Levers on Lap Harps

[Alyssa Cowell]

I’m interested in thoughts on this too – I’m torn between saving for a fully levered harp and paying to put levers on my current (smaller and un-levered) harp. If I add levers, I’m going to have a professional install them, and will go for a full set for the most versatility.

I know some harps will have levers on F and C strings for playing in G Major/E minor and D Major/B minor because they are common keys for folk harp music. Alternately, some harps have B, E, and A levers and those strings will be tuned to Bb, Eb, and Ab to allow for flat key playing.

My big concern lately has been whether or note my particular harp’s sound will be drastically altered with the addition of levers – will they effect the tone quality in a noticeable way?

Looking forward to hearing everyone’s opinions!

[Amanda Barnes]

I have full levers on my Fullsicle but haven’t utilized them yet. I know I will once I get more experience.

[Nancy Rudman]

Thank you to Alyssa & Amanda for your comments. I’m curious to hear other’s experiences as well!

Amanda, is the Fullsicle a small harp? Is it a size that would be easy to carry around to different places?

[Amanda Barnes]

The Fullsicle is a 26 string harp – lowest note is C below middle C.

Great lap harp and easy to carry. It weighs about 6 pounds.

I have both a stand when I sit and play and a strap for when I want to walk around.

You can look at all the options on harpsicleharps.com if you want. They have excellent customer service.

[Nancy Rudman]

Thank you Amanda!

[Wendy Dooley]

Hi Nancy, I have C and F levers on my Lap harp. I would have liked a full set, but my budget was blown out by the exchange rate from overseas. I also already have a fully levered 34 string lever harp. Most of my repertoire is celtic…☺️👍

[Nancy Rudman]

Thank you Wendy, something to consider : )

[Sarah]

Hi, I have only F and C levers on my ‘Sharpsicle’ which so far has been adequate for my use, i.e. predominately taking it away on camping trips. I also have a fully levered folk harp (34 strings) which was not originally built for levers but they were added previous to my ownership. I have recently tried regulating some of the levers as they are out (not an exact semitone between on and off), but a few of them just can’t be fixed. Although the levers are supposed to have some adjustment, because of how they were installed and the design of the harp, there is not room to regulate some of the levers, so I still need to retune for some keys. So if you are considering adding levers, firstly find out if your harp can take levers, (as some are not able to, especially if your harp does not have bridge pins) and I would certainly advise having them installed by a professional (as Alyssa mentioned). That being said, the more levers you are able to add the better and are certainly worthwhile as your repertoire grows.

🎵

[Nancy Rudman]

Thank you Sarah, this is very helpful information!