Waring and decided to see how it sounds. I think the Triplett Christina has the nicest tone of these three, but after looking up the prices, the Waring is sounding better to me. Ha

[@sharonbrownell3784]

Thank you. I love the double strung harp. I would love to get one, but that would be down the road a bit. I need to learn how to play well on single harp first.

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

I find it really helps to have some good linking skills in place for double strung, then you don't need to look at the strings!

[@sharonbrownell3784]

@@annecrosbygaudetmusic Thank you Anne!

[@hollyg1058]

I think I’m partial - with this piece - to the sweet sound of the little Waring. Perhaps it helps that the tune is written to take advantage of its range. I played this tune on my smaller lap harps (Waring and County Clare) and on my larger 26 string lap harps, and actually preferred it on the smaller harps. The Waring is a nice choice for a beginning harpist. I bought mine pre-made, and it was still only $295.

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

That is a great comment! I wrote this arrangement on my Waring so I'm not surprised that you prefer it on your smallest harp.

[@rhynemusic4101]

Although the waring's looks isn't as appealing as those two harp, it's bright sound were surprising.

[@miroletko8023]

Enjoyed your presentation.

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

Thanks Miro!

[@GorefeastDrummer]

the tune in beautiful. ty

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

Thanks for listening!

[@spottedgoats7048]

I love tha piece of music. It is so soothing. Could you please try out the Muzikkon harps and the Rainbow harp for dyslexics?

[@hfjsksbskbfnw8364]

Ty so much this was so helpful. I have recently gotten interested in harp and learning them so this was just what I need. Tbh I’m still very new to this field and I’m considering getting the 19 string waring cardboard. Your so talented Nd the pice you played was beautiful

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

Glad it was helpful! Have fun getting started with the harp!

[@Meltiqueful]

Pretty on all three!

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

Amelia Gerlach Yes, I like all three harps in different ways.

[@ShelleyE]

All three of these harps are so impressive! Thank you for making this comparison. I wasn't looking at the screen as I worked and listened. Honestly it took a few times to hear the differences between the Waring and Triplett (computer speakers). Nerdy question - your opening pic shows all three harps. Are the bases all at the same height - Its nice to compare how they compare height-wise. Thx!

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

The 3 harps are quite different in size and weight. The Dusty double has legs, so it functions as a floor harp. The Triplett is a lap harp, so you would use a lap bar, strap or stand. The Waring is tiny and only a couple pounds.

[@lovetoplayharp]

Don't know if you'll see this question, but is the Waring pretty fragile though because of being made of cardboard? Wondering if it'd be easy to crush or damage by carrying it around? It does have a pretty lovely sound with your touch for sure.

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

Hi Jan, the Waring is surprisingly sturdy, it's my little camping/travelling harp. It doesn't mind heat or cold so I can toss it in the car and not worry about it like the others.

[@doublejoy1181]

I have a Waring harp from a workshop Dennis gave at the Somerset Harp Festival 8 years ago. So far it's survived two rambunctious kids (even being tripped over) a couple train rides and car trips, and curious cats. At first, I had the sames concerns you mention, but even my kids' friends were/are curious about it and wanted to play it when they came over, so after a while, I just decided to leave it out. It's comfortable to play, and the kids really like it. It's been a great way to introduce them to music and some adults to the harp specifically. I'm also thinking of trying the double-strung version.

[@spottedgoats7048]

I'm so surprised at the little Waring harp!

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

It does a good job if played gently!

[@wholovesyababy5574]

A comment on prices. That little Waring is less than $200. The other two are in the thousands. Big difference! The problem with the Waring is that the lowest note (G) is not low enough to play most harp pieces. It is good to have the strings go down to at least C.

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

Certainly not intended as a side-by-side comparison. There is a special place for each one of these harps in my studio and I enjoy them all for difference reasons.

[@samanthathompson9812]

Do you buy harps without trying them? Even though I'm in a major metropolitan area I can't find Dusty String harps to try. I'm Canadian - may I ask where you purchased your FH36?

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

Now that you mention it, yes my three current harps were purchased without having played them! I’ve had several other harps that I did try beforehand and I’ve sold them all. I received my FH36 directly from Dusty Strings.

[@samanthathompson9812]

@@annecrosbygaudetmusic Great, thanks!

[@sherristricker5176]

Hi Anne…thank u for this video! I have been thinking and researching smaller harps…I have a L&H 100 concert grand and also L&H troubadour V (for rental to students) & troubadour VI. I really like the sound of the Waring harp the best…the double stung harp is a close 2nd! Do u play LH as bass and rh as treble on double strung harp? How long did it take you to build the Waring harp? I’m considering a purchase of this harp! Ty:)

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

I built the Waring harp over a weekend. It wasn't difficult, but it took time for the glue to dry and for the paint to dry. You would probably find the string tension to be very very low compared to your Troubadour. It sounds best if I play very lightly. You should also check into the Marini Made Bass lap harp (just 9 lbs and 28 strings)

[@danient8734]

Can you get levers on the Waring double string harp?

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

To my knowledge you can't have levers on the Waring harps (but you can tune them to a different key like G Major). I believe the Fireside cardboard harp can add levers.

[@danient8734]

@@annecrosbygaudetmusic Awesome Mrs. Gaudet, thank you! 😊

[@Katie-me5kp]

I need something small enough to get on a plan carry on that has at least some quality sound to it .

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

Have you looked at the little Stoney End Eve?

[@Katie-me5kp]

@@annecrosbygaudetmusic I'll look into it

[@vancesellers6032]

What is the price range of the harps? 😀

[@annecrosbygaudetmusic]

You can find the exact pricing by visiting the websites, but roughly we are talking from under $200 to over $4000.

[@samaraoz]

Hola, alguien me podría dar las medidas del arpa de cartón, porfa?

[@elenaalisdinulescu678]

Ane te doresk mult Niko armasaro puternik