Harp Review - 10 harps from 50$ to 15.000$ - comparison guide
Рет қаралды 134,762
6 жыл бұрынWelcome to the magic (and complex) world of harps! Are you an aspiring musician or a beginning harpist wondering which harp is right for you? Or are you just confused with all the different types of harps out there? I've been there too! :)
In this video I am sharing my personal experience with 10 different types of harps I've tried. In my opinion, there is no "right" or "wrong" instrument, all have their pros and cons, so it's a matter of finding the best fit for your needs.
All opinions expressed in this video are my own. Prices are only an indication of the average retail price for a new instrument. Recorded with an iPad.
In case you'd like to jump to a specific section here is what I'm showing:
1. 2'04'': 8 string Celtic harp (33 cm) - 50$
2. 6'14'': 8 string Celtic harp (38 cm) - 50$
3. 8'45'': 12 string lyre - 50$ to 300$
4. 12'39'': EMS 19 string Gothic harp - 500$
5. 15'26'': Derwent Adventurer 20 - 300$ to 600$
6. 18'59'': Ardival Rosemarkie Pictish Harp- 1300$
7. 21'18'': 22 string Mid East Rosewood Celtic Harp - 400$
8. 27'05'': Camac Bardic 27 harp - 2000$
9. 32'58'': Heartland Infinity 36 - 5000$
10. 37'04'': Camac Clio 44 pedal harp - 15000$
Ready to take the blind test now? Watch my next video and try to guess which sound samples comes from which harp: Blind test: can you guess which harp is playing? Sound samples from 10 harps from 50$ to15.000$
• Blind test: can you gu...
You can hear the original version of the Medieval composition I play throughout the video at this link (including link to free sheet music in the description):
• Medieval dance - with ...
www.celticizemeandjazzmeup.com
EDIT (December 2021): for more recent harp please check out the following links!
5 great mid sized harps for beginners from 700 to 2000 euro: • Starter Harp Review: M...
Best value 36 string harp: • I tried the cheapest 3...
Best value 28 string harp: • Low Cost Harp unboxing...
Best value 15 string harp: • Unboxing the AKLOT 15 ...
@burningspud 4 жыл бұрын
You're not fooling anyone. That "harp" behind you is a piano. :P
@mariannebouvettemusic 4 жыл бұрын
Burningspud 😂😂😂
@MM-vs2et 4 жыл бұрын
It's a chromatic harp with keys
@cyana5867 4 жыл бұрын
It’s a harp but with 88 strings!
@yuriokada9438 4 жыл бұрын
🤣🤣🤣🤣
@rainespiano 3 жыл бұрын
@Chandra Makin oh absolutely! it was wonderful!
@janwary1922 5 жыл бұрын
I am amazed that you point out the strengths of the 8-string harp. Unfortunately, most ridicule cheap instruments and, with that, the people who choose the cheaper instruments. It discourages aspiring beginners to even begin when all they could afford is a 'cheap' instrument.
@mariannebouvettemusic 5 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much Jan for your appreciation. I wish I could make music more easily accessible for more people! My very first music memories come from a toy piano with small keys which my little fingers could easily reach, it’s on that cheap instrument that I started playing by ear and developing a strong sense of musicality as a kid! It played a key part in my music journey. So I believe every instrument has merit really. The 8 string harp may not meet everybody’s needs, but everyone’s different!
@janwary1922 5 жыл бұрын
@@mariannebouvettemusicWow! A great mission to help spread music. May I ask if you do harp tutorials? Or maybe even free tutorials for that 8-string harp?
@mariannebouvettemusic 5 жыл бұрын
I havent found the time to make tutorials but the idea has been in my head for some time... hopefully I can get round to it some time soon. For the moment all I have is free sheet music for the 8 string harp, check out Happy Villagers on my website www.celticizemeandjazzmeup.com/sheet-music
@janwary1922 5 жыл бұрын
@@mariannebouvettemusic Thank you very much. I do hope I'd be able to get a teacher bec I'm having a hard time locating one in our city. I think the only the rich has access to such a wonderful instrument and to these amazing teachers. I'm looking forward to your contents. Again, thank you very much.
@mariannebouvettemusic 5 жыл бұрын
Jan Wary I hope you find a teacher and you can make your harp dreams true! Face to face classes are always best but if you’re desperate, I give Skype lessons, don’t hesitate to ask! Good luck with your search!
@catzkeet4860 4 жыл бұрын
Its always fascinated me that the price point with harps is, particularly when they are played in sequence as here, so very clear. As the instrument gets more expensive the sound gets richer and more resonant. Im not much of an elitist about anything really, but it has to be said that you really do get what you pay for with a harp, with the less expensive instruments sounding positively tinny and plunky next to the more expensive ones. Thats not to say that there isnt a place for the less expensive instruments. There is and there will always be....harps have never been cheap, and far better to have a less expensive instrument than none at all, and most people once they have been bitten by the harping bug will save to get a better quality instrument. And i have to say there is nothing like the resonant tones of a good harp. It makes even a beginners practice sound lovely. I hired a harp when i first started playing and my neighbor used to come outside to listen when i practiced on the deck outside, and trust me, i was no Turlough O' Carolan LOL.
@mariannebouvettemusic 4 жыл бұрын
100% agree! And your neighbour is very lucky to have you 😀
@SharonCullenArt 3 жыл бұрын
It is the same with all instruments. I’m a musician and my first flute was about $2000. Silver. My current flute is $14,000 and solid gold. There’s a huge difference in sound from silver to gold, a lot of that is preference. Gold has a more woody rich tone, silver has a brighter tone. My cheap flute was more difficult to play so I sold it. It’s the same with clarinets, sax, trumpets, violins/ all string instruments pianos etc etc. most people do not realize how much a good instrument costs. I could go up to $65,000 on a flute. A Lorenzo Carcassi violin is about $80,000, but a Stratavarius is about $12,000.
@elmore707 3 жыл бұрын
I doubt the Celtic people paid 1000s for a harp.
@ahmedzababulin7227 2 жыл бұрын
@@elmore707 the sound quality, er, varied
@Jude300c Жыл бұрын
What I did with my cheap lyre is I tuned down a step so that it sounds more earthy. I wonder once I venture to buy a har p in the future, if drop tuning would work or be appropriate to do ( integrity to the structure of the instrument)
@dagothwave6623 2 жыл бұрын
As a lyre player, it always amazes me how aggressively harp players pluck the strings
@mariannebouvettemusic 2 жыл бұрын
Hahaha I can imagine! I recently took lyre lessons and trying to softly glide on the strings is quite an adjustment :)
@patriciafriedson8860 6 жыл бұрын
wow, what a great thing to provide the side by side comparison of so many harps. they all offered surprises. the Respighi is so beautiful and gives dignity to even the tiniest harp! Thank you very much!
@mariannebouvettemusic 6 жыл бұрын
I love the way you describe how Respighi "dignifies" the simplest instrument 😊 I absolutely love it too, it is one of the first pieces I wanted to learn on harp ❤️
@patriciafriedson8860 6 жыл бұрын
isn't it wonderful how certain pieces of music can mean so much, right from the first moment? Borodin's Nocturne, that's another one, instantly so moving!
@ScarletFever109 5 жыл бұрын
I’ve always wanted to play the harp
@mariannebouvettemusic 5 жыл бұрын
I hope your dream comes true soon ❣
@denisemayosky1955 3 жыл бұрын
I've been in your shoes: loved the harp, always wanted to play it. Start with a lap harp like the first few she showed. They're pretty easy to learn and fun!
@ZPdrumer 5 жыл бұрын
This is a nice little comparison of harps. I just wanted to point out the newer "#7 Rosewood harps"/pakistan harps have adjustable sharping levers. All you need is a screwdriver. As some others mentioned I like that you respect all harps, even the smallest ones, pointing out how you can use them even for something as simple as keeping finger strength while on vacation
@stevenn1940 3 жыл бұрын
Just recently got a 16 string lyre harp, and I have to admit, I'm pretty happy with my purchase. I don't know how much, if any, skills will transfer to traditional harps, but it's certainly the most strings and probably the best sounding instrument for the price ($89) Will certainly be referring back to this once I have some proficiency with this instrument (I am able to play "Song of Storms" at least)
@andymayneau 2 жыл бұрын
link?
@stevenn1940 2 жыл бұрын
@@andymayneau www.amazon.com/AKLOT-Strings-Mahogany-Tuning-Wrench/dp/B07VPV6HPQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=lyre&qid=1626332207&sr=8-4
@AltoonaYourPiano 6 жыл бұрын
You really know your harps! I loved the detailed reviews and explanations
@DuaLeaD 4 жыл бұрын
2:22 I was tabbed out when I heard her loudly drag the piano bench across the floor and I thought she accidentally knocked over the whole row of harps!! LMAO!! I totally cringed XD
@johnmanno2052 Жыл бұрын
Hi!! Thank you, very very much, for this awesome video! I'm a (mostly retired) professional harpist in the US. I LOVED hearing all these harps compared, and I'm DEEPLY IMPRESSED with your skills! You play beautifully, and you write BEAUTIFUL music! I was STUNNED that you made that tiny harp sound good and played real music on it! BRAVA!!!!
@davidivey8920 3 жыл бұрын
Learned so much during this video! You have a very genuine personality as well
@defabc6372 3 жыл бұрын
4:49 6:56 11:30 13:48 17:19 20:03 25:11 29:47 35:40 38:30
@yuriokada9438 4 жыл бұрын
And my husband called me crazy the other day because I told him that I need a travel harp. He‘s like “you’ve got one already, so why get another?!”. Better not mention that the list of “want to buy” harps is pretty long 😂🙊
@charpnatl 4 жыл бұрын
I feel as if I have just made a new friend. Thank you for taking the time to make this candid comparison of harps. I hope it will be very helpful to anyone nervously trying to decide what to buy.
@welshpete12 3 жыл бұрын
I have new speakers on my computer . The sound from the more expensive harps really makes my head ring ! I'm not expressing my self well . What I was trying to say how wonderful they sound ! To me it's always interesting to hear an expert talk about their subject . Your explanations are so clear and thorough . Thank you for posting !
@brianmacleod6272 6 жыл бұрын
In the past few years I have been lucky enough to see and hear three examples of the Camac harp, all three of them manufactured to the specifications of renowned Irish harp player and composer Janet Harbison. Here among Nova Scotia's Gaelic community, fiddle and Highland pipes are the most common type of instrument one would encounter, so it was a pleasant surprise to come across three identical models of the Camac.
@GuitarUniverse2013 2 жыл бұрын
I have been a professional musician for 50 years. Any musical instrument is a tool. Always, always, always buy the best tool that you can afford. I that’s what credit cards are for! No there is one caveat. You don’t need to spend money on fancy inlays or any of that other nonsense. But make sure your instrument is made of solid wood. And has good hardware. Again, your instrument is a tool. If you were a carpenter working with hand planes, you would want the best tool with the sharpest blade. Cheap tools will break your heart. Doll blades are the cause of most accidents and the reason why some people end up losing a finger or worse! So do yourself a favor and go ahead and make an investment in yourself comment in your music, and then your future. And if you’re hesitating about spending the big dollars because you’re unsure that you’ll stay with the instrument, then that’s the best reason of all to go ahead and make an investment in a really good instrument. Why? Because if you have to sell your instrument, you have at least some chance of getting a decent amount of your money back. But a cheap instrument? Forget about it. It’s a piece of shit and no one will want to buy it. I rest my case ladies and gentlemen.
@magicmountainharpist 6 ай бұрын
love youre unbiased approach to harps
@delatierranicolas 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much, very comprehensive overview for someone looking into this instrument for the first time
@DuaLeaD 4 жыл бұрын
Your voice is so lovely and pleasant.... I could listen to you talk all day! Very knowledgeable and beautiful playing too!
@javiern3036 3 жыл бұрын
You are just amazing!! Everything about you is so calming, so relaxing, i really enjoy it, thanks.
@mariannebouvettemusic 3 жыл бұрын
Oh, this is so nice to hear! Very kind of you, thank you 🙏
@yomo4u 5 ай бұрын
Fantastic review - thank you!
@kerrycockburncampbell3044 5 ай бұрын
I love your positive attitude, re making the most of each harp, not trashing them. When I was young ANY harp would have been welcome. Almost none in my area of Western Australia at that time.
@paullyle3461 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing all those insights to the diffrent Harps in your collection.🎶😉🎶
@Pythonaria 4 жыл бұрын
I have the 22 string Rosewood harp. I bought it secondhand for £80 about 12 years ago. The levers are terrible. Some work, some don't. I hadn't played it for a long time after badly breaking my wrist (left permanently weak) and the death of my husband. I decided to try to play it again last night but noticed it's starting to crack in a line with the strings - tension probably. It did tune up well (tuned it against the piano) and despite this cracking, does keep tune well. The harp I would really like is a Dusty Strings Ravenna 34. I tried it some years ago and loved its sound and resonance. The current price is £2200 - unfortunately, for the foreseeable future, out of my price range. It is top of my wish list though.
@cwli1 9 ай бұрын
Did you get that Dusty Strings Ravenna 34?
@Pythonaria 9 ай бұрын
@@cwli1 Yes, I did - last year. A slightly damaged one came up for sale from a reputable harp shop within driving distance from where I live. It had got water damaged during the first lockdown - had been rented to a school. The soundboard is slightly warped but it doesn't affect the sound of the harp and it stays in tune. The harp is only 3 years old now. Absolutely love it. Wonderful harp to play. I paid £1200 for it so was very happy. The price of them now is £3000 so I'm glad I got my one when I did.
@samanthatsuki4086 2 жыл бұрын
If you're having fun on a harp, keep going. I feel like that matters more than it being "proper" to other players. Do what you love :) And I love the accessibility of these different designs and types. Thank you! Edit: Haha, it's fun you said the same thing right after I typed this! I agree. I'm not a harpist, but I feel like love and spirit and joy is more important than technique for technique's sake.
@mariannebouvettemusic 2 жыл бұрын
You absolutely nailed it! 👍 thanks!
@lyndavonkanel8603 Жыл бұрын
I agree! I stared very late in life and know I'll never be a virtuosa but I love playing my harp and surprisingly, others love hearing my poor attempts. Improving slowly, but improving none the less, I feel encouraged so will play on.
@mistymistyrain Ай бұрын
Thank you so much for a truly very good review of harps & comparison.
@joshthemermaid 6 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for this review. I really value these kind of reviews, especially ones that cover the whole spectrum! I actually own one that I believe may be the exact same as #7, and have the same problems with the levers, but I never knew the tension wasn't great for proper technique! I'm very glad to know now.
@mariannebouvettemusic 6 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for your comment, I’m so glad you found this helpful! Indeed if you get used to playing on low string tension, it may become a problem when you move to a regular tension harp as your technique won’t be adapted for it. But that’s not to say you cannot play beautifully with the technique and the harp you currently have. If that’s your main instrument and you enjoy it, you shouldn’t feel bad about it! It’s probably like riding a tricycle vs a bicycle... you can have loads of fun with both, but technically it’s hard to transition from the former to the latter! :)
@gilubin865 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for such a great job comparing and contrasting the instruments. That gives some of us an opportunity to get to know a bit about that beautiful ancient instrument. Thank you for your time. We're looking forward to more videos 📹 . Thank you for sharing your time and expertise with us. Ginette Lubin
@listeningbird 5 жыл бұрын
Thank you, this is a very well done video and helpful when wanting to know more about the harp and which one we might have a preference for since it’s such a significant investment. I enjoy your gentle nature also 💐
@mariannebouvettemusic 5 жыл бұрын
Listening Bird thank you so much for your very kind words, and I am so glad you found this helpful! ❤️ warm musical greetings
@elissaartist9016 5 жыл бұрын
I loved hearing the side by side. Thank you.
@mariannebouvettemusic 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Elissa Artist
@ramonadeffendorf8980 3 жыл бұрын
Every inclusion of your broad info presentation served greatly in answering the many specific questions I had stored. The "show and tell" method employed was well received, especially coming from a professional harpist. And . . . thanks for the concert. T'was such a pleasure! Hope to soon let you know which type of harp I finally purchased. . . Be blessed as you continue in the expansion of your art.
@mariannebouvettemusic 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for your kind words Ramona - this is so nice to read! I wish you the best in your music journey, hope you find the harp of your dreams soon! To guide you further in your choice you might be interested in my latest harp reviews, I am attaching the links here for your convenience: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/g7WPhZRzta6ph6M.html and kzfaq.info/get/bejne/b8eTrLV5ktzak2w.html. All the best, Marianne
@suzanalbright8670 Жыл бұрын
❤ Thank you so much for this lovely and informative presentation! Brava!
@adamtaylor31 5 жыл бұрын
I love all stringed instruments. This one has been a mystery to me, you have really answered a lot of my questions. Excellent job! And now I also have that tune stuck in my head. :)
@mariannebouvettemusic 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks a lot Adam, so nice to read you found this review helpful ❤️ and isn’t it a lovely tube indeed :) all the best, Marianne
@little_island_sound_project 4 жыл бұрын
Nice comparison! Thank you for posting this!!
@mariannebouvettemusic 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Melissa, glad you found this useful ❤️
@LeelastMardina 6 жыл бұрын
I'm actually pleasantly surprised with Heartland Infinity, it was better than I expected.
@mariannebouvettemusic 6 жыл бұрын
I confirm the Infinity is a technical prowess with a lovely resonance that doesn’t sound like “plastic” at all. Amazing design and great quality of execution by Heartland, whom I find incredibly competent and reliable. Thanks for watching!
@brianmprince3638 4 жыл бұрын
Picked up (a month ago) a water damaged 7 string Lyre/case at a pawn shop and have bleached out the rust and water stains, refinished, rebuilt (replaced pegs, rusted strings) and it plays wonderfully (for the simple thing it is) and looks like new again. Its one more for the music room. Your video was very entertaining and easy to hear. Perhaps I will find another lost harp like instrument to play with/work on... passed on a Autoharp due to price that was falling apart (chord bars falling off) at a flee market. Very nice collection you have... i would be worried about all the bright light on the wood finish if you keep the blinds open all the time. Awesome video!
@mariannebouvettemusic 4 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your lovely comment Brian and congratulations on giving your little lyre a second life, it must be so satisfying! Good luck with your instrument treasure hunt, I hope you will rescue many abandoned strings longing for a new loving owner :) PS you are right, I try to avoid direct sunlight on my instruments and I do keep the shutters closed most of the time!
@cdave2006 6 жыл бұрын
well the big dady really does worth the money. Thank you very much for the video, I ll check this lyre for sure! :)
@mariannebouvettemusic 6 жыл бұрын
cdave2006 thanks! You can find the lyre I'm showing in the video at www.thomann.de/gb/aeolis_klangspiele_mandala_harp.htm
@denisemayosky1955 3 жыл бұрын
My 19-stringer looks similar to the 22-string harp on here. I've had to keep it in storage due to circumstances beyond my control, but boy do I miss it!
@clawhammer704 4 жыл бұрын
I kept watching, I was learning as you played but I play piano. Very similar. I liked the sound of the carbon fiber one best..Thankyou for this time spent.
@mariannebouvettemusic 4 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for watching! Indeed there are lots of similarities between harp and piano technique, hand coordination is definitely similar. Glad you like the sound of the carbonfiber harp, it’s a great instrument indeed!
@harpmyday 4 жыл бұрын
Lovely video and so good of you to put this together. But am I the only one who gasped at the sight of the tuning key balanced on the neck of the harp at 1:15? I think my heart skipped a beat!
@songteller 4 жыл бұрын
The low tension on that Pakistani harp is not bad - it’s just different from the tension people in Europe and North America usually expect. South American harps generally have much lower tension, which with the right technique produces very interesting timbre. But yes, such low tension instruments are suitable for a very different technique than the pedal-harp-focused technique most professional Western harpists are used to.
@kax8kax 4 жыл бұрын
i am full in LOVE I order now my first HARP for MY new Live see You
@mariannebouvettemusic 4 жыл бұрын
Congratulations on your first harp :) enjoy!
@lady00303 4 жыл бұрын
The sound level is very low, I can barley hear you.. but thanks for the video.. I always wanted to learn the harp.. I am nearing my 40's but I guess it's never too late to learn.. I always want to take singing lessons too :) the tiny baby harps are very cute!
@mariannebouvettemusic 4 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your comment and sorry for the sound level, not sure what went wrong here. It is never too late to learn indeed! Music is very intuitive and it is the very first language we all learnt to speak! Singing and/or harp are great for adult beginners as you can make wonderful music quickly. And I am partial to the beautiful shape of any harp big or small :) thanks again!
@larsfrosznielsen3536 4 жыл бұрын
Very nice to hear the difference
@biagiosancetta8876 4 жыл бұрын
And another thought for your lyre metal strings...use mechinist layout fluid (red or blue). It will not last forever of course but fairly long; I use it on my clarseachs.
@pharaohsmagician8329 2 ай бұрын
What a great video. 2 years ago this video helped me pick my very first in life ever Music Instrument, a Lyre harp! Im still a complete beginner to reading music but ive played like 200 hours just finger strumming and its been such a great addition to my life so thank you for this video. I wish I knew what the next steps were, "Learning" music is kind of hard, i think i will just save up some money and get lessons or music classes it seems like its better than trying to learn how to play and read music as a complete beginner from KZfaq. Do you have any recommendations or starting books?? Once again thanks for the video! I hope to get a big real Harp one day. Must be so fun to play that!
@kerrycockburncampbell3044 5 ай бұрын
Love the Camac. Such a pure tone.
@anhtrucnguyenle411 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your video I just realized that there are so many types of the harp. In my country, not many people know about it. I only see they sell the harp same your number 3, but it has 8,16, or 19 strings. Through your video, I like it more, and hope can save enough money to buy 1. I can open my mind about the sound, and learn English too. Thank you. And please forgive if I use the wrong words.
@randlyons7278 4 жыл бұрын
Good video Marianne. Love your playing. Along with the harps your familiar with in the UK I would have you to take a look at the Harpsicle Harp company from here in the lower 48 (USA). They make a very basic instrument that is very popular among newbey's that can only afford around $600 to $1000. Highest price for their Fullsicle that features all the levers in adverse to a few or none. Very plain rectangular sounding board but a quality instrument ,many think ,for an affordable price. Of course you are way out of their league but may find it musing to add to your collection.
@donnakelley1202 4 жыл бұрын
thank you for taking time to make this video. I love your musical instruments. That ebony piano in the background is totally awesome. That little harp reminds in sound of the instrument The Japanese Geisha play. interesting how harps and similar instruments exist in different countries and how much people love the sound they make. I hope someday to be able to buy a nice leaver harp. That would be beautiful.
@mariannebouvettemusic 4 жыл бұрын
Thank you Donna for your lovely comment! Glad you liked this video. My musical instruments are like my babies and they bring me so much joy, I love them all! I hope your dream of a harp will come true soon. Harps are truly magical instruments, they have transformed my life and my relationship to music after years of playing the piano. The way they resonate is very unique and soothing. I will try to make another video soon about harps from all around the world, I also have harps from Asia and from Eastern Europe and they are fascinating in their similarities and differences. All the best to you!
@lilyharpist50 4 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much ! Very interesting ! I can easily choose my harp now 😃🌈
@beartrackwoods4720 2 жыл бұрын
Wao. I am a cello player, but watching your video on the harp I think I may also try Harp as well. I learned the Rochan lament cello song from your video. So, Thank you!
@kerrycockburncampbell3044 5 ай бұрын
Gorgeous!!! Thank you.
@TaisiaDanilova Жыл бұрын
Thank you for such a huge help!
@gcalvaro 5 жыл бұрын
Very beautiful sound! You play very well.
@mariannebouvettemusic 5 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much ❤️
@sinapisalba 4 жыл бұрын
my daughter started to take lessons (and i decided to learn myself), we have a mid east rosewood harp :-D it's a first harp i bought and i was so happy when it arrived, now after half a year i know we deffinitely need something else.. we're quite lucky because our levers are good and tuning is OK, but the lowest strings are so loose that i almost can't use them.. but still I love it and don't want to give it away :-D
@DougGrinbergs Жыл бұрын
PSA: in US, used (portable, wearable Celtic) Harpsicles w/o levers available for a little over $500, new Sharpsicles ~$850, new Fullsicles ~$1200. ✌️
@christinmari 3 жыл бұрын
I'm ecstatic to be getting my first harp. I haven't seen it and don't know much about it since my husband found and arranged the sale but it is like an "official" student harp. I've been impatiently waiting all week for it but listening to the various instruments you have has helped see where I might go. But I did want to give you a tip I learned watching another video about harp playing because you were having issues with the lyre. And I agree that you ought not mess with the instrument too much because it could be an expensive mistake BUT you can use a bit of polish on the strings themselves if you ever need or want to change ot back, you just need a new pack of strings rather than having to mess with the rest of the instrument. But I actually really liked the fullness of sound the lyre gave. And the melody is so cute. I look forward to at least trying to copy it. Thank you for sharing your instruments and skills!
@mariannebouvettemusic 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your nice comment and congratulations on your new harp! There is something magic about this instrument... Wishing you lots of happiness and beautiful music discoveries with it ❤️
@mymockumentary9716 4 жыл бұрын
hi, thanks for this, I have two 22 string harps and one sounds so much weaker than my other one.... btw, what scale are you playing your lovely song in?
@geringergasse2 Жыл бұрын
Very interesting, thank you. I only wonder why you haven't tuned the instruments before recording...
@wjstephens4654 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much that was enlightening. I bought a kora a few years ago and love it - that is my only “harp” playing experience. I’d love to know if you’ve played one and any thoughts you might have.
@mariannebouvettemusic 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for your kind words! Kora sounds lovely indeed, such a beautiful instrument, I did try it but i’m definitely not an expert! personally I find it less intuitive to play than the diatonic Western harps, just because of the layout of the strings - on a Western harp it is easy to visualise the scale on the instrument in the same way you see the scale on a piano keyboard, so it’s really straightforward to find your way through the strings when you’re used to playing following western scales. But I believe the Kora’s string layout is most intuitive to play African tunes and accompany singing.
@biagiosancetta8876 4 жыл бұрын
That is a wonderful idea Marianne - to show a wide variety, One thought for you: you can make (or buy) a universal key; the only peg it might not fit would be a largest pedal peg. Here's all it is: a 1/4-0 tap wrench fitted with a handle. Take a look at those sold by Dusty Strings if for an picture (or if you just want to buy one).
@mariannebouvettemusic 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Biagio for the tip, this is awesome!
@ankontini Жыл бұрын
I am looking into Harps and this was an amazing video. Finally some clarity on their sound. I would love to get a harp but I have listened to a lot of small ones that have such a sharp and not mellow sound. When I bought my best ukulele I chose it for it's mellow and echoy sound. It was a 120 euro hand made Duke of Uke. So I wondered why can't I find a harp on a budget that sounds magical? This video was very helpful! I assume a harp is a much more elaborate instrument to build. Therefore the price difference, but now at least I know which sound I like. Definitely a Derwent or Camao... once I can afford it. Thanks for the great video!
@mariannebouvettemusic Жыл бұрын
Thanks a lot for your lovely comment Angelina and so nice to hear this video was useful! More recently I published another review focusing on mid-size starter harps which may also help you with your search (kzfaq.info/get/bejne/g5Zppsh-sNDPpYk.html) - some mid size instruments (ranging from 26 to 28 strings) really do sound magical! Good luck with your harp adventures ❤️
@Mr.Ali_Ryuji 6 жыл бұрын
Just asking is it good to use lever harp if you want to bring it for travel? I like the carbon fibre one.
@allisonmuench4218 2 жыл бұрын
wonderful video, and just what I was looking for in a comparison. I'm curious what make / model the 12 string Lyre is?
@mariannebouvettemusic 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you Allison! The lyre is this one: www.thomannmusic.com/aeolis_klangspiele_mandala_harp.htm
@Jesuswinsbirdofmichigan 2 жыл бұрын
very valuable sharing real, personal experiance.
@sacredrain7757 2 жыл бұрын
I have the good fortune to own a one in a million Heartland custom 36 string with levers. It is made from Hawaii Koa wood, which is no longer legal to use, and it is the only harp they ever used gold on the levers for due to the salt air there. It somehow ended up in an antique shop in California with some condition issues. A man who was considering buying it called Pam to ask if the price asked was a fair price for one of their harps. They so loved the harp that they bought it and fixed it up again. I heard it against their new top of the line harps and it put those high quality harps to shame. I am so blessed to have “David’s harp”, but now I have cancer and I may not make it. I payed 4,000$, but I would consider selling for less to the right special person. Do you have any advice on how to find that special person? I’m not going to just run an ad and sell to just anyone with the cash. I want it to be someone who really appreciates the unique quality and sound of the Heartland custom harp.
@mariannebouvettemusic 2 жыл бұрын
I am so terribly sorry about your illness 🙏 thank you for sharing this, there are very active groups on Facebook with passionate US-based harpists who may be able to help, I would definitely recommend to check out the Celtic Harp group and the Learning the Harp group. Sending you my best wishes for recovery 🙏
@angelsjournal4444 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!it is so helpful!
@Juraberg 3 жыл бұрын
Très intéressant et instructif. Merci beaucoup ! Salutations depuis la Suisse.
@mariannebouvettemusic 3 жыл бұрын
Un immense merci Patrick! Salutations musicales de Belgique!
@jenjenjen2668 5 жыл бұрын
Very helpful thanks!
@mariannebouvettemusic 5 жыл бұрын
Very glad to be of help! Thank you!
@JasonM69 4 жыл бұрын
Hi there, imI am researching how to build a harp. I was wondering if any of your harps are 2 pieces or 1 piece. As in does the string tension hold the neck onto the body?
@kukla608 5 жыл бұрын
Thank You so very helpful!!!
@mariannebouvettemusic 5 жыл бұрын
Very glad I could be of help!
@gemma8230 5 жыл бұрын
Do you have a link where you got your lyre and which make or price?
@Kalilair 5 жыл бұрын
Loved the video so much! I want to start playing the harp or lyre and I loved the 12 string lyre you played here. Can you please tell me where I can get the same model as yours? Thank you
@mariannebouvettemusic 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Kalilair! Here is where I bought the lyre: m.thomann.de/gb/aeolis_klangspiele_mandala_harp.htm. Good luck with your future music discoveries ❤️
@songteller 4 жыл бұрын
Have you tried a cross-strung harp for Jazz? I started on one about a half year ago, and it’s absolutely perfect for the genre.
@Retierdlife4me 5 жыл бұрын
This was a great comparison between your harps. I too had a couple of this Pakistan harps. I no longer have them I have a Triplett 36 Signature and a Dusty Strings 22 Revana. Loved this video and your Demo songs.
@mariannebouvettemusic 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Laurie! Very glad you liked this review. Every harp has its merits I think :) I recently got a chance to try a Triplett, it’s excellent, I know Dusty Strings are also very reputable but I never came across one here in Europe. Happy harping :)
@keiths1864 5 жыл бұрын
All unique and beautiful instruments. And you are very talented and beautiful
@mariannebouvettemusic 5 жыл бұрын
So nice of you - thank you ❤️ I just love what I do :))))
@keiths1864 5 жыл бұрын
Celticize Me And Jazz Me Up by Marianne De rien!! That’s the key - love what you do - it shows! And you will excel!!
@PhilippeBarrilliez 6 жыл бұрын
Ah, la voilà donc la famille Harpe de Marianne. Maman comblée par tous ces beaux enfants 🤗 👏 . Bravo et merci pour cette présentation si complète des différents type de Harpe et de leur utilisation pour tel ou tel type de musique. Un guide interactif qui ne peut que satisfaire les futurs acquéreurs selon leur niveau, leur style et leur propre sensibilité. Une présentation à faire tourner en boucle même pour moi qui suis très nul en Anglais !! J'ai en rêve de me mettre un jour à la Harpe et selon mon budget, me tournerais certainement vers un modèle 27 cordes. Encore merci pour cette belle et très pédagogique présentation. Amitiés musicales Phil
@PhilippeBarrilliez 6 жыл бұрын
Très belle collaboration Daniel, bravo à vous deux. Amistad Phil
@PhilippeBarrilliez 6 жыл бұрын
Bonjour Daniel, j'en profite également pour vous faire passer les liens vers cette vidéo collaborative avec Marianne: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/f5l3hdd8vMzJoIk.html et kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rp6eeJqf273Ilok.html Musicalement Phil
@iusticiaomnibus6759 5 жыл бұрын
Thank you,your video is really awesome and helpful. I live in Europe and I'm looking for a travel reasonable harp with full sound (maybe therapeutical ). Unfortunately I can't try it myself due to my country and I'm a beginner. Could you suggest anything that suits my case ? Thank you in advance.
@mariannebouvettemusic 5 жыл бұрын
Iusticia Omnibus thanks! my top pick would be the Camac Bardic 27 (featured in this video) but its production has recently been discontinued so it will get harder to find over time... I would also consider the Ardival Rosemarkie which is super portable and has a beautiful sound (it is made by awesome traditional luthiers in Scotland following an old Pictish design, I think it tends to attract primarily historical harp lovers and Trad Celtic players, but it is a very versatile instrument in my opinion and totally suitable for a broad repertoire) - you can hear sound samples on Ardival’s website too. On top of that I know many harp therapists also like the Harpsicle (made in USA but available in several stores in Europe) which is very convenient and pretty good value for money. Personally the sound of Harpsicle doesn’t light my soul like a Camac harp would, but it’s a matter of taste really, and Harpsicles are very decent instruments. Good luck with your search!
@RadenWA 5 жыл бұрын
If you're looking for a great portable lyre you should check out _Marini Made Harps_ . Their lyres are slightly larger, but sounds exactly like a normal harp, is color coded and can even come with levers.
@mariannebouvettemusic 5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the fantastic tip, I will check it out!
@DJTabooMixTypeBeat 4 жыл бұрын
A pianist/guitarist here, wanna do a crossover with the harp. Thanks to your educational channel, this vdo clip is inspirational.
@williamdirksen5860 5 жыл бұрын
Beautiful harps !
@mariannebouvettemusic 5 жыл бұрын
william Dirksen thank you so much 😊
@Harpiano 6 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your video. This is really helpful. I have two questions. 1. Is it possible to play Jazz music with celtic harp? Jazz music has many kinds of tensions... 2. Can you recommand for me some harp which has 34 or 36 harp? How about selvi’s?
@mariannebouvettemusic 6 жыл бұрын
Thanks! It is not impossible to play Jazz music on a Celtic harp, but you will definitely prefer a Celtic harp WITH levers for that (to give you more flexibility with accidentals), and you need to realize that the jazz repertoire for Celtic harp will be more limited than the jazz repertoire for pedal harp. If you look for a 34 or 36 string harp, Salvi is definitely a reputable brand (like Camac or Lyon & Healy), but as for any harp, you need to try it first and hear for yourself if you like its sound - every instrument is different, even within the same brand! It may also be a good idea to ask a harpist friend to come along and play it for you so you can judge. Good luck!
@Harpiano 6 жыл бұрын
Celticize Me And Jazz Me Up by Marianne Thank you for your detailed mention.. It’s very helpful for me. I got it!
@bluefrags 5 жыл бұрын
Hi, Its such a beautiful instrumen! Can you give me some reccommendation online shop to buy a lever harp? Because its so hard to search this amazing instrument!
@mariannebouvettemusic 5 жыл бұрын
Hi Mirzani Herfina, it’s a beautiful instrument indeed and it’s hard not to fall in love with it! Not sure where you live but in Europe, thomann.de has a good range of Salvi and Lyon & Healy harps (very reputable). The Early Music Store in the UK also has an excellent selection including Camac harps (my personal favorite). Both stores have fantastic customer service and ship internationally. Good luck with your search!
@luoyanjin 4 жыл бұрын
Nice sharing!
@hmr28 3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@melissamarie8925 4 жыл бұрын
Would a package of 12 strings for the harp work on the lily harp since it only has 8? I could cut them down or something or only use some of them or will this not work?
@mariannebouvettemusic 4 жыл бұрын
Hi Melissa Marie! I suspects 12 string package would include strings from F above Middle C to High C. So for your 8 string harp you would simply pick the 8 smallest/highest strings from Middle C to High C, and simply leave out the 4 longest/lowest strings (which you can always keep to replace higher strings in the future by simply cutting them to the right size!). I don’t think there will be a difference in string thickness for those packs so it’s really just a matter of fitting the right length and making sure you use red for Cs and blue for Fs. That’s pretty much it! Good luck with your baby harp :)
@xxtra.pastel 2 жыл бұрын
i really like the model of lyre you showed do you know where i can find it? i love the sound
@mariannebouvettemusic 2 жыл бұрын
Hey, I got it here:m.thomann.de/be/aeolis_klangspiele_mandala_harp.htm
@kiarashriazi5124 5 жыл бұрын
Hi, where did you buy the Lyre from and what brand is it? please. It looks and sounds good.
@mariannebouvettemusic 5 жыл бұрын
Here is where I bought the lyre: m.thomann.de/gb/aeolis_klangspiele_mandala_harp.htm. Good luck with your future music discoveries ❤️
@thierrymunseugandachildren802 3 жыл бұрын
Wow I would like play this greetings from Africa
@alexka9245 5 жыл бұрын
In ancient greece the lyre was played with a handstrap called telamon for the left hand.and you played it with a plectrum.contrary to the harp which you play freely with both hands and plucking the strings with your bare fingers.🤓
@mariannebouvettemusic 5 жыл бұрын
PU CK very interesting, thank you very much for your insights!
@kevinnelson7070 3 жыл бұрын
What is the name of the tune you are playing on all of the harps?
@SharonCullenArt 3 жыл бұрын
Did you change the strings on your lyre? They sounded like nylon strings and not the pretty sound given with metal strings.
@mariannebouvettemusic 3 жыл бұрын
No, they’re the original metal strings
@UltimateGenosyko 3 жыл бұрын
I actually love the sound form #7 the most, its so soothing, but you dont recommend learning from that harp, right? Do you think it would be good for learning the very basics and practicing?
@mariannebouvettemusic 3 жыл бұрын
Hi Justin! I do love its sound too. The standard recommendation you will hear from 95% of harp teachers is “stay away from this, it’s not a real harp, it’s nothing like the real deal” but I have a different opinion. I really think it all depends on your long term goals and budget possibilities. If your goal is to play a standard high-tension harp eventually or if you’re planning to enrol a music academy, then this is not the best starter instrument - save up for or rent a high tension model. But if it’s the only instrument you can afford and that’s the only way you’ll ever get started with harp, why not? You can still play very enjoyable music with it. You just need to be aware of all the restrictions I mention in the video (heavy weight, non functional levers...). But if you’re ok with that I think it’s fine to get an instrument the sound of which you love and which you will want to play. I often go back to this harp and am always delighted by its soothing sound, it is very pleasant to play (see this video:kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jtiUpcipvs3Kho0.html). It’s also lovely for singing (kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fLGHZpmeypuaeok.html)
@UltimateGenosyko 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the info! Ive always been attracted to playing the Harp and I think I might finally just take the plunge!@@mariannebouvettemusic
@christophertsiliacos8958 5 жыл бұрын
Very nice! During these demonstrations, are you playing the treble clef notes with your right hand, and the bass clef notes with your left hand, or are you playing the chords in the treble clef with your left hand? Since I only read music in the treble clef when I play the piano, for example, I play the melody with my right hand and the chords with my left all in the treble clef. 😊 🎼 ♫
@mariannebouvettemusic 5 жыл бұрын
Christopher Tsiliacos thanks! On large harps the set up is very similar to piano - typically the left hand will play bass clef notes, but 1 there can be exceptions with pieces written in the higher register (especially on small harps with higher note range) and 2 you can get away with playing left hand chords without reading bass clef like you are doing on the piano. But not reading the bass clef will limit your repertoire - you may want to practice with tools such as notationtraining.com/bass-clef-practice. It’s not that difficult you will see! Good luck!
@christophertsiliacos8958 5 жыл бұрын
@@mariannebouvettemusic Thanks! I don't play the harp yet. But when I do decide to do so, I plan to start with the 12-string harp. BTW: I have to hand it to piano players who know both clefs. They not only have to read two clefs, but they have to read them at the same time. This would be true for harp players, too. 😊
@melissamarie8925 4 жыл бұрын
Can you please help me? I'm actually really desperate haha. I bought the Lily Harp just a few days ago. I bought it to actually play even though many say it's a decorative item. Where can I find replacement strings for this harp or do you know of any brands? Because I am not sure how this harp will come to me (Broken string(s)) or not and also how often strings should be replaced. Thank you so much!
@mariannebouvettemusic 4 жыл бұрын
Melissa Marie congratulations on your little harp :) if you bought it from Mid East or similar retailer there’s a high chance it will come with a replacement string set. Else, I know of a harpist who even uses fishing line for her strings (in her case it even improves the sound quality of some of her cheap harps), and she will color-code the strings (red for Cs and blue for F) with color markets.
@biagiosancetta8876 4 жыл бұрын
I also have to ask Marianne - have you ever considered a small double strung harp for your travel? I've ceased harp making but I did do a run of inexpensive double 23s for a workshop and Rees used to make a very nice double 23 too.
@mariannebouvettemusic 4 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for your recommendation! I did try to get hold of a double strung Lorraine from Stoney End but it no longer seems available in Europe. It would be great not only for travel but also for all the technical possibilities like unison echoing! I’d really love to try one if I get a chance some day!
@biagiosancetta8876 4 жыл бұрын
@@mariannebouvettemusic It was just a thought Marianne. I do know that Dusty Strings 2x26 is available from time to time in France and the UK. I do know of someone in the US who might be willing to sell her double 23; that was a custom harp - cherry and if I recall Truitts on Fs and Cs. Happy harping!
@JeremiahKlarman 2 жыл бұрын
Have you tried the Rees Harpsicle Harps? I’m a beginner and am considering possibly getting one…
@mariannebouvettemusic 2 жыл бұрын
I am planning to publish a Harpsicle review in the coming weeks! Keep you posted ❤️
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