Irish Harp HELP!!!!

cathyh · Post by **cathyh** » Sat Nov 26, 2005 6:13 pm

Hi, I'm new to the forum. I used to play harp and am looking to buy one. I haven't a clue where to go or where to look for one. Does anyone know of a good place to buy an Irish Harp where I won't get ripped off and any good teachers near Belfast. A second hand one would do fine.
I just really miss playing sooo much. My boyfriend is a musician and is really encouraging me to play again. I'd love to meet any harpists near me and/or find where I could see them play.

Thanks so much if anyone can help!!!

Cathy xx!!

Wormdiet · Post by **Wormdiet** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 9:47 am

If you just google "harp maker" or similar you'll get a zillion hits.

Blevins harps have a reputation as no-frills, inexpensive, good quality instruments.

I understand that to get a harp with good range workmanship will run, minimally, $1000 USD or more.

missy · Post by **missy** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 10:04 am

I don't play the harp - but the luthier that makes all of my dulcimers also makes harps. You can look at his offerings at the following:

http://www.strothers.com/SW_Harps.htm

And, yes, that's part of our own website. Tom is currently in the process of setting up Dave his own site, but we're hosting his offerings for now. We have no financial interest in his harps (heck - we BUY so many of his dulcimers that I want to claim Dave as a dependant on my income tax return!!)

BigDavy · Post by **BigDavy** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 11:55 am

Hi Cathyh

you could try the Loch Lao branch of the CCE.

They do not seem to have a website so try here for contact details.

http://homepage.eircom.net/~diarmuidcogan/links.html

David

MarkB · Post by **MarkB** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 5:31 pm

I have two friends here in the city that play Dusty Strings, and both are very happy with their harps. One had the sound board crack, it was sent back to Dusty Strings and repaired within a week. They have lovely sound.

Dusty Strings harp page(s)

http://www.dustystrings.com/building/harps.shtml

If you are into to making your own harp from plans, or pre-cut pieces, or wish to purchase a complete harp, then I also recommend MusicMakers. Quite a few beginnings harpist in our area have gone with them for beginners harps.

http://www.musikit.com/Merchant2/mercha ... re_Code=MK

Hope this helps.

OOOOPs! The above are USA manufacturers sorry, I missed reading Belfast!

MarkB

Big Time · Post by **Big Time** » Tue Nov 29, 2005 2:38 am

hey there,

janet harbinson used to live in belfast, she's in limerick now, so that's ripped the bottom out of harping in belfast a bit. she'd still be your best bet though for knowing who in belfast would be selling harps or teaching. address is www.irishharpcentre.com.

What sort of money are you prepared to spend on a harp? You'll need to sort this out in your head as anything decent is going to cost upwards of £1,500. My second Egar harp I got last year was €4,300 for instance.

I was in the Belfast Harp Orchestra up until about 8 years ago and lost touch with Belfast harpers after that. I'm in Monaghan every month or so and teach but maybe the distance and infrequency of lessons might not suit. PM me and i can give you phone numbers of the Brady family in Belfast - I'm fairly sure Christine or Edel are teaching harp.