Best
AFFORDABLE
HARP
Ashwood 36 Str. A FAMOUS AFFORDABLE
HARP!
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Overall: Simple, straight column design without levers
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Best Feature: 36 strings made of high-quality nylon
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TedScore™: 10/10
Best
OVERALL HARP
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Overall: 40 strings, ranging from first octave E to sixth octave A
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Best Feature: Solid spruce soundboard for enhanced sound quality
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
ELECTRIC
HARP
Delta C Carbon PREMIUM ELECTRIC
HARP!
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Overall: Built-in preamplifier with volume and tone control
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Best Feature: Body made of carbon fiber
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TedScore™: 10/10
The harp has charmed listeners for centuries.
As a harpist, I find each pluck resonates in the ear and soul, a testament to its music’s timeless allure. A certain magic is woven into its crafted frame, combining artistry with melody.
After years of playing, I have used the Lyon & Healy Prelude 40 Lever Harp because it has the sound quality and build I want in my teaching style and performances.
Knowing which harp brand, manufacturer, and model to buy can feel like a burden. Given that many reliable brands have models made by excellent harp makers, choosing and purchasing will be overwhelming.
I’ve discovered that each harp brand brings its flavor to the ensemble with its unique stories of craft and quality.
Whether hand-carved in a small artisan workshop or precision-engineered in a high-tech factory by a harp technician, the personality of the harp maker or brand deeply influences the music it will produce.
Understanding Harps
In this section, we’ll explore the variety of harps, their craftsmanship, and how these aspects influence their melody and portability.
Types of Harps
These large, classical harps, often seen in orchestras, are equipped with pedals to change the pitch.
Known as Celtic harps, they feature levers at the top of each string.
Marrying tradition with technology, electric harps amplify the harp sound through electronic means.
The go-to for intimacy and portability, lap harps can rest on the player’s lap.
Components and Materials
The strings of harps, fundamental in producing sound, can vary in material from steel strings to nylon and gut strings.
Steel strings provide a bright, metallic sound, while gut strings offer a rich, warm timbre.
The harp’s body is usually crafted from woods like rosewood, mahogany, Sheesham, or walnut.
Each wood contributes to the harp’s overall sound characteristics and aesthetic, with denser woods typically enhancing the warmth and resonance of the vibrations.
Choosing a Harp
Let’s explore how to find that perfect harp companion, whether you’re a first-time strummer or a seasoned maestro.
Brands that are Trustworthy
When looking for the right harp, I always research the model specifications and brand reviews before purchasing one.
Salvi: an Italian company renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, innovative designs, and a wide range of high-quality lever and pedal harps.
Lyon Healy: based in Chicago, is a prestigious harp manufacturer known for its beautifully crafted, rich-sounding pedal and lever harps.
Gear4music: offers a range of affordable harps that cater to harp students and budget-conscious musicians without compromising on quality and sound.
Thomann: appreciated for their affordability and suitability for both beginners and intermediate players.
Harps less than $2000
I recommend Gear4music and Thomann for this price range. They offer affordable, high-quality harp models with features suitable for beginners!
Deluxe 38 String Pillar Harp by Gear4music
With its extended range, the Deluxe 38 String Pillar Harp by Gear4music offers a rich and resonant sound.
The craftsmanship provides aesthetic beauty and a sturdy, reliable structure for a student’s musical endeavors.
Deluxe 38 String Pillar Harp by Gear4music
FEATURES: Contemporary design and beech wood body
OTHER INFO: Solid pillar for increased sound and resonance
- large sound chamber and hand-carved supporting pillar, creating a resonant sound
- Made from a fine selection of beech, ash, and spruce woods
- Includes carry bag, tuning levers, and strings
- None!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
36 String Harp with Levers by Gear4music
I always recommend the 36-String Harp with Levers by Gear4music to my students because it is affordable, has reliable tuning stability, and has a pleasant tone, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
36 String Harp with Levers by Gear4music
FEATURES: Combines Quality & Craft With Lightweight Playability
OTHER INFO: Fine Tuners For Easy, Accurate Tuning
- Elegantly Crafted Instrument Made From Beech Wood
- Treble & Bass Sound Hole For Clarity
- None!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Thomann Celtic Harp Ashwood
The Thomann Celtic Harp Ashwood impressed me with its warm, clear tones and the natural beauty of its ashwood construction. It provides a delightful playing experience for both practice and performance.
Thomann Celtic Harp Ashwood 36 Str.
FEATURES: Simple, straight column design without levers
OTHER INFO: 36 strings made of high-quality nylon
- Warm, rich sound due to the ashwood construction
- Good choice for beginners due to its simplicity and ease of use
- None!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Harps less than $4000
Quality and sound are the heartthrobs of any harpist, so I pick brands renowned for exquisite appearance and craftsmanship.
Salvi SALGAA-EPS Gaia
The Salvi Gaia Ebony harp captivates me with its striking appearance and rich, nuanced sound, and the full set of levers offers versatile playing, making it a cherished asset in my musical collection.
Salvi SALGAA-EPS Gaia
FEATURES: Strung with 38 pedal harp strings
OTHER INFO: Includes dust cover, adjustable feet and tuning key
- Full levers enable easy key changes
- Relatively light for its size
- Expensive!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Salvi SALDON-DXMKP Donegal
The Salvi Donegal Mahogany harp impresses me with its rich, warm sound and practical lever system.
It is packed into a compact and beautifully crafted instrument that is perfect for both learners and experienced players on the move.
Salvi SALDON-DXMKP Donegal
FEATURES: With 34 synthetic carbon fiber stringing
OTHER INFO: Includes tuning key and dust protection
- Portable and easy to handle
- The full set of levers allows for versatility
- Limited range due to fewer strings
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Lyon & Healy Drake LT Lever Harp
The Lyon & Healy Drake LT Lever Harp, with its natural finish and lightweight carbon fiber body, offers an effortlessly portable option without sacrificing the rich, resonant sound I’ve come to expect from this esteemed brand.
Lyon & Healy Drake LT Lever Harp
FEATURES: Strung with 34 Sipario BioCarbon strings
OTHER INFO: Incl. Pro-Levers, 8'' feet, and dust cover
- Exceptionally light due to carbon fiber build
- Full set of Loveland levers
- Expensive!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Harps less than $7500
These models might seem expensive, but I vouch for their premium quality and sound, which will last a long time and make history!
Salvi SALDEC-ESS Delta C Carbon
The Salvi Delta C Carbon electric harp astonishes me with its sleek, modern design and amplified clarity. Its versatile and dynamic sound adapts beautifully to intimate settings and larger venues.
Salvi SALDEC-ESS Delta C Carbon
FEATURES: Built-in preamplifier with volume and tone control
OTHER INFO: Body made of carbon fiber
- The strings run over a bridge, enabling playing techniques such as bending and slides.
- The bridge pickup system provides a clearly defined sound
- Expensive!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Lyon & Healy Prelude 40 Lever Harp
The Lyon & Healy Prelude 40 Lever Harp has impressed me with its exceptional sound quality and range, making it a versatile and valuable instrument for my teaching and performing needs.
Lyon & Healy Prelude 40 Lever Harp
FEATURES: 40 strings, ranging from first octave E to sixth octave A
OTHER INFO: Solid spruce soundboard for enhanced sound quality
- Same string spacing and same string tension as in pedal harps
- Including tuning key, cover, wood crown, bronze colored crown, wood feet, bronze colored claw feet
- Expensive!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Lyon & Healy Troubadour VI Lever Harp
The Lyon & Healy Troubadour VI Lever Harp has become a treasured companion in my musical journey, offering a superb blend of playability, rich tonal quality, and aesthetic elegance that never fails to inspire me.
Lyon & Healy Troubadour VI Lever Harp
FEATURES: Range of 5 complete octaves - 1st octave C to 6th Octave C
OTHER INFO: Tuning key and dust cover included
- Durable construction and reliable levers
- Respected brand with a legacy of quality harp makers
- Expensive!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Harp Brands:
Don't Forget These Brands and Models!
I’ve discovered some wonderful harp brands that have struck a chord with musicians worldwide. These brands offer a paradise of choices, from concert grand models to quaint, travel-sized harps.
So I want to give you a summary (and hopefully you won’t forget it!). Here are the brands and their instruments that I highly encourage you to check:
- SALDEC-ESS Delta C Carbon
- SALDON-DXMKP Donegal
- SALGAA-EPS Gaia Ebony
- Troubadour VI Lever Harp
- Prelude 40 Lever Harp
- Drake LT Lever Harp
- Deluxe 38 String Pillar Harp
- 36 String Irish Harp with Levers
- Thomann Celtic Harp Ashwood 36 Strings
So remember, whether you pluck professionally or play for pleasure, a harp is out there waiting for you. I, for one, can’t wait to see which one you’ll choose!
Wait! Just a couple more…
Now that you have an idea regarding the harp brand you can choose, the next thing you need to know is how to play the harp. If you’re thinking of learning the instrument, read this article!
Random thought but if crabs could play harps, wonder if they’d prefer the Salvi or Lyon & Healy models. Thoughts, anyone?
sooo, i just skimmed through the brands and models part and dude, i gotta say, it’s kinda overwhelming how many types there are. like, how do u even start picking one? does the sound differ a lot between each? asking for a friend who’s lookin to get into harps.
Hey, stringstrummer101, yup, the sound can vary quite a bit based on the make and the materials used. If your friend can, trying out different harps or watching demo videos online can be super helpful!
I must say, this article does a fantastic job at breaking down the choices for different budgets. I’ve played on a Lyon & Healy myself and can attest to its quality, although the price is steep. It’s great to see it featured here.
Hey Bethan Semmens, great article! Quick Q: between the 36 String Harp by Gear4music and the Thomann Celtic Harp, which would you say is better for total newbies? Cheers!