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Double strung harp
Hi Nancy! I’d like to join your group as I recently purchased a Stoney End Ena double strung harp and am having fun with it although my left arm is in a sling due to a fractured collar bone.
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8 Replies
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Hi Diane…it’s so nice to meet you. You will LOVE your Ena. I have a Stoney End Eve, which is essentially an Ena with the lowest string being G instead of F and a slightly looser tension. Have you discovered Carolyn Deal’s Youtube videos on the double strung? They are very helpful if you are just starting out on the double strung.
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I am going to go check out those Carolyn Deal youtube videos. I just finished putting together my Fireside double strung harp. Took a while to string all 44! Now it will take a bit for the strings to settle. But, I can browse!
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Yes, Carolyn’s tutorials are great… I’ve learned lots from her…. love Ice Crystals and Water Faries. Also working on Ann Gaudet Crosby’s Aran Boat Song. How long have you played a double?
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Yes the double strung harp is a very nice instrument with so many possibilities for improvisation. After playing pieces on the “normal” harp I everyday change to the double strung to play around with both hands. It is so relaxing! The videos of Carolyn Deal and the books of her give a nice base for what you can do with such a harp. For me it is a totally different instrument compared to the “normal” harp. Both hands are totally equal, the left and the right hand can play wherever they want. And because you can’t see the right hand so easily you will learn to play it blind. This skill can also help you with the “normal” harp. Playing the double strung harp is so much fun. For me it is an improvisation instrument whereas the “normal” harp is better for playing music from sheet music (that is indeed more difficult on the double strung harp).
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@markus your comments resonate with me. One of the main reasons I want a double-strung is for improvision. I wanted a lab harp also for its portability, but most of them have no low notes to speak of, and I love the lower notes. Marini harps have a bass lap harp, and plan to make a double version of it in the future. I am on the waiting list for it. Your comments have me even more excited for it!
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I’m eagerly awaiting on my new harp to ship. Hopefully it shipped today. I’ve purchased Carolyn’s double strung harp. Now just need the harp…….
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I just completed my 22 string Fireside Double strung kit. It has been fun to noodle around with. My 26 string is wire strung and hard on my fingers. But I can play the fireside for at least an hour and a half without hurting. My wire I’m maxed at about a half hour of practice. The string spacing is different a bit so that will take some adjusting to but I’m loving the nylon strings. Once I’m done with the holidays I am restringing the Limerick to Nylon since it does have an option for that. I want to be able to play pain free. I love the wire sustain but it has its limits. I haven’t practiced much except a little doubling and echo practicing so far but it looks like it will be amazing fun. I was worried about being able to ‘see’ my strings and it isn’t as bad as I thought. It is why I went for a kit version for my ‘testing’ of a double strung harp. I may get a larger double down the road if I continue to progress in my harp learning. I am on early beginner – mid beginner level right now.
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Hi,
I’m trying to decide between a Stoney End double strung Brittany/Brea and a Eve/Ena for portability and as a carry-on when flying and also having a harp to practice on vacation.
I’m wondering about string spacing and tension between the two models and if there’s a significant difference. Any input would be much appreciated.
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