What Kind of Harp Should You Buy? Harp on a budget?? | Tiffany Schaefer (Let's Talk Harp)

Do you want to play the harp, but you think you've got to wait years and years to save up enough money? Maybe you're not sure if those inexpensive harps you've seen are good quality? LINKS BELOW
Let me tell you about 5 different harp companies I recommend - most of them can accommodate a rather small budget!
Disclaimer: after having several students with harpiscles, they are not my first choice for beginners. Just be aware they are hard to balance without the stand, and the string spacing is quite narrow.
Now that you have a harp, what about Zoom lessons? Find out more: www.tiffanyharpandsong.com
Let's connect!
♫ Learn Celtic music in my monthly workshops: / tiffanyharpandsong
♫ My website: tiffanyharpandsong.com
♫ Facebook: / tiffanyharpandsong
♫ Instagram: / tiffanyharpandsong
_______________________________________________________
HARP COMPANIES MENTIONED:
Fireside Harp: www.backyardmusic.com/Harps.html
Waring Harp: (levers unavailable) waringmusic.com/product/waring...
Harpsicle Harp: harpsicle-harps.com/
Disclaimer: after having several students with harpiscles, they are not my first choice for beginners. Just be aware they are hard to balance without the stand, and the string spacing is quite narrow.
Music Makers: www.harpkit.com/Harps.html
The Belle Harp (this model has replaced the Smartwood, which is in this video) www.harpkit.com/belle-harps.html
Sligo Harps: www.sligoharps.com/
Dusty Strings: manufacturing.dustystrings.co...
EVEN MORE GOOD HARPS NOT MENTIONED:
Marini Made Harps: www.marinimadeharps.com/index.htm
Stoney End Harps: www.stoneyend.com/
Folc Harps: www.folcharp.com/
_______________________________________________________
HARP FESTIVALS MENTIONED:
Ohio Scottish Arts School June 23-29, 2018 ohioscottishartsschool.com/
The Harp Gathering May 18-20, 2018:
www.harpgathering.com/
Somerset Folk Harp Fest July 19-22, 2018:
www.somersetharpfest.com/
_______________________________________________________
SIGN UP for my free email list to stay up-to-date on events and sheet music!
eepurl.com/devEwH

[@christinecrocker9394]

I am 70 years old and began playing 3 years ago. My first harp is a Ravenna 26 by Dusty Strings and has a lovely sound. I became frustrated though by not having enough strings to play some of the music I wanted to play so my husband bought me a Triplett Eclipse. It too has a beautiful sound and it allows me to play a more extensive repertoire. I play mostly o'Carolan and other folk tunes on the Ravenna and more classical and pop music on the Eclipse.

[@jondoes8222]

I design and make my own. Its inexpensive and I gained knowlege how to make them. Planning to make a 36 stringed one this spring. They sound real good and im pleased because it will save me thousands of dollars. My harps are a bit heaver but I personally never liked harps that were light as a feather, so to speak. I like the feel of some weight against my shoulder.

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

That's great!! Do you ever plan on selling?

[@jondoes8222]

Hi I have sold some in the past. Never had anyone to bring one back to me. I operate a home bell foundry and spend a lot of time on the casting of farm bells. I do plan to make some 26 stringed Limerick style harps and the one 36 string for me. I play classical-folk style mostly my own compositions. I am one of a few that still play harp on the left shoulder using left for trebles and right hand on bass. Im also right handed.

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

That's so interesting, thanks for sharing. :) If you have a website for your harps, feel free to share it here!

[@n.ee.h]

You should make videos on that, that's so cool!!

[@alisharosey7948]

Hello, do you happen to sell them still? I'm looking for a good one as I want to start playing the hard but the good quality ones are so expensive

[@elizabethjesenko3098]

Great video Tiffany . I have a 40 string Salvi Hermès - full levers - really want a pedal harp but trying to justify getting one !!

[@melisakhemthong6788]

This is so helpful, thank you!!

[@Gamby]

After deciding to buy a harp about 2 months ago, I wanted to start small and bought a used 26 string Harpsicle harp with no levers. The high strings are taking some getting used to since I find it hard to create a clear, pleasant sounding pluck, but the sound and build quality is still much better than those Amazon or Ebay harps!

[@lindasue8719]

I have a Harpsicle. Two, in fact. I had no idea they could sound this good lol😃❤️

[@kennethosiecki4903]

I started with a Rees Flatsicle. I love the sound and size. After improving and saving I would eventually like to purchase on of their Aberdeen Meadows harps.

[@celestinac1105]

Purchasing a Dusty strings FH36S in Walnut was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. I had to wait 8 months for it to be built & overall it cost me $12,500, having it built from America and shipped to Australia 😅..but I have NO regrets whatsoever. The sound in my opinion, just cannot be compared with any other harp. I am mesmerized by it and just amazed at how majestic the sound is 😄

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

They do beautiful work!!

[@okorolina]

I am a newbie and am currently renting a Dusty strings Boulevard and I absolutely love it!

[@MrJKM1997]

I have a Roosebeck Celtic Meghan harp. It has 36 strings and I love it.

[@Thecelticharperchannel]

great job, much food for thought

[@falwyn]

I have a small 27 string Heartland, and a year ago I got a used Steen 34 string that I loooove :)

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

Cool! I'm not familiar with Steen harps, thanks for sharing!

[@The1PiloOface]

I just started harp and I am renting one at my music school. It is a Camac Melusine study harp with 38 strings. For the moment I don't go far into the bass but this instrument is impressive. I already dread the day I'll have to give it back. Especially because getting one for myself will be very expensive.

[@ellanorevannin4147]

My harp has 12 strings! Yeah I really want to get a bigger one! Though my 12 string harp has shown me that I do want to play the harp so it has been useful. And I have been able to learn on it. So even though I am limited in what I can play I can still hone my technique and get better.😁

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

Definitely! I am a big proponent of Use what you have! Nothing wrong with a wee harp :)

[@luoyanjin]

Nice sharing!

[@claudiawatson875]

Triplett Celtic II, Rees Mariposa, Marini Bass Lap Harp, Harpsicle (Fullsicle, Grand, Brilliante!).

[@kathleenadams4978]

Hi, I started out on one of those Mid East harps: a 22 string Heather harp. Moved on to a Sharpsicle, which I loved, and later acquired also a Ravenna 34. After my husband passed from cancer, I sold my house, moved in with family, and in order to "lighten my footprint" (save room) I sold all of the harps and bought a Grand Harpsicle. Which I love. Blessings!

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

Kathleen Adams thanks for sharing your harp story!

[@elisabethkaup1279]

I can recommend a Frank Sievert harp called Silmaril. Frank is a reputed German harp builder and makes quality instruments with a super sound. I also have a gut 26 string travel harp by Frank Sievert which plays well and also looks beautiful. His instruments are by no means cheap, but they resonate beautifully in the middle and bottom register and sound crisp and clear at the top end. His harps are an investment and they still sell at a good price second hand.

[@aniken6877]

I bought a lyre.

[@angienichos4003]

I have Mikel Saffron 34 String and Tulip 40 from Mikel Harps, Very good sound and quality harps at reasonable Budget.

[@allistevick]

Awesome! I’m absolutely sharing this video with my new-to-harping friends. You included great options, and it’s so nice to have them together in the same video. :) I also have a Stoney End double Brittany. I bought it in-the-white and finished it myself to cut the cost down. I’m also really really pleased with my wire harp- a Folcharp by James Skeen. He also makes a nylon string model that’s in the same price range as the finished Fireside harps, but made of wood. :)

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

Ooh! That's great to know. There really are harps out there to fit anyone and everyone's needs, I think!

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

Oh I meant to ask you- what's the name of the reel you're playing here? I love it!

[@allistevick]

Tiffany Schaefer, Harp & Song - It’s Cooley’s Reel. A new favorite of mine :) I learned it from the Irish session I now attend (and am SUPER excited about!) ;)

[@GuitarUniverse2013]

The fireside sounds really nice! To my ear, the giveaway on a cheap harp is when the high strings have too much much treble. Ouch! I rather observation is that if you put a simple pick up on and inexpensive harp like this, you could do wonderful things with the sound. I’ve been playing my entire life so I have tons of gear; amps, outboard effects, and I bet you could run it right into your computer and record with Garage Band or Logic.

[@fardareismai4495]

I've played on an Aoyama lever harp with 34 strings for 10 years, and after five years I got an additional dusty strings walnut harp with 26 strings, which I still play. I recently sold my Aoyama and I'll soon buy a Lyon and Healy Ogden.

[@CrimsonCinder]

I only have EWQL symphonic orchestra for my harp, though as quite a bit of my orchestrations use harps, I’ve been debating on buying one and learning to play it.

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

That's really interesting! I'm sure it would give you a new perspective.

[@andeeanko7079]

Hi Tiffany, I have Dusty Strings FH 32, and an FH 26. Dusty Strings have a gorgeous sound, a resonant bass and sparkling in the higher end. I do find, that as an advanced (advanced intermediate?) level player I do miss the bottom two strings (low C and D) often. My dream harp which I have played several times is a Camac Janet (which has 34 strings). Janet Harbison (leader of the Belfast Harp Orchestra) designed it herself to her exact specifications needed for Irish music, including lighter string tension for quick fluid ornamentation. I heard that Dusty Strings has actually discontinued the 32 string model as 34 strings is now considered standard for Irish music and Comhaltas competitions (I could be wrong here).

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

Hi Andee! I think the FH 32 is one I've tried before. I loved the feel of it. But yes I'm sure I would miss that low C and D too! I've heard of the Camac Janet before but haven't gotten to try that one yet. :) Thanks for your thoughts!

[@nycgingercat]

Harpsicle (no levers...rented, then owned it) and later, a used Salvi Egan lever harp.

[@cackleberrycottage2340]

Great video Tiffany. I have a Triplett Celtic 34 in walnut with a staved back.

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

Thank you! Sooo many good ones out there. :)

[@cackleberrycottage2340]

@@tiffanyharpandsong Update: I traded my Triplett in on a pedal harp last June! I got a Lyon & Healy Chicago 40 and I love it to bits. I always wanted a pedal harp but never thought I could afford one. However, by trading in my Triplett, I was able to swing it. it just feels so . much more comfortable to me when playing than my Triplett ever did. It is the perfect size for me. Not to big and not to small. Now I am lusting after a Heartland Air Serenity, maybe with double strings, but it will be a long while until I can swing that. But in the meantime, I am thrilled with my little pedal harp.

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

@@cackleberrycottage2340 how exciting - sounds like you found your soulmate! ☺️🎶♥️

[@camaroblackstar]

My first harp is a Glenluce 29 string all lever harp, which I believe is made in Pakistan (but it still isn't cheap about $650 (but I got for less in a sale at the music shop)) These harps have been given bad reviews but, I've had no problems with it, sounds good and stays in tune and I've learnt a few tunes from Tiffanys site; Skye Boat Song / Greensleves on it and now trying Canon in D Minor. I also bought a Derwent Harps (UK) Adventurer 20 (which I think is similar to a Harpsicle) which costs about $350 but I've also added C & F levers and a pick-up & strap buttons but this is mainly a portable/busking type harp! I would like a Camac (if I win the lottery ! LOL)

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

My first harp was also a Pakistani :) some are definitely better than others! I just got a new Dusty Strings that I love :)

[@jennisilberstein9795]

I have a Ravenna 26 with levers on the c and f strings. I recommend them!

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

I've been playing a Ravenna at harp camp tonight and they sound so great!

[@gloriagarcia7003]

Great, & very helpful video! 👍👍And, although I agree with most of what you said, I really think string tension may also feel differently to each individual player. For instance, I own two Dusty Strings’ harps (36S & Ravenna 26) and to me the tension on both of these harps is way lower (not higher) than say a Triplett harp (I have a nylon 30) but a “little” higher than my carbon Fiber Legend (which I have also, I know, too many harps!🙄🎶). And, I also find that I can play reels and/or jigs more easily on a higher tension strung harp (weirdly enough). So, yes, it is very much a personal choice when it comes to selecting your first harp, which makes it so very important to see, touch & play it in person! By the way, I so enjoy all of your videos and you play & sing beautifully!!!! Keep them coming Tiffany!!👍👍🎶🎶🎵Slainte, Gloria

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

Good thoughts Gloria, thank you for sharing! I got to try out a 32 string Dusty last year, (not sure the model name) and it was definitely lower tension than my own. But probably quite higher than a music maker's or some such. And I loved it! So glad you're enjoying my videos!

[@donnaingram7361]

Hi Gloria..I have a Dusty 36H and a Blevins 29 (but don't think Blevins make harps anymore) I'm thinking of getting a Heartland carbon, either the Legend or the Infinity. How do you like the Legend...Sound, portability etc. Have you tried the Infinity? They are Very pricey and I am not the most skilled harpist around so wondering if a carbon is worth the investment...though I really like their features.

[@gloriagarcia7003]

Donna Ingram Hi Donna, I love my (10 pound) Legend carbon fiber harp (“Seamus”), no regrets! I saved up for three years & purchased it in 2015 for $6800 (in black natural color). Thereafter, the prices went up considerably due to some type of cf shortage, due to demand from military (I think). However, Dave Woodworth (Heartland Harps) now has his own autoclave (molding machine), so I’m hoping prices might decrease (as I might be in market for a lap harp). The resonance & tone of my Legend are extraordinary, but “sometimes” I still find my walnut Dusty 36S eclipsing the Legend, but not by much. I so enjoy being able to easily carry my Legend & all other gear, to my monthly harp ring mtgs., Hope this helps!!👍🎶🎵

[@donnaingram7361]

Thank you for your reply, Gloria. Yes, the prices have gone up...I think the Legend is now about $7400. I'll keep my fingers crossed that the prices come down...but won't hold my breath on that score. I'm delighted to hear you like the tone...if the Legend sounds close to the Dusty, I'd be happy. Now the decision about the Legend or the Infinity. I adore the look of the Legend (it's gorgeous! Love the black & gold) but the maneuverability of the Infinity at 42" sounds like it might be easier to haul around. Hope Heartland adds a lap harp to the lineup...gee, that would really be a featherweight if the Legend is only 10 lbs. Happy harping.

[@gloriagarcia7003]

Donna Ingram yes, I just received an email today from Carrie, at Heartland Harps, that a carbon fiber lap harp is in the works for a Fall 2018 release. She said it would cost between $2,000-2500 and be fully levered. I am waiting to hear back on how many strings it will be & will post it here. I can only imagine that the weight will be very minimal!👍🎶

[@bonniesparks1881]

I have a Heartland (an older walnut model from before they went all carbon fiber) and it has the most full bass of any celtic harp I’ve tried. It has HUGE sound. But due to shape it’s a bit of a struggle for me to play the bass strings compared to a regular “lean back” harp. My Salvi Aida has kind of high tension, but the silk gut strings have such a lovely warm tone. Thanks for the honest reviews! I warn so many people on Reddit about those Mid East harps. Buyer beware of those!

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

Thanks for sharing your harps with us Bonnie! I've wondered about the shape of the Heartlands. Seems like I would prefer the traditional lean-back kind, too.

[@bonniesparks1881]

Tiffany Schaefer, Harp & Song I have to admit I’m torn on it. On the one hand it’s great for my shoulder bursitis and arthritis to not have it touch me so I can play it longer and it has the most beautiful tone. On the other hand it makes the bass notes farther away and I can’t sway with it while I play.

[@roomofmirrorsbest]

Dusty strings: Ravenna 26 FH36S

[@glornacara]

Great video demonstrating several great harps/harp-makers! I've been interested in the Backyard Harps & Waring Harps for a while, now - hopefully, after Baby comes & we get into a routine with him, I can take on building one. :) Also, I got to try a gorgeous Sligo harp at Somerset last year and LOVED it. Too bad there was only room in the budget for one new harp, haha...

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

Thanks Sharon!

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

I love that the Backyard harps are so affordable. I think they'd be great for kids too! Maybe eventually baby will take after his mommy and his namesake?? :D

[@allistevick]

Backyard harps ARE great for kids! If baby agrees when he’s bigger, you can be a harp duo! ;)

[@glornacara]

Tiffany Schaefer, Harp & Song & @Alli Stevick YES!! I pray he at least takes up music in some form, & I plan to get him familiar with harp from the get go, so we'll see! 😊

[@thewrackspurtzone5508]

Thanks so much for posting this! I have a little pixie harp which I love so much, but would like more strings than 19. I want to focus on celtic music so I don't think that takes too many more strings, right? If the makers of my harp are still making harps, I may get one from them, but oh my gosh I LOVE the sound of that Fireside cardboard harp!!!

[@thewrackspurtzone5508]

What tune is Alli playing on the Fireside harp?

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

@@thewrackspurtzone5508 Alli is playing Cooley's Reel! Yes the Fireside harps have a very good sound for what they are and are very affordable. Alli's playing with her nails which may give a slightly different sound, too. They are 22 strings, down to G. I recently got a 26 string from Dusty Strings that is really great, and I like that the smaller harps force me to think creatively because I don't have all the low notes. If you want something now, I recommend Fireside for a good starter or travel harp, but you may be happier in the long run with something like Musicmakers or Dusty Strings :) Or you could look for a used harp! Carolyn Deal puts out some used harps on her email list from time to time. www.southeasternharps.com/Home.html

[@ZantippySkiphop]

@@tiffanyharpandsong Hi this is still me on my other main account - thank you so so much for all the suggestions!

[@kiraela]

I've got a harpsicle with C and F levers, (low tension) and a Camac Hermine(medium-low) - at the store i got my Camac, i played a Ravenna 36 and the tension was much higher than the other options. She had a pretty sound, but the reach was too big for me though. So take that into consideration too, if you, like me, have tiny little t-rex arms.

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

Yes, great advice! Different people need different sizes :D

[@LearningtheHarp]

Hahahaha, t-rex arms! I'm learning something new about you, Kayla! :D

[@pamgevelinger2997]

Fireside harp i built myself, painted yellow , i added butterflies and flowers. , i play by ear for fun. I played violin, banjo, guitar. Applying base part im slowly learning.

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

Those are such great little harps!

[@DanielleChao]

Is it easy to build and since it’s card board does it come with a case?

[@Brembelia]

Could you pleas do a video on double and cross strung? Thank you. 😊

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

Cynthia Shelhart, Carolyn Deal and Anne-Crosby Gaudet are your girls for double harp! I don't play either of those I'm afraid. If you're looking to buy, I know Dusty Strings and Stoney End make good double harps.

[@glennlopez6772]

Thanks for the video. What sort of music can a lever harp play. Will a lever harp satisfy a solo guitarist.?

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

Many versatile things, though I would say, not some of the complex classical things that require rapid key changes. As to the second question, I think so, but of course that depends on you!

[@christophertsiliacos8958]

The harp is like playing the piano, one plays the treble clef notes with the right hand, and the bass clef notes with the left hand. I only read and play music in the treble clef. But that wouldn't preclude me from learning to play the harp. I would play the harp like I play the piano -- I would play the melody with my right hand, and the chords with my left hand -- all in the treble clef. Happy harping! 😊 🎼 ♫

[@christinecrocker9394]

the difference for playing the harp, however, is your right hand is playing backward from what you would play on the keyboard. I'm a pianist who took up the harp 3 years ago. It took a little getting used to but got the hang of it in no time.

[@texanconnection27]

I've always wanted to learn how to play, but never had the opportunity. I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and make it happen now. For someone who has never played any instrument, and over 40, which harp would you recommend starting with? Small? Large? Many strings? Fewer Strings? A Celtic Lyre? Does it matter? I trust your judgement as a seasoned player and instructor. I lean Celtic but will defer to your wisdom.

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

oooh there's no real right answer for that, I say it depends on where you want to go and what your budget is! A lyre is really a different instrument than a harp, so I'll refrain from commenting on that since I don't know too much about them! If you go with a smaller harp, I think you'll find the majority of sheet music written for 26 strings, so I'd go with that if you can. Pros: they are so portable and make you think very creatively when adapting larger harp arrangements to them (creative thinking is a plus!). Usually more affordable than large harps. They *can* be harder to balance if they don't have their own legs (one of the reasons I don't really like harpsicles for beginners, very top-heavy) which can interfere a bit with learning to play. If you go with a larger harp, pros are of course you have more bass (which can be very satisfying) and you won't have to adapt most lever harp arrangements. And they often feel more stable since they're on the floor, rather than a stool or stand. Most Celtic harps are 34-36 strings. I play a 34 now and don't miss the top two. Celtic music can be played on small or large harps. Are you in the US? I've seen a couple used harps for sale recently. If it's ever a question of levered vs. non-levered, I would probably go with a smaller harp that had at least some levers, vs a larger harp with no levers - unless you could add them later. String tension and string spacing is also something to consider. Renting a harp if you can, can also give you a better idea of what fits you personally. best of luck, hope that helps!

[@texanconnection27]

@@tiffanyharpandsong Thanks for replying. The information you've provided has given me a good place to start and some pertinent things to consider. I am in the US and I got big fingers so I will keep those in mind when selecting a harp moving forward. Thanks again, and thank you for your videos.

[@lynnesadler3457]

Dusty Strings. Salvi Rainbow. Harpsicle

[@aquamarinedream8304]

I started with a 26 string harpsicle which feels limiting. I want the Ravenna 34 but wonder if the range us wide enough and if it's luxurious enough. I get the feeling the Ravenna is good for an intermediate player but not necessarily an advanced player? The 5k harps look nicer but not sure if they're worth the price. I don't want a pedal harp I don't like the style

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

I wouldn't say the Ravenna isn't for an advanced player - it's just one of their more budget-conscious harps. Dusty makes beautiful harps all around! I find 34 is a satisfying range for folk music. Good luck - I know it's so hard to choose! I do recommend getting as many levers as you can.

[@MiaStrayer]

Lyon & Healy

[@mikifarrin]

The “Merlyn” by R Harps in Denver Colorado. Reasonable price, sturdy, good sound quality

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

Good harps! Thanks for watching :)

[@gutsandgrittv5076]

What about Gustavo's Paraguayan harps? What do you think of those?

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

I am not familiar with those. Thanks for watching!

[@funnymoments219]

Which one you suggest?celtic una or salvi ana?

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

Hi! I'm not familiar with either of those harps. What kind of music do you wish to play? I don't recommend Salvi for Celtic music.

[@edhotchkin5938]

Is this Smartwood Harp good for beginners (easier positioning)? It's my favorite sound so far.

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

That model has been discontinued, but I'd probably recommend any Music Makers harp for beginners (and non-beginners!)

[@michaelrocco8046]

Ive never played an instrument and want to start harp, cost is not a huge issue, where would you reccomend starting?

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

Find a teacher! There are so many of us who teach online. If you find one in your area, (there's a list here that might get you started www.harpcenter.com/category/harp-teachers ) they might even have a harp that you could rent or know of a resource nearby. It's great if you can try out a harp before you buy it. The type of music you want to play is a factor too.

[@catholicdoula]

The Fireside actually has a nice tone. Do they make those in a 29 version? LOL.

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

No but they now have a double strung version!

[@catholicdoula]

@@tiffanyharpandsong LOL that's funny. I am getting a double by Dan Speer (real wood) but I might consider a fireside for extra traveling around. I think I'll be looking for a 29 or 33 next. :) My double will be 24 double. I will have to make video about it.

[@LiseGood]

Do you offer online classes? I want to learn but no one in my area plays or teaches

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

Oh goodness, I just saw this comment. Sorry Lisa! If you're still looking, feel free to send me an email I have several suggestions: [e-mail].

[@iridescentlight5083]

Can you play classical harp pieces on a celtic harp ?

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

Hi! Yes, but it depends on the piece, since it's not really what they're made for. The main issue would be if the piece requires several fast key changes that are easier with pedals. That said, there are plenty of versions out there of classical pieces adapted for lever harp. Since pedal harps tend to have wider spacing and be higher tension, people who prefer classical or want to move to pedal harp eventually might prefer a higher tension lever harp, like one from Lyon and Healy or Salvi.

[@iridescentlight5083]

@@tiffanyharpandsong Thank you soooo much for you responce !!

[@carolinaamparo4953]

how much it cost for a harp for the new beginner

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

There are links to the websites for the harps I discuss in the video description. There's quite a range.

[@loripeytonband]

What harp do you have next to you in the video?

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

It was made by Greg Meyer in Ohio

[@jillgeary1313]

Hi Tiffany! I'm so glad I found your videos recently. I have a Flatsicle (C, F, B levers) and I've been playing off and on for a year - I'm frustrated and struggling with a left-hand thumb joint injury, plus my fingertips are often painful (this is due to an autoimmune issue which 'weakens' or 'thins' the skin on my fingertips - people talk to me about calluses [I played classical mandolin for years, so I understand!] but that is not what is causing my fingertip pain/issue). Which leads me to my question: I would like to "upgrade" next year to another 26 + string lever harp, but I definitely need a low tension! Can anyone compare the Lewis Creek Nightingale vs. the Harpsicle regarding tension for me? I understand a Triplett might have tension too high for me? Thank you so much!! BTW, I live in San Diego now, but I'm a Buckeye, of Scottish descent, and used to live and work in Cuyahoga County! Blessings to you!

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

Hi Jill, sorry I just saw your comment now! I think that harpsicles are pretty light on tension, but I'm not sure I've ever tried a Nightingale. If you're still looking for an answer to this, I would suggest contacting Carol Kappus (I believe she is familiar with the Nightingale harp) carolkappus.com/ Or if you're on Facebook, you might try the Celtic Harp group there - you'll probably get lots of opinions!

[@GuitarUniverse2013]

Jill and Tiffiny, I have a question about damaged hands in string tension as well. I was a professional musician for 50 years it lost the professional use of my heads sometime ago due to arthritis and fibromyalgia. I have really bad arthritis both of my thumbs. Unfortunately the left hand is the worst and I can’t even lift a skillet or even a towel. It’s almost impossible for me to play guitar anymore. How much stress does playing the harp put on ones left hand? By the way I was born and raised in Dayton. Go Buckeyes!

[@jillgeary1313]

@@GuitarUniverse2013 I had to stop playing the harp with my thumbs. I realize this is unconventional, but this is my only option. I have a Stoney End Eve harp that has very light tension yet sounds lovely. And all my fingering is using just fingers 2 and 3 (index and middle) on both hands (sometimes finger 4, ring finger, but my hand pain limits me). Occasionally I'll use a thumb on a string, but I've found it's better to be consistent and use the same fingering each time I play a piece. I write in the fingerings. I share the melody between both hands, and even play the left hand arpeggios with both hands. The nice thing about the harp is it sounds lovely! And the harp doesn't care what fingers you are using nor does your audience (family, friends, dogs)! Good luck. It is TOTALLY doable without thumbs. I had one professional tell me "you can't play this music without using your thumbs!" I decided she is not a good mentor for me LOL and I play whatever I want without using my thumbs. Good luck!

[@GuitarUniverse2013]

@@jillgeary1313 thanks Jill! And I hope the music brings you joy…

[@suzannewainwright9344]

Salvi Juno

[@susansuits9851]

Lyon and Healy Ogden........would like to have a Prelude..

[@fardareismai4495]

The Ogden is what I'm looking to buy soon, how do you like it?

[@KateWilde]

the Prelude is amazing I love it so much. truly rich sound and looks/feels just like a small pedal harp

[@justcj7456]

I wanna start with a 22 string heather harp with levers. Do you think 22 is good for a beginner? I played piano for 3 years btw.

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

Hi! So the issue with small harps and beginners can be, they are harder to balance, so people have to contend with keeping them from toppling over at the same time as learning, which can be hard and affect your technique. I imagine the Heather harp you're looking at is a Pakistani make harp (they have a model called Heather) so just be aware your levers may be stiff and not work right. Unfortunately the Pakistani harps tend to have that reputation. Sometimes you can get a decent one though. I started on a 22 string (without levers) like you're describing and I found it was fine for learning on, though the sound wasn't great. If you get a small one I'd recommend looking up Christy-Lyn's videos on how to hold your lap harp. She has another great video about things to consider when buying a harp too. PS if you play piano you will probably want to pay special attention to how you hold and close your hands - it's very different from piano technique, even though the notes are laid out similarly. Again Christy-Lyn has a great KZbin playlist for getting started. :)

[@justcj7456]

@@tiffanyharpandsong thwanks for the advice! Btw I was thinking about a Rossebeck heather harp but thwanks for letting me know!

[@Lewis_the_raider]

6:24 What song is she playing? :D

[@tiffanyharpandsong]

Hi! It's called Road to Lisdoonvarna. If you're a musician, you can learn it here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJjLl5Z4oc2rn8U thanks for watching!

[@Lewis_the_raider]

Thanks! and yes, only started very recently taking harp lessons :)