Hi Bebop

Yes you use all the strings on the harp. A good celtic harp, that say a professional folk harpist would play would typically have between 36 and 38 strings, although some go up to 41. Most celtic and classical music that's been arranged for the harp falls within the range of what's playable on that type of harp.

Latin American music, which is what I usually play uses more deep base, so my prelude (38 strings) just wasn't cutting it. My new harp has 47 strings, and most music doesn't use the very high treble or the very low base, but there is music written that does. I'm learning one piece at the moment that uses the very bottom string on my new harp.

It's not actually that hard to reach the base - first off the harp is tilted backwards balanced on one shoulder, so you just have to lean forward and reach for the really deep base. I have no problem with it.

I'm actually thinking that I might like a true celtic harp in the 36-38 string range, that would be more portable than my floor harp but give me more range than my lap harp. But if I do that I'll definitely have to sell my Prelude and I'm really attached to it.