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  • Music Makers Harps, anyone?

    Posted by Suzi Scholtz on 28 March, 2021 at 5:08 pm

    Hello Harpists!

    I am interested to know if anyone else has a harp from Music Makers in Stillwater, MN (USA). These are the only harps I have owned, though I have played others. I especially like their shapes, as I feel they are esier to carry than some of the other styles that have a (for lack of a better term) “Potbelly” shape to the pillar.

    I replaced the strings a couple of years ago and now have all nylon strings. I do wish now that I had gotten the nylon wrapped steel for the lower bass strings… does anyone else have experience with all nylon strings vs nylon/steel bass strings?

    Susan Sacry replied 2 years, 10 months ago 4 Members · 4 Replies
  • 4 Replies
  • Tara Carolin

    Member
    29 March, 2021 at 3:46 am

    I just saw your harp posted in the activity feed. My Gothic is unique in that it was made for a special music thanatology program and is a left-handed harp. I still play it right-handed, and it works as long as I am not changing keys mid-song, although I find I can manage the single flip needed in Over the Rainbow. I also bought it second-hand last fall and got it for a price I absolutely could not resist for getting a quality lever harp. My husband built my orginal harp which is Paraguayan style. It plays well, but has only 26 strings and no levers.

  • Suzi Scholtz

    Member
    21 April, 2021 at 5:26 pm

    Hi Tara,

    Sorry it has taken so long for me to reply… I don’t check the site often.

    I got my Music Maker harp at too good a deal, as well. We had gone just to visit and see what kinds of used harps they might have, and there were 3! This was the largest they had and with full levers, so my hsuband encouraged me to get this one.

    I had a Regency harp made from one of their kits previously, but had to return it to the maker for repairs, and he didn’t want me to take it back (he made it of oak, and it kept cracking). I had missed having a harp, so we thought to try looking AT Music Makers, since we were visiting family in Minneapolis.

    I had just played around with it for years, from time to time trying to teach myself… then I found a teacher about an hour away. I had several lessons from her (about a month apart) and was making some progress, albeit slowly as I did not make enough time to practice. Then we moved again! I know there is a harp instructor in town here in Sioux Falls (I had lived in this area before) but I know she is FULL up with students, and since I just dabble, I’m trying Christy-Lyn’s courses to see if I will make time to practice…. so far, not so much!

    I do enjoy playing and have whizzed through the first two beginner songs, but I can’t practice as long as I like since I have a wonky back and it gets tired before my fingers do! I think that is a big part of my practicing problem. And I am an old lady with lots of other hobbies and commitments….

    Are you in the Minneapolis area?

    Suzi

  • Margaret Durack

    Member
    20 May, 2021 at 4:20 pm

    Hi Suzi- I’ve ordered a Sonnet Lap harp from Musicmakers and hope to have it around the first week of June. I currently have a Salvi Titan which has silk gut strings and the lower strings are wrapped. I’m curious if there will be a big difference with the strings. I also have difficulty practicing very long due to back issues (incomplete spinal cord injury). This is why I’ve ordered the Sonnet .I realize good posture is important, however in my case modifications are needed. I’m excited to have the chance to play, hopefully while reclining a bit, with the Sonnet in my lap. With 4 full octaves and sound holes on the sides ( unmuffled sound) I hope to make more progress with my courses. After I settle in with the new harp, I’ll let you know how it’s working out. All the best with your musicmaking😀

  • Susan Sacry

    Member
    21 May, 2021 at 12:14 pm

    My husband gave me a Sonnet for Christmas & I really enjoy it. They are beautiful harps & the sound is surprisingly big. I have a 34 string Dusty Strings Crescendo, my 1st harp, which has a full, rich sound so I was pleasantly surprised w the Sonnet’s sound. Hope you really love yours too!

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