The Harp Herald
the moss harp service blogLever Harp Spoken Here
People often ask me if I'm willing to work on lever harps, and the answer is yes! In addition to my extensive experience with Lyon & Healy and Salvi lever harps, I have also serviced and repaired harps by a variety of other makers including Camac, Dusty Strings,...
The Lowdown: Getting the Most from Your Harp’s Bass Wires
Have you ever felt like your harp just doesn't resonate like it used to? Let's talk about bass wires and the sonic contributions they make over the harp's entire range. What are bass wires and why should you care about them? They are the metal strings in the lowest...
So, You Want to Take Harp Lessons?
I've talked to a lot of harpists who tell the same story: "I saw a harpist playing at a wedding (or party, or outdoor concert, or whatever) and I just knew I had to learn how to play." Is this you? Do you feel drawn to the harp for reasons you can't explain? Well, I...
How to Find a Harp for Rent
If you're just starting out on the harp, or even thinking of starting lessons, you may be wondering if you really have to plunk down thousands of dollars to buy your own harp before you've had a chance to see if you like playing it or not. The answer is, no, you...
Should I be Worried about those Cracks by my Tuning Pins?
Cracks like these are almost never a cause for concern If you own an older harp, say thirty years old or more, you may be familiar with the little cracks that can develop on either side of the tuning pins, as shown in this photo. In some cases, cracks like these crop...
New Video Available: Troubleshooting Salvi Levers
I recently received a question about how to deal with buzzing levers on Salvi lever harps. While they are good quality and sound good when they're in good regulation, Salvi levers are prone to a buzz when engaged, especially in the lower strings. Since I had a Salvi...
Diagnosing Pedal Clicks
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaJ5BMa3GSE] I had a reader recently write in in response to my article, "What is a Harp Regulation Anyway?" She referenced a section where I discussed checking the pedals for clicks and other issues: "I check the motion of each...
Summer 2011 Newsletter Now Available
The latest issue of my print newsletter, The Harp Herald, is now online. Highlights include visits to the Lyon & Healy and Camac factories, my upcoming road service schedule, and more. Download it here.
Proposed: A Harp “Blue Book”: Please Join the Discussion!
"How much is my harp worth?" As a professional harp technician, this is the question I dread the most. Why? Because there is so little information available on what harps actually sell for on the used market. When someone asks me or another technician for an appraisal...
Deadline Extended for Rocky Mountain Springs Summer Harp Program
The application deadline for the Rocky Mountain Springs Harp Program, which runs June 26 until July 17, 2011, has been extended until April 30. Scholarship applications are also available with a deadline of April 15. Taking place in lovely Steamboat Springs,...
Introducing the first and only vidoe on harp care. Available on DVD, streaming or download
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If you have already purchased the video and are looking for the free tuning chart, you can download it here.