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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 with your hands or shoulders. 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 is really 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 often 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.
When you see something listed as “light tension”, they are possibly 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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16 Replies
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Thank you for posting. This double meaning of the word ‘tension’ is new to me. I had assumed light tension meant ‘easier to play’. I have also heard that light tension means ‘less loud’. What is your thought on that one? Thanks.
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I agree that is the case. I have an SE Fullsicle which I call my Flopsicle because the tension is so loose. I find it to be more straining on the hands to get a good tone because I have to pull out and to the side to get a decent sound. Not good for the hands for sure. I have to pull it to the side because of the narrow string spacing and I run into the next string up otherwise. But it’s level of low tension is an outlier. As far as I can tell from my research, no other harp is that loose unless perhaps a Roosebeck, which are a terrible buy. But the tension on the Fullsicle is why I’m buying a new harp so soon. I want lower resistance/dynamic tension, but not so low as the Harpsicle is. Also the size of the sound box has an effect. The Harpsicle line has a narrow 4″ sound box all the way down which also contributes to how quiet it is compared to other harps.
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…and you’re welcome! It was my pleasure to share this. I thought it was important for players to know, particularly for older players like I am or people with hand issues, which I also have. It helps us to be better informed buyers, especially if there isn’t an opportunity to try anything out in person.
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Also, I also assumed that light tension meant easier on the hands too, until I came across that post. It makes a lot of sense why this is sometimes the case and the confusion it can cause.
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Thank You Nina, I have a light tension, a medium and High tension harp. I have tremors and arthritis. When I play the light tension I get more buzzing and my knuckles hurt having to go with the movement of the string. On the concert tension, the strings are tight enough that I get no buzzing and clearer tone with weeker hands. I don’t have to pull hard on the concert strings to get a good sound. I too, thought light tension would be easier on my hands, not true
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I definitely think you’re right! My SE Fullsicle is so loose and the string spacing so close that it buzzes very easily. To get a clear tone I have to pull quite a bit and also out to the side so I don’t run into the next string up. That is terrible for the hands to do. This is true in the lowest octave and a half. The upper 2 octaves are tighter and MUCH easier to play with considerably less strain on my hands.
The Harpsicle line is an outlier as far as dynamic tension/resistance is concerned. It is VERY low. There aren’t any other harps with that low of tension except possibly a Roosebeck or other Pakistan-made harp. They are constructed very poorly, the levers don’t work, and the soundboard cracks quite quickly from the static tension from the strings. Those should be avoided at all costs.
I’m still going to keep my Fullsicle for portability and I plan on throwing a pickup on it to get some volume without having to pull quite so much. It does have its place. I just don’t want it as my sole harp.
I am going for a medium-low tension harp, most likely the Lyon & Healy Drake. It’s listed as “light tension”, but from everything I’ve been able to gather about it, it’s not as light as other harps listed as light tension (excluding the Harpsicle line, which is in its own category of low tension) and I think that will be an ideal “sweet spot” for me. Maybe one with even higher tension would be better? There is the Dusty Strings Boulevard that has pedal harp tension that is also within my budget. What do you think?
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Dusty Strings are awesome harps and a company that really stands behind them and they also carry the strings so you don’t have to hunt for them. I understand the Boulevard because the Concert tension has less resonance sounds more like a pedal harp. You may like to check out the Crescendo 34 sound too, I have heard great reviews from older players. I don’t think you’ll go wrong with a Dusty.
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I wanted the Crescendo SO BAD, but they are 8 months out so I would be waiting an awful long time. That was my favorite by far. I ended with the Ravenna and it should be here in just a few weeks. I had them put Camac levers on it because the black Lovelands on a black harp would be difficult to see. Otherwise it would have already shipped. I am SO curious to try it and feel the difference between it and the Fullsicle!
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Thank you for this information. Does anyone know which harps would be the easiest on the hands/fingers (Would this be a high tension harp?)
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You’re welcome! I think Connie is on to something with her comment. She has a light, medium, and high tension harp and said the high tension is the easiest because it doesn’t take as much force to get a nice tone. She posted about it on this thread. I don’t know if you saw it, but she makes a really good point I think!
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Thank you,Nina!
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You’re welcome!
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Hello Nina,
I also have the problem with my fullsize harpsicle the tension on strings gives me
More pain. Specially on my nockels. I am now searching for the right harp.
But I find it difficult. To choose. Thank you for your feed it helps me.
Corine Poleij Kapelle Zeeland Nederland
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Yes, it’s crazy, isn’t it? I thought it would be perfect, but it’s much too loose. Happily, other harps listed as light tension do not have as low a tension as the Harpsicle line does. I ended up going with the Ravenna by Dusty Strings. The Drake by Lyon & Healy was compelling, but it’s too bright with the BioCarbon strings for my taste, although I love the look of it and was very seriously considering it. It’s extra hard when you can’t try them in person. It will be here in a few weeks and I will update what I think of it compared to the tension of the Harpsicle line.
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Thank you for your feed, I wait when you go and try these . I get more knockel pain.
I want to find out if it,s coming from my Harpsicle.
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That’s a good question!
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