Finding My Harp

When I set out on a research project, I become a little obsessive.  I watch a hundred videos, countless articles and reviews, numerous threads on harp boards – you name it!  I like to, as they say, “leave no stone unturned.”  During my research, I also determined that I wanted to pursue therapy harp, which will be the topic of a later post.  But, that decision was very important because it led me in the direction of a lap harp instead of a floor harp.  I knew that I could only afford one harp, and also that I couldn't lug a floor harp to nursing homes and the like.

So now, even though I am a newbie (more on that later too), I will offer a little advice to any others out there considering the purchase of a low priced lap harp.  This will be primarily for new students in the United States (though the magic of internet and global shipping might make it possible for many others).  I will tell you the different options I pursued, in hopes that this might help someone else.

Low Budget Lap Harps

Pakistani Harps:  If there is one nearly universal opinion when buying inexpensive harps, it is stay away from harps made in Pakistan. With one exception, they seem to be very poorly made, from heavy woods such as rosewood that do not produce the best sound, and with levers that frequently malfunction. (Sharping levers enable you to play in many keys, basically similar to the black keys on a piano.) I cannot tell you how many knowledgeable harpers/harpists said to stay away from these harps! (Probably because I didn’t save the links ;)  There have been a few anecdotal accounts of the Pakistani harps working pretty well other than the levers, but it seems the tiny minority. 

However, there may be an exception:  Mikel Harps http://mikelharps.com/mikel-lever-harps/.  This particular company seems to be working hard to shed that low quality image, and it seems that their latest models have many improvements. Because I didn’t have funds to buy a second harp if I had made an error, I didn’t go this route. However, I would reconsider Mikel at a later date, after they have perfected their new models.

Cardboard Soundbox Harps:  Believe it or not, most experts would prefer that you buy a harp kit with a cardboard soundbox over a Pakistani harp!  These harp kits are made by at least two companies:  Waring Music and Backyard Music.  They don’t have as many strings as I’d like, and might not be the best choice if you are travelling a lot, as for therapy. Still, the videos show that they produce nice sounds. The Backyard Music Fireside Folk Harp is probably the better choice as I hear that you can later add levers:  http://www.backyardmusic.com/Harps.html.  The Waring kit isn’t designed for levers:  https://waringmusic.com/product/waring-harp/. It also doesn’t have the harmonic curve at the top.

Mid-Budget Lap Harps

Harpsicle Harps:  Rees is the company that manufactures Harpsicles,  along with their cousins the Sharpsicles, Flatsicles, and Fullsicles.  These are good quality instruments at great prices. The models and their prices are based on how many levers they include, with Sharpsicles having levers on F and C, Flatsicles F, C, and B, and Fullsicles on all strings.  If you visit this page:  https://harpsicleharps.com/discounted-harps-ready-to-ship/, you can save even more on discontinued models and seconds. Of course their regular prices are still very competitive.

Magical Strings:  This company makes some lovely harps that you can listen to online.  Check them out here:  http://www.magicalstrings.com/HarpsDulcimers.html. I didn’t choose this company since I had decided I needed a lightweight harp with a minimum of 26 strings. Their smaller harps have 24 strings.

Dusty Strings:  A little higher on the price scale, but possibly worth it!  I’ve heard many good things about their instruments, particularly from harp teachers.  You may want to seriously consider the lowest price model, the Ravenna 26 string harp if you're on a budget:  https://manufacturing.dustystrings.com/harps/browse-models/ravenna-26.

Used Lap Harps

This is another option to consider, particularly if you can view the harps in person. Here are a few of the many websites where you can find harps from reputable dealers:  Virginia Harp Center https://www.vaharpcenter.com/harps/used-harps/, Kolacny Music http://kolacnymusic.com/harps_sale/usedconsignment-harps/, and Melody’s Traditional Music https://www.folkharp.com/650-used-harps. I spoke to Melody’s over the phone and they were very helpful, but a little out of my price range mainly due to shipping costs.  Shipping on harps can be extremely expensive, so don’t forget to ask in advance, regardless of the company!

Rental Harps

There seem to be many stores and teachers who rent harps.  It would be ideal to see these harps if possible. Rentals have an advantage in that you can try several harps before deciding on a model to purchase later. Some companies also have rent to own plans.

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This listing just scratches the surface of lower priced lap harps. I looked at many other sites, which just didn’t work in my circumstances.  One in particular that I really hoped to buy a kit from was John Kovac’s website:  http://www.johnkovac.com/kits.html.  He was so kind to me when corresponding, but unfortunately he no longer makes the kits.  He still has a few completed harps at the time of this writing. Seems like a great person, so I’d recommend contacting him if you are looking.

After I searched for many long hours, drooling at the higher prices harps, I still had great difficulty making my decision.  In such cases, it’s a good idea to seek advice from those who know more.  I called shops, emailed prospective teachers, and read about the harps used in therapy.  I also joined a harp group on Facebook that was extremely helpful in providing me with many valid insights.  Finally, I considered the fact that I don’t have a teacher nearby, and do not live in or near a city with a harp store.  Therefore, I wanted a more common brand with lots of YouTube videos showing how to tune, change strings, adjust levers, etc.  

All of these considerations, as well as price and quality, led me to choose Harpsicle Harps.  Pictured at right is a similar model.  My harp will arrive in two days!