Optimal

What is optimal when it comes to buying a harp?  I think there is a different answer for each person!  Yes, I have already discovered a few things I wish were different with my new harp…sigh…  But, I’m sure I’d feel this way about any harp.  Perhaps this is why so many harpists have more than one. 

I’m making a list of what I wish this harp had, and also the features that I can already tell that I love.

What I love about the Flatsicle with extra levers on the G strings:

1.    Weight – feels like it’s basically nothing.  Many of my purses weigh more.  I think this harp would be ideal if you need to move around and walk with it for hours at a time.

2.    Balance – although I’ve read that it’s harder to start with a small harp like mine, I find it relatively easy to balance as long as I use the harp stick with the shoulder strap.

3.    Levers on same side as tuning pins – from what I’ve read, this is not typical for harps, but it’s very convenient!  I can easily see which string I’m tuning, which makes it quick and efficient.

4.    Harp Stick – love this thing!  After about an hour it feels hard on your thighs, but it still isn’t uncomfortable.  I can imagine that using a stick on a heavier harp might not be so much fun, but it’s perfect with my harp!

5.    Color – so delicate and pretty.  As you may know, my harp was a second because of the wood grain showing through the white finish.  Basically, I got a discount because it wasn’t semi-solid whitish.  To be honest, I prefer it like this!  The color is like champagne, not quite rosé, but there is a hint of warmth.  I think it’s perfect for therapy!

What I might want different next time:

1.    Different bass strings – I can order the upgraded bass strings from Rees Harps, maker of Harpsicles, but I wish I had done this from the start.  The sound of the entry level bass strings does not match the beauty of the others.  I need to do a video of the same song with the current strings and the upgraded strings when I buy them!

2.    More levers – actually full levers!  I’m finding that there are already songs that I won’t be able to play (because I’m naughty and try out things that aren’t beginner level).  First I came upon songs that needed E flats, and then D sharps. 

3.    More strings/larger harp – I can see where this is going!  No, I don’t need them, but I think a larger harp with more strings would be so nice to have.  In my research, the harp weight issue was really exaggerated.  This made me go for a very light weight harp, which wasn’t necessary.  I’m not young, but I still would be able to carry a much heavier harp.  (Note that I’m over 5’8” and not slender.  This could be very different for someone my age who is slight of build.)  In an ideal situation, it would be nice to have a larger and heavier harp when harp therapy wouldn’t require a lot of moving around.

4.    Nicer strap – I got the least expensive strap.  It’s functional but not comfortable.  My plan is to take it apart and make something softer.  The edges of the low cost strap from Harpsicle are a little rough on your neck/shoulder area if you’re wearing a tank top, for example.  And this is Florida…

5.    Movement – Yes, it balances pretty well.  But since I made my first video, I did notice that it moves.  I wasn’t expecting that, as I don’t notice it while I’m playing.