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Light tension?
I am going to post this in a few forums because I think it’s important for people to know, particularly if you have any physical issues. If you see this in more than one place, that is why. I am actively looking to purchase a new 34 string harp and I’ve had carpal tunnel surgery so I need to be somewhat careful. During my extensive research I came across this issue regarding what realty is meant by light tension from the manufacturer’s point of view and the sometimes disconnect from what the player experiences.
Regarding tension – when harp makers (luthiers) are talking about tension, they are referring to the static (stationary) tension that the strings have on the body of the harp, whereas players are thinking in terms of how much effort it takes to create a sound. In other words, dynamic tension or – more accurately – resistance. So when you see something listed as “light tension”, they are likely not referring to resistance, but rather the static tension on the harp. This is why something that is listed as having light tension can actually have quite high resistance/dynamic tension and it leads to a great deal of confusion when luthiers mean one thing and players mean something else but we’re all using the same word.
Some companies will specify that a model is good for people with arthritis or hand injuries, but if it doesn’t say that, don’t assume it will be easy on the hands. It very well may not be.
When looking for a new harp, especially if you can’t try it in person, be sure to read reviews from players and ask people who own the harp you’re considering purchasing or renting. You can also ask the luthier/manufacturer what the tension is like for a player, but the best guidance will be from people who have owned, rented, or at least tried the model you are interested in. And get more than one opinion. What is fairly light to one person may be too much resistance to someone else.
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