Table of Contents
Choosing the Right Harp for Beginners
Selecting the perfect harp as a beginner involves understanding key elements that impact your learning journey. First, choose a harp type that suits your musical interests. Pedal harps are versatile, ideal for classical music with quick key changes, while lever harps are better for folk and Celtic styles due to their simpler mechanism.
Budget is crucial when buying your first harp. Prices range from $1,000 to $3,000 for beginner models. Investing in a quality instrument can enhance your playing experience. Consider renting or purchasing a used harp to manage costs.
Space and portability are important. If space is limited or you need a portable option, a smaller lap harp might be ideal. These are lightweight and easy to store.
The type of wood and construction affect sound quality and durability. Research different harp makers to find the best options. A well-crafted harp with a quality soundboard and strings will produce a pleasant tone, making practice enjoyable. Harps from Dusty Strings are known for their excellent tonal qualities.
Consider your long-term goals. If you plan to advance, invest in a harp that can grow with you, balancing quality and affordability to support your musical journey.
Types of Harps
When it comes to choosing a harp, there are several types to consider, each with its unique characteristics, advantages, and suitability for different playing styles and levels. Here are some of the main types of harps:
Pedal Harps
Pedal harps are the giants of the harp world, often seen in orchestras and classical music settings. They come equipped with pedals that allow the player to change the pitch of the strings, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities. This versatility makes pedal harps ideal for classical music, where quick key changes are often required. Their rich, resonant sound is unmatched, making them a favorite among professional harpists.
Lever Harps
Lever harps, also known as folk or Celtic harps, are more versatile and portable than pedal harps. They feature levers that can be engaged to change the pitch of individual strings, making them suitable for a variety of musical styles, including folk, Celtic, and roots music. Lever harps are generally more affordable and easier to learn, making them a popular choice for beginners.
Lap Harps
Lap harps are small, portable instruments that can be played on the lap. They are perfect for beginners due to their ease of playability and affordability. Despite their size, lap harps can produce a beautiful sound and are ideal for those with limited space or who need a lightweight instrument to transport.
Celtic Harps
Celtic harps are traditional harps from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, known for their distinctive sound and intricate designs. They are often used in folk and Celtic music, providing a unique tonal quality that is both enchanting and evocative. Celtic harps are a great choice for those interested in traditional music and cultural heritage.
Harp Size and Material
When choosing the best harp for beginners, it’s crucial to consider both the size and material of the instrument. Harp size significantly impacts the sound quality and the range of music you can play. Larger harps, with more strings, offer greater versatility and allow you to explore a broader repertoire. These harps are ideal for those who want to delve into more complex pieces and enjoy a wider range of tonal possibilities.
On the other hand, smaller harps, such as lap harps, are excellent for beginners due to their portability and ease of handling. They are perfect for those with limited space or who need a lightweight instrument to transport. However, keep in mind that smaller harps may have a limited range, which might require adapting certain pieces of music.
The type of wood used in the harp’s construction also plays a vital role in determining its tone and resonance. Hardwoods like Maple are known for producing a bright, clear sound, while softwoods like Spruce offer a warmer, more mellow tone. The choice of wood for the soundboard and frame can significantly affect the instrument’s overall sound quality and durability.
Harp Gut Strings and Maintenance
Gut Strings
When it comes to harps, the choice of strings can greatly influence the instrument’s sound quality and playability. Harps typically use a variety of strings, including gut, synthetic nylon, and silk-gut, each offering distinct tonal characteristics and maintenance requirements.
Gut strings are favored for their warm, rich tones, making them a popular choice for classical and traditional music. However, they require more maintenance and are sensitive to humidity and temperature changes. Regular tuning and careful handling are essential to maintain their sound quality.
Synthetic Nylon Strings
Synthetic nylon strings are known for their durability and ease of maintenance, making them an ideal choice for beginners. They offer a bright, clear sound and are less affected by environmental changes, though they may not provide the same warmth as gut strings.
Silk-Gut Strings
Silk-gut strings, a blend of gut and synthetic materials, offer a balance between the warmth of gut strings and the durability of nylon. They require moderate maintenance and provide a unique tonal quality that appeals to many harpists.
When selecting strings, consider the type of music you intend to play and the tone you desire. Lower tension strings are often used on Irish or Celtic style harps, contributing to their characteristic sound.
Maintenance
In addition to choosing the right strings, maintaining them is crucial for preserving the harp’s sound and longevity. Regular tuning and checking for wear are essential practices. It’s advisable to have a set of extra strings on hand for quick replacements, ensuring that your harp remains in optimal playing condition. Understanding the maintenance needs of your chosen strings will help you make an informed decision and enhance your overall harp-playing experience. Having sheet music as an accessory is also important for beginners, as it allows them to follow song sheets and play music effortlessly.
Harp Buying Guide for Beginners
Understand the Types of Harps
Familiarize yourself with the different types of harps available. Pedal harps, often used in orchestral settings, offer a wide range of tonal possibilities and are ideal for classical music. Lever harps, on the other hand, are more versatile for folk and Celtic music due to their simpler mechanism. Lap harps are perfect for those who need a portable option or have limited space, while Celtic harps provide a unique sound suited for traditional music.
Set a Realistic Budget
Harps can range from a few hundred dollars for a basic lap harp to several thousand for a high-quality pedal or lever harp. Determine your budget beforehand, keeping in mind that investing in a decent quality instrument will enhance your learning experience. Consider looking into rental options or second-hand harps to manage costs effectively.
Consider Portability and Space
If you plan to travel with your harp or have limited floor space, prioritize a smaller, lightweight model. Lap harps are particularly convenient in these situations, offering ease of transport without compromising on sound quality.
Research Harp Makers
The craftsmanship of a harp plays a crucial role in its sound and durability. Research different harp makers, such as Lyon & Healy, Rees, Triplett, and Salvi, known for their quality beginner harps. Reading reviews and seeking recommendations from harp teachers or fellow players can provide valuable insights.
Evaluate Sound Quality and Material
The type of wood and construction of the harp significantly influence its sound quality. Hardwoods like Maple and softwoods like Spruce are commonly used, each affecting the tone differently. A well-crafted soundboard and quality strings contribute to a warm sound and pleasant tone, making practice sessions more enjoyable.
Long-term Goals and Versatility
Think about your long-term aspirations with the harp. If you aim to progress to more advanced levels, choose a harp that can grow with you. Look for instruments that offer versatility in playing different styles of music and have features that support your evolving skills. The Dusty Strings Crescendo is a compelling choice for those committed to a long-term musical journey, offering quality and suitability for serious players.
Top Harps for Beginners
Roosebeck Baby Harp 12 String Walnut + Extra String Set & Tuning Tool
Roosebeck also has a number of unique instruments in their repertoire. When it comes to harps, especially novice harps, they also have a terrific 12-string deal with their 12-string Baby Harp. It’s identical to pedal harps . We’re built in the same way and have the same configuration. However, we would argue that we have a greater selection of materials and overall performance here.
In fact, this harp is appropriate for students of all ages. And, despite its inexpensive price (which isn’t much more than the price of Royal’s 12-string harp), you can expect a good performance. Of course, this isn’t an intermediate or professional instrument, but the sound quality is still quite impressive for the price.
The soundbox, despite its modest structure, echoes nicely and even captures some small dynamical subtleties of one’s playing. Yes, there are only 12 strings this time, but that’s more than enough for a complete beginner. You can’t go wrong with this one, whether you’re looking for something that will fit young players or advanced musicians who are just seeking for a simple harp to start on.
Additionally, this harp comes with a few extras. A spare set of strings and a tuning tool are also included. This manner, you’ll be able to learn how to restring a harp with good training. Of course, if you want to master all aspects of harp playing, this is a crucial consideration. This is the Best Harps for Beginners in 2023.
Royal 12 String Children’s Harp Celtic
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Finding the greatest harp for beginners may not be easy if we’re talking about the youngest students. You’ll need a small, light, and simple-to-play instrument that won’t break the bank. At the same time, it must include some of the fundamental quality principles that will teach the most important qualities of this excellent instrument to the youngest students. While this may appear to be an impossible undertaking, Royal’s 12-string Children’s Harp will deliver exactly that.
We have a very basic body on this harp, which makes it easier for everyone to play. However, thanks to a sophisticated soundbox construction, it retains its resonance. Of course, at this size and price point, a fully functional harp is not possible, but it still manages to offer excellent performance. What’s more, it contains all of the necessary parts to educate a novice all of the fundamental ideas. If we’re talking about the smallest beginners, this will be the ideal instrument for them because of its size and general qualities.
Harps may be appealing to younger players since they are exciting instruments. The pricing and overall complexity of this equipment, on the other hand, may deter parents. Fortunately, even the youngest music lovers can enjoy a harp like this Royal’s 12-string. Not to mention the pricing, which is rather affordable. This is the Best Beginner Harp in 2023.
Royal 27 Inch Tall Celtic Irish Knee Harp 17 Strings
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There are also Celtic harps, which are centered on Celtic or usually any folk music where the harp is a welcome instrument, as we just mentioned in the introduction to this guide. And it’s not unusual for newcomers to be drawn to this type of music in the first place. So, for those interested in Celtic harps, there’s a beautiful tune by Royal Harps that will come in handy.
This Celtic harp stands approximately 27 inches tall and has 17 strings. The fact that its body is made of solid wood, has hand-engraved styles, and has been hand-polished is very remarkable at this price point.
This harp is designed for children and is rather small. The overall tone quality, on the other hand, helps it stand out, and you’ll be able to play it even in later stages of your musical adventure. It’s a pretty basic instrument with no modifications. However, it works well in any situation where a Celtic harp would be acceptable.
What makes it even more useful is that it comes with a backpack and an extra set of strings. These two goods would be a big purchase on its own, thus this is a fantastic price. If you’re looking for a good beginner folk harp, this is the one to get this best harp for beginners.
Harpsicle Fullsicle Harp
Needless to say, many music fans aspire to one day become professional musicians, or at the very least semi-professionals. Of course, whichever instrument they choose, this necessitates the use of an appropriate instrument. With harps, though, things can get a little more tricky because the decision isn’t always clear. You’ll need something that will serve you well even when you reach intermediate level, regardless of your age. If you’re serious about your future musicianship and music career as a harpist, we propose this fantastic Fullsicle Harp from Harpsile.
We have a 26-stringed harp here. It is around 36 inches tall and weighs about 6.5 pounds, making it rather light for its height. But it’s the fact that this harp has levers for its strings that makes it so intriguing. This indicates that it is not a simple diatonic harp that can only be played in one key. You can set it to be in any of these eight keys with all of its settings: E, Eb, Bb, F, C, G, D, and A. For beginners, it may be a bit of a difficult notion to grasp, but it is vital if they wish to master the harp.
There are, however, a few more considerations to be made. These harps take a little longer to make, often 6 to 8 weeks. This also means that Fullsicle Harps aren’t the cheapest harps on the market. Despite their greater pricing, they are unquestionably worthwhile. Almost all of the buyers have been really pleased so far, and there aren’t many issues to be concerned about. Furthermore, it is typically possible to buy it in a variety of color finishes, which is intriguing.
AKLOT Harp 15 strings
- Mahogany Body: this lyre harp has a very warm sound, it a professional...
- Special String: this lyre harp has 15 strings, to help you can recognize...
- This lyre harp has two strap locks that can help you play it easier....
The Aklot Mahogany Harp is a firmly built harp with a great tone quality that makes your harp music seem velvety smooth, adding to the overall beauty of the music. The Aklot firm has always been dedicated to a high level of perfection in terms of the standards it adheres to when it comes to the construction of its harps.
The string spacing is carefully exact, making this the ideal harp for individuals who are just starting out in the world of harp music. This is a wonderful harp that is light in weight and easy to transport, demonstrating that it is a high-quality harp that is really useful.
If you’ve been disappointed by prior harps that may have cost a lot of money but were badly manufactured in terms of string positioning, you can be assured that you won’t have that problem with this high-quality instrument.
Roosebeck Heather Harp
- Beautiful instrument imported from craftspeople around the world!
- Perfect for aspiring world musicians!
- Made with authentic materials!
The Roosebeck Heather Harp TM, 22 Strings harp is one of the greatest and most popular beginner harps on the market today. With a height of 36 inches and a weight of around 15 pounds, it’s suitable for both adults and children.
DuPont Nyl22 hard nylon strings are color-coded to make tuning easier. Which you can do with the included tune key. It also includes an additional set of strings. The notes are in the range of C3 to C6. The rosewood frame with etched and inlaid rosewood inlays and a birch soundboard make you feel like you’re playing a thousand dollar harp.
Mini Kinnor King David’s Harp Lyre
- 10-Strings - Includes Gig Bag & Tuning Tool - Measures: 16" x 8"
When you first begin your musical adventure, especially if you are a complete novice with no or little expertise, you are very concerned about the type and quality of the instrument that you will purchase. Keeping this in mind, we’re going to look at a branded harp that’s suited for beginners.
Mid-East brings you this miniature Kinnor harp. The exquisite craftsmanship on the walnut body is lavish. The sound produced is melodic due to the high quality of the material. It comes with ten strings made of Dupont strong nylon. Strings are not covered by a warranty, but you can replace them with strings of comparable quality from the same manufacturer. It comes with a bag for protection and carrying as well as a tuning kit in the package in this best lyre harp for beginners.
Scottish Traditional Irish Lyre Harp
NAkhan has released yet another branded harp. This is a traditional Scottish and Irish lyre harp, which is a well-known musical instrument and is considered a difficult instrument to learn because it necessitates a great deal of ability and practice.
This particular harp is made of high-quality rosewood and features lovely flower design craftsmanship. It has ten non-corrosive metal strings linked to it. The tuning pins and keys, on the other hand, are made of solid brass with a superb chrome polish finish. You won’t have to worry about strings because they include a set for free. A bag is also included with the package for protection, carrying, and travel. This harp is available in a variety of styles, and the manufacturers guarantee your complete satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many strings are on a harp?
The number of strings on a harpy is dictated by the instrument’s range as well as the number and type of players it can accommodate. The majority of harps contain ten to twenty-two strings, while some might have up to thirty.
Is a 12-string harp better than a 16-string harp?
Most harpists believe that a harp with 24 or 26 strings is superior, and this is correct. A larger 24 string model is more adaptable and easier to play if you’re in a band and require the versatility of a full-size harp. If you prefer to improvise, a 26-string instrument is a good option.
What is the difference between a piano and a guitar on an acoustic harp?
When starting to play harp, beginners should have essential accessories like a tuning key, extra strings, a music stand, and a transport cover. The acoustic guitar offers broader tonality than the piano, allowing higher pitches, which can sometimes lead to unwanted synthesizer-like sounds. To counter this, electric harpists often use a “high-pass filter” pedal. Some harp makers now design instruments to ensure excellent tone quality, enhancing the playing experience.