My New Harp is finally coming

I ordered a new Celtic harp, back in August. It was supposed to be ready in Dec., but the luthier ran into some serious delays around the construction of his new studio.

But my harp is FINALLY ready. It's shipping from Nova Scotia on Thurs., and I'll get it on Mon. I can't wait.

Best part is I'll have it in time to take to a St. Patrick's Day party so I can play it for my friends.

--splitimage

You must be SO excited!!
Don't forget, we want a pic or two or as many as you want to share!!

Ha! We could have an act. You play the harp and I'll do a jig or play the flute, you pick!

I always thought the harp was one of the most amazing instruments made. Listening to harp music is just sooooo relaxing.

I hope it provides you with many hours of enjoyment.

Yeah a new harp!!!!

Oh stop all your harping about splitimage!

Hope Monday comes extra fast for you this week. And wow, you get to have it in time for St. Pat's day....

Congratulations on getting a new harp - how exciting. How much does a good harp cost and how do you transport it when you have to play somewhere?

Cost depends on a number of factors - type of harp, number of strings, reputation of luthier.

There are basically two types of harps, Celtic or lever harps. They have lever's that sharp the strings, or pedal harps. Pedal harps have pedals that set the sharps and flats. Pedal harps are the really big harps you see in orchestras.

For a decent celtic floor harp price will typically range between $3,000 - $8,000 dollars depending on the number of strings, type of wood, degree of customization, and reputation of the luthier. Mine is costing $5,500 CDN.
The harp I'm getting is comparatively light weight. It's 54 inches tall at it's highest point, and weighs 24 -27 pounds, so it's pretty easy to move - it'll fit in my car with the back seats folded down.

Celtic lap harps are smaller and designed to be held in your lap. Good ones range from $1,700 - $5,000.

Pedal harps are an entirely different beast. They're way more expensive and heavier. The entry price point on a pedal harp is about 15,000 and they can go up to the hundred's of thousand dollars for really fancy custom jobs. I have a fairly plain but high quality full concert grand pedal harp that I paid $22,000 for. It weighs 100 lbs. I can't get it in my car, so if I want to move it I have to rent a van.

--splitimage

Thanks for the interesting facts. How did you learn how to play the harp?

I played piano pretty seriously as a teenager, but then university and jobs got in the way and I dropped out of music altogether. About 6 years ago, I decided I wanted to do something musical again, so I decided I like the sound of the harp, and decided to learn to play it. Knowing nothing about harps, I bought my first harp, which was a lap harp 2'nd hand, and then found a teacher through the Royal Conservatory of Music. After 1 year I realized I needed a bigger harp, and bought a 38 string lever harp (subsequently sold), then after about 5 years I decided that since I play mostly Latin and classical it made sense to go all the way and get a pedal harp. I still take lessons once a week through the Royal Conservatory. It's a pretty hard instrument to learn to play well.

There you go harping about again splitimage! Wow, I enjoyed your story about harps. I had no idea there were different types. And I'm sure it is a very hard instrument to learn to play WELL.

Does having played the piano help?

Yes beholden, I'm still harping. Having played the piano helped a lot. I already knew how to read music. New how to read to staves at once, and was used to coordinating two hands. And since you use pedals in piano, that was a big help in moving to the pedal harp.

Biggest challenge is getting and maintaining the right hand position so that you get an even & clear tone with no string buzzing. My teacher is always telling me thumb up, curve 3 (my middle finger) and close 4 (ring finger) flat. I hear the same three things every week LOL.

Sounds like your teacher is in on a real good gig....she already knows what to say. It makes her teaching sooo much easier! LOL.

So the piano is a good instrument to leap from...if you are wanting to play the harp. I love the sound of harp music. I used to use a lot of it when I was a massage therapist to play during the relaxation (Swedish) style massages. I hear it in my head now!

Oh how wonderful!!! You're getting a harp.
I love the sound of the harp.

You are so fortunate to have learned to read music and play instruments.

that was always my dream(from a wee little one) --to be able to read music and play the violin or piano.......

Music is the universal language and it calms the soul.

I bet this weekend will be a loooooong one for you-- waiting.... waiting... Hope it goes fast!

best to you

fins

Just popped in to make another silly comment about

all the HARPING your doing.
Geez, split.

And thats wonderful. The sound of a harp, to me, is very VERY soothing.

Hi splitimage,I always loved the sound of a harp. It has such a restful peaceful sound. How long have you been playing your harp? Do you have to wear finger protection so your fingers do not get sore from the strings? Is your harp a full-length floor type instrument? Years ago I used to play the piano, but gave it up due to a neuromuscular disease I have. Really hope that you get your harp on Monday. Enjoy it. Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

I've been playing about 6 years. You don't wear finger protection, but after playing for a while, you develop callouses on your fingers where they touch the strings.

When my new harp comes, I'll actually have 3 harps.

I have a 25 string lap harp, that's useful for tossing in the car or taking out to the park.

I have a 47 string concert Grande pedal harp. That's the big harp you see in orchestras. It's over 6 feet tall at the pillar and weighs 100 lbs.

The new harp, is large for a celtic harp. It's a floor harp, meaning it sits on the floor while you play it, as opposed to a lap harp. It has 40 strings, most celtic harps have 32-36 strings, and I blieve it's about 4 feet tall.

I'll definitely post pics of my new harp when it comes as well as one's of my Concert Grande so that you can get some sense of how different they are.