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Lap Harps: F to F or G to G?
Hello Fellow Harpists,
I am very seriously considering getting a lap harp as it would be much easier to travel with than my 34 string harp. I can get a lap harp from the same company I bought my current harp from. My choice is to get a harp that goes from F to F or G to G. (I suspect both would not include middle C, but start above middle C.) When browsing the music from this site, it seems like F to F would be the better choice. For those of you who have lap harps, which do you think is the better choice?
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7 Replies
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Oh, the harps would have the F or G below middle C.
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When you say a “lap harp,” do you mean a 22-string harp? If so, it would start at either F or G below middle C. Or do you mean a 26-string harp? That would start lower, most likely at the C below middle C. As Titia suggested, a double-strung would give you a bit more freedom since your hands could never collide. But not as much extra as you would think. The sound of a piece really changes when the bass is played up in the same register as the melody.
I was buying a 22-string harp that goes C-C – a Triplett Zephyr. But I cancelled that order, and just placed an order for a 29-string MusicMakers Sonnet Lap Harp. I understand money is always a factor, but take a look at it before you buy.
Anyway, between a F-F and a G-G, I would choose an F-F. There’s never enough low notes. The more you have, the better. I have never used the tiny little strings up on the top. Not that I’m so experienced, I’m not. But in my limited experience, low notes are more useful than high notes.
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I was thinking 22 strings.
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The little ones are cute. It’s a hard choice, F-F or G-G. I would choose F myself.
But when I was buying the 22-string Triplett Zephyr, it was C-C. The C is middle C, which is higher than F or G. But you could play it as though it were the lower C. I think for pieces written in C, C-C gives a broader range because then you have a full 3 octaves. It’s something to consider.
But as I said, I changed my mind about it and cancelled my order. Email the company you are thinking of buying from and ask them if you order a harp now, how long will it take to get? With the Triplett, I ordered it 8/3 and yesterday I was told it would still take months. I cancelled and ordered a MusicMakers Sonnet, and they told me I would get it in 6-8 weeks. The projected date is just after Thanksgiving. In my head, that’s next month.
Also ask if you cancel the order, is there a penalty fee? I had one and that was a surprise.
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Also a question: could you have a G to G switched to an F to F?
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No, I wasn’t considering a double strung. But in looking it up, it looks like that would be beneficial. Would it be heavier, though?
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Yes, heavier. And more expensive, too.
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