Harp

:Harp is also a slang term for the diatonic harmonica; see blues harp. See also Jew's harp.

Recommendations for beginning harpists

Harp is a rewarding instrument to learn because every note sounds good. However, there are several problems: picking a teacher, picking the harp, cost, tuning, and repairs.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A student should pick a teacher who teaches the type of music that he/she wants to play. An orchestral teacher will not be the best to teach Paraguayan sambas or Celtic dances. There are teach-yourself books for the Celtic harp.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The harp should be one recommended by a teacher or a knowledgeable harp-player.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Harps are one of the most expensive orchestral instruments. Used 3/4 sized pedal harps (the cheapest real orchestral harp) regularly sell for U.S. $8,000 or more, while new pedal harps can cost as much as a new car. One way to reduce this cost is to rent something smaller than a pedal harp, for example a lever harp with at least three octaves of range, for about U.S. $50 per month. Inexpensive lap harps that stay in tune are available for less than $300, although a case and accessories can add to the cost by several hundred more dollars.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Beginners often use an electronic tuner to tune a harp. Later, one learns to tune by ear. Most harpists carry a tuning wrench and pitch pipe or electronic tuner with their harps.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

New harps or harps moved to a different climate often have to be retuned as much as several times per day for a week before they settle into a reliable tuning. This is normal, even for a good harp. If, after a couple weeks, the harp does not remain in tune at least for a day of light or no use, then it is probably defective.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Broken strings are minor damage, easily repaired by a harpist. Harpists often carry a spare set of strings in the harp's case. However, different harps use different strings, and the wrong strings can damage a harp.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Loose tuning pegs or broken levers are minor but require professional repairs. The most common serious damage to a harp is a cracked sound board or a failed glue seam. These can usually be fixed by the manufacturer of the harp or an experienced luthier.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Like all fine wooden instruments, harps are susceptible to both heat and changes in humidity. The glue in most harps melts above 60C (140F), so it is dangerous to leave a harp in a hot car on a sunny day. Sound boards in particular are susceptible to changes in humidity, and occasionally crack when the harp is fully strung and the humidity and temperature rapidly change. Ideally, a harp should be shipped with loose strings, and then left in its packing materials with the door open a crack to slowly accommodate the harp to the temperature and humidity of its resting place. Only after a few hours should the harp be set up and tuned.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~