Choosing a Harp

Are you looking to start harp lessons, but need an instrument? (Looking for a teacher?) It can be tricky navigating the instrument world & making sure you get a quality instrument. Here is a non-exhaustive list of harps to get you started. Of course, the decision is ultimately yours, but I hope this helps.

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Considerations

In your quest for a harp, here are a few things to consider:

• Portability: Are you planning to move your harp a lot? Or to & from lessons? Harps aren’t known to be the most portable instruments. (Get ready to hear, “Don’t you wish you played the flute?” haha.)
• Budget: Some people recommend taking out a loan to purchase a harp. I say: don’t do that! Save up your money (would you like to see a post on ideas for saving for a harp?), purchase within your budget, & keep your ears out for good deals. There are also rent-to-own options, as you’ll see below.
• Also: Lever harp isn’t necessarily a beginner instrument (Head over here for some differences between types of harps). You can absolutely reach a professional level on a lever harp. If you do think you might want to do more orchestral/western classical work, you can take what you learn & transfer that to the pedal harp. You might consider renting a lever harp when you begin studying, whatever your goals are, especially if this is your first introduction to music.

Rent or Buy?

If you’re just starting out, I recommend starting with rental. This gives you a chance to settle into the new instrument & gives you time to check some different options out. You might find that you fall in love with the first harp you try, or you might find another that you prefer several months (or even years) down the road.

If you want to rent, but feel like renting is pouring money into something you aren’t purchasing, rent-to-own is another option. I believe Cadence Music and Virginia Harp Center both have this type of program available.

What kind of harp?

There’s quite a range of types of harp. (Check out this video on lever vs. pedal harps for more info on that.)

Here are a few options:

• Cardboard harps are one option. They have a cardboard soundbox and can be purchased at different levels of construction. I have had a few students with cardboard harps and they are very sweet little harps to have as either an early beginner harp or a backup harp. Super portable and quite affordable! Two makers are Backyard Music and Waring Harps.
• If you’d like a different option for making your own harp, various harp kits are also available through Music Makers*.
• I frequently use a Dusty Strings Allegro or Ravenna in lessons, and it’s a nice portable size with a good sound.
• Some other reputable brands are Lyon & Healy, Salvi, Camac, Triplett, Marini Made Harps, and Dusty Strings.

As far as used vs. new, used is not a problem; it can actually be a benefit, as the harp has had time to settle and “ripen.”

How much will I spend?

Purchasing a harp is an investment, & the dollar value of that investment depends. It depends on the size & type of harp and what kind of deal you happen across. I’d suggest expect spending from about $2,000 USD to $25,000 USD for a harp purchase (You could spend as much as about $200,000 USD though if you wanted!). How is that for an indefinite answer?

There are some low quality instruments out there, so if you’re new to the harp world, I recommend getting feedback from a trusted harper/harpist.

Now, where to find a harp?

If you’re in Florida & on the hunt for a Dusty Strings, try contacting Cadence Music. They’re an authorized Dusty Strings dealer — I believe the only one in Florida!

Sylvia Woods Harp Center is another great place to check out. (Also check out 5 Questions with…Sylvia Woods.)

You might also check Vanderbilt Music, The Harp Connection and Harp Column Classifieds. You could also check sites like Craigslist & Facebook Marketplace (don’t forget to join me on Facebook while you’re there!), but as mentioned above, there are some harps to be wary of purchasing.

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Have questions? Pop on over to Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, or leave them in the comments section below!

Your harp decision is ultimately yours, so take my input for what’s it’s worth to you. These are my opinions; you might have different preferences.

Happy harp shopping!

-Barbara

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