****************************************************************************** Hi everyone, OK, here is the long-awaited FAQ List! Enjoy! FAQ v1.0 8/10/91 v1.1 9/6/91 minor additions/revisions v1.2 9/10/91 added more kit companies, teachers, v2.0 added camps/conventions, other info v2.1 6/23/92 added record places, other stuff v2.2 11/19/92 minor additions/revisions v2.3 11/23/93 added info on harp archive/ftp site This information is a compilation of various sources garnered from the harp mailing list at harp@sequent.com, with notable contributions from jtk@netcom.netcom.com moss%ibis@cs.umass.edu sharons@juliet.ll.mit.edu henry_houh@mit.edu rmurphy@dill.lcs.mit.edu wmoore@mprgate.mpr.ca If you have anything to add, or have any comments, please mail them to: henry_houh@mit.edu ****************************************************************************** Harp list archive The archive (tns.lcs.mit.edu) is accessible via anonymous ftp. It contains messages sent to the mailing list from July 1993, and I am working on getting all older messages there. Also, the (old and most recent) FAQs, Welcome Messages, Mail Directory, Teacher List, postscript harps, and Who's Harping issues are stored there. The messages to the list are stored month by month, and the digest is stored in one massive file. If you have ftp access on the net, here is how one would access the archives. From your unix prompt: ftp tns.lcs.mit.edu (it will ask you for your login name, type:) anonymous (it will ask you to enter user ID and your machine name as a password; type whatever:) username@machine.edu (You will then be able to access the files on the server, type:) cd pub/mail-archive/harp (Now you are in the harp directory, type:) ls (to view the files there, type:) get who.1 (to get the who.1 file, you can get other files in this manner) (to logout, type:) logout ****************************************************************************** Harp Societies/Publications: American Harp Society (American Harp Journal) Historical Harp Society International Society of Folk Harpers and Craftsmen, Inc. (Folk Harp Journal) Scottish Harp Society of America (The Kilt & Harp) ****************************************************************************** The American Harp Society/Journal The American Harp Journal is published twice a year by the American Harp Society, Inc. and contains information that might be interesting to pedal-harpists, altough many of the advertisements are directed towards harpers. A year's subscription (1 Sept - 31 Aug) is available only through membership in the American Harp Society, at the following rates: Student (<21) $10 Regular $25 Contributing $35 Sustaining $50 Sponsor $100 Patron $150 Benefactor $1000+ Life $500 You will receive both issues of the harp journal if you join in the middle of the year. Foreign members and subscribers: write for rates. American Harp Society, Inc. PO Box 38334 Los Angeles, CA 90038 As a member, you will also receive a membership directory. Also, there are some local chapters in which you can request membership. There is also an annual convention (see convention section). ****************************************************************************** The Historical Harp Society. Established to promote the exchange of ideas and information in the area of early harps. The Society is also dedicated to promoting research into the music of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, recovering the playing techniques of early harps and reviving the building of these instruments. Annual dues are $18 per year, from Sept. 1 to Aug. 31. The Society publishes a lively and informal newsletter three times per year, which is included in your membership. To join, mail to: Jean Humphrey HHS Membership Chair 631 North 3rd Ave. St. Charles, IL 60174 ****************************************************************************** The ISFHC and the FHJ The Folk Harp Journal is published four times a year by the International Society of Folk Harpers and Craftsmen, Inc. (ISFHC). The purpose of this journal is to "assemble and distribute all information pertaining to the folk harp, its music and techniques of its use". Getting hold of the FHJ is well worth it! One calendar year of the FHJ is included in ISFHC membership, obtained by a minimum contribution to the Society, which is $22 (Nov 92). Outside the U.S., a postage surcharge must be added, as follows: Canada and Mexico $2; all other countries, surface mail $2, air mail $8. ( US funds, payable to "ISFHC"). For those joining in mid-year, your membership will be retroactive to Jan. 1, and you will be sent the issues already published during the year. If you would like membership to begin next Jan. 1, receiving your first issue next March, let them know. ISFHC 4718 Maychelle Dr. Anaheim, CA 92807-3040 (714) 998-5717 As a member, you will also receive a membership directory. ****************************************************************************** Scottish Harp Society of America and "The Kilt & Harp". Activities of the Scottish Harp Society of America (so its membership form says): The Kilt & Harp magazine, competitions, music, networking. The Kilt & Harp: This journal covers history, music, and techniques of the small harp (clarsach). New tunes to play are included in each issue. In addition, there is a calendar listing Scottish Games, Festivals, workshops, harp schools, and harp activities throughout North America. In-depth articles give a sense of history. Dues are $12 a year ($15 outside continental US). Send application for membership to: Janie O'Brien, SHSA Secretary 7812 Rebel Dr. Annadale, VA 22003 ****************************************************************************** Harp Camps/Conventions: The Calfornia Harp Camp ****************************************************************************** The California Harp Camp Wed-Sun, February 5 thru 9, 1992. At: Bishop's Ranch, Healdsburg, CA. TEACHERS: Kim Robertson, Chris Caswell, Cynthia Valenzuela, Debra Knodel and Jane Valencia (Spookytree), Barbara Magone, Kit Bailey and others (tentative list). WHAT: Andean, Scottish, Paraguayan, Irish, Welsh, Venezuelan, and Mexican harping styles will be taught. Also: Salsa, Historical harp, jazz, modes, improvisation and composition, performing, ensemble skills, Cape Breton accompaniment, rhythm, voice, contra dancing, healthy harping, effective practise, and more. "The California Harp Camp is dedicated to the open synthesis of different harp styles and the development of harp technique. We believe that all styles can both offer and gain from a sharing of their technical and artistic resources. "In an elegant manor house surrounded by the oaks and redwoods of Northern California's wine country, harpers will gather this winter to try something new. Over the last few decades the harp styles of the classical and Celtic worlds have been meeting those of Latin America, jazz, and the "new age". In response to this burst of development, the California Harp Camp has been created as a center for the fusion of these elements. "All levels are welcome. Each student will have the opportunity to work with every instructor. Excellent workshops will be available in basic rhythm and accompaniment. A special program has been developed for absolute beginners which will allow them to participate quickly and comfortably." For more information, write or call: Chris Caswell P.O. Box 1339 Forestville, CA 95436 (707) 887-7111 [Or contact Jane Valencia at jtk@netcom.netcom.com] Price is still to be determined. ****************************************************************************** Harp Dealers/Suppliers/Designs: Andy's Front Hall Antique Sound Workshop Argent Fox Music Aoyama CAMAC Caswell Harps Clairseach Productions Douglas Harps Encore Harp Service Folkcraft Instruments Folk Mote Music The Harp and Dragon Harpress of California Harps of Lorien Here, Inc. Hidden Valley Harps Hughes Dulcimer Company Hummingbird Instruments International Music Service Lark in the Morning Lynne Lewandowski Lyon & Healy Markwood Musical Instrument Makers Clive Morley Harps Eliot Moss Musicmaker's Kits Pegasus Music Robinson's Harp Shop Sylvia Woods Harp Center Triplett Vanderbilt Music W&W Random Harp Questions: What is the HEWN? Where to get a postscript pedal harp picture ??? Have a random question/answer? ****************************************************************************** Andy's Front Hall It is a really nice place, with a large selection of CDs, records, tapes, song/music books, and instruments. I highly recommend visiting there for anyone interested in folk music of any kind. This is run by Bill Spence (and others I think), the famous hammered-dulcimer player. Unfortunately he was off at a festival when I visited. Andy's Front Hall PO Box 307 Voorheesville, NY 12186 info: 518-765-4193 orders only: 1-800-759-1775 Business hours: M-F 10am-6pm Sat 10am-3pm (December only, 10am-6pm) Sun closed holidays closed Directions: We are located approximately 10 miles west of Albany, NY (exit 24 or 25 off the New York Thruway). Find your way to Rt. 20 Western Ave and travel west from Albany to the intersection of Rt. 155. Turn left on 155 (going toward, but not into Voorheesville) for 2.5 miles. Turn right on Wormer Road and follow it through the Albany Country Club for 2 miles until you see our sign FRONT HALL LANE and a black-and-white mailbox (we are in a cow mood these days). Turn into our lane and you're here! ****************************************************************************** Antique Sound Workshop Ltd. 1080 Beacon St. Brookline, MA (suburb of Boston) Antique Sound Workshop also deals with some other harp makers, and is a great company - it is really just one man, working out of a large apartment stuffed with instruments. sharons@juliet.ll.mit.edu ****************************************************************************** Argent Fox Music 1318 S. Palmer Av. Bloomington, IN 47401 (812) 332-5214 Argent Fox is a small, rapidly growing operation out of Bloomington, Indiana. It is operated by Dan Speer (mentioned in my first post). Their current business in primarily in Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan. They specialize in hammer dulcimers and small harps. First let me say I do not consider myself a harpist (I'm a hammer dulcimer player expanding my horizons). The harps are very solidly constructed and come with a 5 year warranty. I haven't played enough harps to have a good ear for sound comparison, but of the few harps I have played I consider these to be well above average. The workmanship is very good, though slightly less than the Dusty Strings instruments I have seen. I have seen Dan work with customers to get them exactly the harp (woods, etc) they want. They offer harps with solid wood or laminate sound boards, nylon or phosphor-bronze strings, with or without sharping levers. Last I checked the prices started at about $250. Sharping levers ran about $8 a string. I have also seen Dan offer full refunds to anyone not satisfied with his instruments. calhoun@cs.uiuc.edu ****************************************************************************** Aoyama A Japanese maker of Irish and Pedal harps. Cheaper, quality-wise and money-wise, than Lyon & Healy, W & W, and Salvi. Mrs. G. W. Bethell/Marni Johnson 2188 S.W. Main Portland, OR 97205 (503) 222-7352 (503) 227-4169 I had two friends purchase Aoyama harps. Both harps are two years old now. They still have a very shallow, tiny sound and are extremly tight. Both friends had difficulties in dealing with the distributor in Portland. One of the girls had a foot of the harp break off after only two months (no unusual wear-and-tear) the dealer in Portland refused to fix it even though it was still under warranty. She said that it would be "too much trouble." My friend ended up footing the bill (pun intended) herself to get it fixed. rmurphy@cs.uiuc.edu ****************************************************************************** CAMAC They sell harp kits. CAMAC Mouzeil, 44850 Ligne France ****************************************************************************** Caswell Harps PO Box 1339 Forestville, CA 95436 (707) 887-7111 Sell harp plans and instructions for 27-string nylon or wire-strung harp, range C below middle C up to A. 26 pages of complete instructions. $19.00 (1988 price). I have these plans & instructions, and they seem VERY complete. Caswell also supplies hardware and strings for these plans. jtk@netcom.netcom.com ****************************************************************************** Clairseach Productions 5012 Schaefer Rd Minneapolis, MN 55436 Here's the promised address for ordering Ann Heymann's wire-strung harp tutor. I don't know the current prices. The book is, or at least used to be, available stapled (cheaper) or spiral-bound (lays flat). I think there's a cassette with the tunes on it, too. dorothy@cvedc.prime.com ****************************************************************************** Douglas Harps I've played one of these and liked it. They are a little bit bulky and purists looking for an authentic Celtic harp won't want to get one with his Dilling single action semi-tone mechanism. Otherwise - the sound is very nice and the harps are very attractive. All his harps are 33 strings, nylon and wire wraps and 42 inches high. The single action system has 7 finger operated switches on the neck that function like the pedals of a concert harp. Dilling Model - single action system $4000 Celtic Harp - levers $2000 Celtic/Convertable to Dilling: $2800 ($1200 to convert) Options include: high gloss finish $200 Custom finish (veneered in your choice of hardwoods) $150 to $300 Soundboard decoration $175 Gut Strings - inquire Soft and Hard cases, and extra strings are available. His harps are used by Emily Mitchell, Eric Bergland Harvi Griffin and others... Arsalaan Fay - the builder - is very friendly and will talk on the phone to anyone intersted in a harp. Douglas Harps (Arsallan Fay - harpmaker) 31 Campus Plaza Road Hadley, MA 01035 413-253-7532 sharons@juliet.ll.mit.edu ****************************************************************************** Encore Harp Service A selection of music for both pedal and non-pedal harp Encore Harp Service 4100 Old Adobe Road Palo Alto, CA 94036 ****************************************************************************** Folkcraft Instruments They sell harp kits. Folkcraft Instruments P.O. Box 807-M Winsted, CT 06098 203-379-9857 ****************************************************************************** Folk Mote Music 1034 Santa Barbara St. Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 962-0830 24 hr. FAX: (805) 962-2841 Stock a full line of recorded and written music by Kim Robertson, Sylvia Woods, and others. HARPS: In stock--harps by seven or more makers represented at all times. Carry harps in a variety of sizes, designs, string tensions and string spacings. (Nadine Bunn, one of the co-owners of this store, is also FHJ's editor. She's very helpful--definitly a pleasure to deal with.) jtk@netcom.netcom.com ****************************************************************************** The Harp and Dragon She'll send a harp catalog if you call her, sometimes she request a self-addressed stamped envelope. I found her to be very helpful when I was starting on the harp. She lists some smaller harps (~$400 range, including lap harps) and some bigger Troubadour harps made by Lyon and Healy (and others). Those are from $1000-$2000. She also has a Salvi double action petit size for ~$6000 (but this one is not recommended if you will be planning on moving up to a concert model). She also has a little catalog of harp trinketts and music. Anne Habermehl The Harp and Dragon 25 Madison Street Cortland, NY 13045 (607) 756-7372 henry_houh@mit.edu ****************************************************************************** Harpress of California They carry a small selection of music, as well as books on harp improvisation and harmonizing. Harpress of California 951 Blair Ct. Palo Alto, CA 94303 (415) 856-1818 ****************************************************************************** Harps of Lorien They carrt folk harps: 26 string lap harp, 33 string prtable, 38 string floor harp. Write for a catalog. Harps of Lorien 610 North Star Rt Quest, NM 87556 (505) 586-1307 ****************************************************************************** Here, Inc. Maker of harps. They also have kits. Here, Inc. R. R. 4 Red Wing, MN 55066 I have one of their harps (29 string, on little legs) and I have been quite happy with it. Not that I shopped around much, but it seemed much less expensive than other harps, and I feel it was quite a bargain. henry_houh@mit.edu ****************************************************************************** Hidden Valley Harps Represents W&W on the West Coast. They are also the dealer for Waltons of Dublin. Hidden Valley Harps 1444 Calle Place Escondido, CA 92027 (619) 743-0747 ****************************************************************************** Historical Harps/Tim Hobrough Tim makes wonderfull harps in a wide selections of historical types. He also makes lyres, psaltries, dulcimers and medieval bowed instruments. He makes Gothic harps and a great small metal strung harp. His 'modern clarsachs' are the spiritual decendants of the medieval clarsach and are gut-strung, with levers. He sells some kits and holds workshops in harp construction. He is in Scotland (specifically, Beauly, Inverness-shire) however, here in the States you can contact him through I own and love one of his modern clarsachs. sharons@juliet.ll.mit.edu ****************************************************************************** Hughes Dulcimer Company 4419-C W. Colfax Ave Denver, CO 80204 Sells harp kits, starting from around $100. They also sell kits for hammer dulcimers. ****************************************************************************** Hummingbird Instruments 212 Wayne N.W. Albuquerque, N.M. 87114 (505) 897-1725 I've liked the small harps from Hummingbird. They have a three octave harp that I believe is relatively inexpensive (compared to Dusty Strings and Triplett). I want to say $600 or $700, but you'd have to check. jtk@netcom.netcom.com ****************************************************************************** International Music Service They sell music, strings, accessories. They also deal in Venus (W &W) harps. Their 130-page music catalog and binder can be ordered for a cost of about $7. The catalog contains a section (~20 pages) of non-pedal harp music. International Music Service 113 W. 69th Street New York, NY 10023 (212) 874-3360 ****************************************************************************** Lark in the Morning This company deals with all sorts of "odd" instruments. It has a good reputation as a company, but I don't know anything about most of the harps they carry. They do carry several, varying in size and price. The smallest is a fairly nice one for a beginner and is the only harp that small that has tuning levers. They may have other harps and often have miscellaneous instruments on consignment (prices ~8/90) Rosewood harp: 19 strings, Tuned to F, 29" tall, with old style hook levers on all strings. sides are carved with floral design. Solid rosewood with a laminated mahogany face. $200 Hummingbird: 23 strings G below middle C to a, Height 33", black walnut or cherry $345 levers $4 each, extra strings $30, shipping $35 Merlin: 29 strings, C below middle C to c, ht. 41", black walnut or cherry, sitka spruce soundboard, levers on c/f $645, extras levers $4/each, extra string set $40 shipping $45 Columbine: 33 strings, (from F below middle C) walnut or cherry, sitka spruce soundboard, 48" ,levers on all strings, $995, ships $75, extra strings $50 (The above are all by "Hummingbird") They also carry some Tripletts Lark in the Morning PO Box 1176 Mendocino, CA 95460 (707) 964-5569 sharons@juliet.ll.mit.edu ****************************************************************************** Ah, I knew I'd seen her (well, her work really) in an FHJ somewhere....In the latest issue, there's a photo of a narrow, tall (?), graceful looking harp. The caption reads "Renaissance Harp", then, "For a complete brochure of Early Harp designs write to: Lynne Lewandowski 67 Main St. Brattleboro, VT 05301 I have Therese Schroeder-Sheker's Historical Harp, Vol 1, recording. On it, she plays wire and gut-strung harps, and some psalteries, all of which were made by Lynne. jtk@netcom.netcom.com ****************************************************************************** Lyon & Healy They make pedal and non-pedal harps. They have a rent to buy program, as well as a strictly rental program. There are about 20 pages of non-pedal harp music in their 170 page music catalog, which they will send free upon request. Lyon & Healy 168 North Ogden Avenue Chicago, IL 60607 (312) 786-1881 (800) 621-3881 ****************************************************************************** Markwood Musical Instrument Makers Provides nylon and phosphor bronze strings for most folk harps. A computerized string analysis service is available. Harp plans and (possibly) harp kits. Though I'll describe what Mark's kits are all about, I'd phone him first to see if he's still making them or whether he'll go back to producing them in the future. Plans and instruction manuals: complete and informative, totalling almost 50 pages. For making 22 metal-strung, 22 nylon, 29 nylon, or 34 nylon-strung harps. His harp kits (for the models listed above), were available in four stages of completion. Examples of 1989 prices: Stage 1 kit Stage 2 kit Stage 3 kit Finished *************** ********-- ********-- ********- 22 string wire $120 $250 $320 N/A 34 string nylon $200 $325 $475 $950 Markwood Musical Instrument Makers 1250 NE 5th St. Bend, OR 97701 (503) 389-6775 jtk@netcom.netcom.com ****************************************************************************** Clive Morley Harps Goodfellows Farm Nr. Lechlade, Gloucestershire GL7 3JG England Telephone: 0367 86 493 Fax: 0367 86 659 This is of one of my favourite places to buy music and strings. They also sell harps. When I was first buying harp strings, I found that this was the cheapest place, even when converting from pounds to Canadian $. Service is very quick for mail order. I know that they sell Elysian, John Morley, and Erard harps. My harp teacher has an Elysian. It is made in Russia and consequently handles the weather here quite well. Moyra can leave her harp overnight in her car in winter and it won't go much out of tune. The harp has a lovely tone, and was several thousand cheaper than a Lyon & Healey (it more than paid for her trip to London where she picked in out). I think that the John Morley harps are the folk harps. Models that they have that I know of are the Kerry, Hempson, O'Niel, Carolan, Minstrel, and Clarsach. This company has made harps for years. The harps are called John Morley, the company used to be called Robert Morley and Sons, and just became Clive Morley a few years ago. I have heard from a couple of people in Canada that the best folk harps are made in Britain, partly because the tradition is passed on from generation to generation. My harp teacher visited them a couple of years ago, and almost bought herself a third harp (this one a folk harp). She says they have a good sized show room and she was sorely tempted. Instead she spent over $100 on music. Morley's sells a lot of music. They have restored several older anthologies of music and are probably the only place selling some of this music. I am currently playing a John Parry anthology of Welsh Music. I know Morley's have a catalogue of music, as well as strings and other harp "toys". They sell things like tuners, key holders, harp badges, car window stickers (including "Rwy'n fy nhelyn" - I love my harp in either Welsh or Celtic), and one of my favourites is an adjustable height harp chair (with back). The latter was 250 pounds in 1989 so it's a bit steep for me. That's it for now, I think I'm getting tempted to write them for a catalogue of harps myself! wmoore@mprgate.mpr.ca ****************************************************************************** J. Eliot B. Moss Folks -- I finally put together my harp information file about Triplett harps (and a few other resources of interest to new harpers) and enclose it below. Perhaps it will be useful for an FAQ (frequently asked questions) file or packet for new subscribers. Since I don't make any significant amount of money from representing Triplett, I view this more as a service announcement than an advertisement. Regards -- Eliot Moss This file contains information about Triplett harps and a bit about buying harps in general. It is current as of September 22, 1991; the major things that could change would be prices (usually up, naturally). First, I am: Eliot Moss Clearsong Harps 411 Old Farm Road Amherst, Massachusetts 01002-2756 (413) 253-9242 (home) (413) 545-4206 (work) Having obtained the necessary tax card, I sell Triplett harps retail at 25% off the list price. Harps, strings, and accessories are discountable; crating and shipping are not. If an item is shipped to a Massachusetts address I must also add 5% sales tax; if shipped to a California address, Triplett will need 6% sales tax (we'll have to work out the details since I've never done that). Order terms are 25% down with the rest due before shipment (if shipped directly to you) or before delivery (if shipped to us for hand delivery to you). We have had no problem with personal checks so far, so that's acceptable. Since we're not really running this business for any profit (we get about 5% which mostly covers our phone calls and such) we have not arranged for credit cards and the like. You can find other dealers who accept credit cards if that's what you want to do. Before I get on to listing descriptions of individual harp models and such, I'd like to say a little bit about why I represent Triplett. There are a lot of people out there who make fine instruments. Some makers have inconsistent quality, some are less than professional in their business dealings, etc. I have found Triplett to be very reliable and consistent in quality and have had no money problems or other business difficulties with them other than occasional shipping delays which happen to almost any mail order business. There are other companies out there that are also consistently good in both respects, such as Dusty Strings and a number of others. I represent Triplett because I personally like the sound and look of their harps, but I have no problem if you like somebody else's harp. In fact, I'll even admit that I like the sound of a Bunker harp even better, but they cost substantially more and there's a long wait. Concerning kits, Triplett makes a nice harp and you can get it in kit form, but they're not designed for easy kit construction -- they're designed to sound great at reasonable cost. If you're not really confident about your woodworking ability and want a kit I'd suggest talking with Jerry Brown at Musicmaker's Kits, Inc., 423 South Main, Stillwater, MN 55082, 1-800-432-KITS (5487) or (612) 439-9120 in the Twin Cities area. If you are a first time harp purchaser, I recommend you acquire a booklet called "The Harp Hunter's Handbook" by David Kolacny, available for $5 from Kolacny Music, 1900 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210. Some other useful resources are: the Sylvia Woods Harp Center (800-272-HARP, PO Box 816, Montrose CA 91021-0816) -- get on her mailing list for a catalog chock full of tapes, music, and other good stuff; the International Society of Folk Harpers and Craftsmen, who publish the quarterly Folk Harp Journal (to which you should definitely subscribe; send $18 payable to ISFHC, 4718 Maychelle Drive, Anaheim, CA 92807-3040 (714-998-5717)) and an annual membership directory, and who sponsor the every-other-year Folk Harp Conference (1992 in San Diego, 1994 in New England, I believe); and the Scottish Harp Society ($12/year, c/o Christina Tourin, PO Box 575, Waterbury VT 05676, 802-244-8141) who publish a directory and a newsletter. Triplett Harps can be reached at 220 Suburban Rd, San Luis Obispos, CA 93401, 805-544-2777. There are many other resources, but these will get you started. Now, on to the various models of Triplett harps, summarized below. The prices are list price / discounted price and the kit price (list/discounted), with the price for an *extra* set of strings (which I recommend since you can't get these at your local music store) written as [list/discounted]. Model Strings Type Price (Kit) [String set] Range Height Zephyr 22 Nylon $450/ 337.50 (not avail) [25/18.75] C up to C 28" [a] Zenith 25 Nylon $775/ 581.25 (440/330.00) [38/28.50] G up to C 36" Axline 30 Nylon $1160/ 870.00 (620/465.00) [60/45.00] G up to A 48" Briggs 34 Nylon $1980/1485.00 (870/652.50) [85/63.75] C up to A 52" [b] Celtic 34 Nylon $1980/1485.00 (870/652.50) [85/63.75] C up to A 52" [b] Premiere 38 Nylon $2460/1845.00 (not avail) [95/71.25] A up to C 60" [b] Lap 20 Wire $530/ 397.50 (345/258.75) [25/18.75] G up to E 26" Irish 25 Wire $825/ 618.75 (450/337.50) [35/26.25] C up to F 34" Irish 30 Wire $1160/ 870.00 ( ?? ) [60/45.00] C up to D 48" Excelle 33 Wire $1650/1237.50 (not avail) [75/56.25] C up to G 50" New prices 11/19/92: list discounted Zephyr 22-string (middle C up to C) 475.00 356.25 Zenith 25-string (G below middle C up to C) 800.00 600.00 [a] The Zephyr used to have 21 strings, but in any case, it fits in the overhead compartment on most commercial jets. [b] These models come with blade or flip levers and feet included. The Premiere also includes soundboard binding ("trim"). The Celtic is probably the most popular model. These prices are without levers, for orders before 12/18/92. Blade levers are $7 each installed ($5.25 discounted) and flip levers $8 ($6 discounted). They do not do Loveland levers (but you can buy those yourself and install them). Other items: extra string sets soft cases list discounted list discounted crating shipping Zephyr 25.00 18.75 150.00 112.50 25.00 15.00 Zenith 38.00 29.50 180.00 135.00 35.00 30.00 After 12/18/92 prices will go up by about 7%. Orders in by 12/18/92 will be built in the JanFeb production run and shipped by the end of February. (The current run is Nov/Dec and it's too late to get in on it.) However, Zephyr harps are sometimes in stock. Triplett and Dusty Strings both offer consistently good quality. There are a few makers that make finer harps (in my opinion), but a novice will not notice the difference and will almost certainly not want to pay for it. A number of smaller makers do quite well too. Some are less consistent, but most of the ones who have been in business for a while are probably all right. You should also check with a number of customers to see if they've had business problems dealing with the harp maker -- some of the makers are not as good as they should be about handling money and delivering when promised. Triplett and Dusty Strings are highly reliable in that regard. Unless included, sharping levers are as follows, per string: bronze blade levers - $4, with installation - $5, bronze flip levers - $7. Feet are $40 total ($10 each), detachable feet are $80 total. These items are all discountable. Every harp comes with a tuning wrench. Standard woods are walnut, cherry, maple, and ash, with more exotic woods available at additional cost (inquire). Triplett does not sell cases. Crating and shipping are *not* discountable, and cost as follows (these rates fluctuate some, so check if you need exact prices): Size Crating Shipping 20/22 strings $20 $25 25 strings $25 $40 30 strings $30 $55 33/34 strings $35 $120 38 strings $45 $120 Average construction lead time from order to shipping is 3 to 4 months, and since they build in cycles, it depends a lot on where they are in the cycle when you order. Since Christmas deliveries are popular, expect longer delays in the fall. Either Triplett or I can supply a booklet with black and white photos of the various models (but if I get too many inquiries there will be a delay while I get more of the books from Triplett). Happy harping, and we welcome your questions! Eliot Moss J. Eliot B. Moss, Associate Professor Visiting Associate Professor Department of Computer Science School of Computer Science Lederle Graduate Research Center Carnegie Mellon University University of Massachusetts 5000 Forbes Avenue Amherst, MA 01003 Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3891 (413) 545-4206, 545-1249 (fax) (412) 268-6767, 681-5739 (fax) Moss@cs.umass.edu Moss@cs.cmu.edu ****************************************************************************** Musicmaker's Kits Harp kits and plans. These harps are available in various stages of construction: Heartland lap harp: 25 strings, nylon. Range G to c'. Concert spacing. A beginner or travel harp. Gothic harp: 31-string, nylon. Lowest note is E two 8vas below middle C. Gothic harp: 36-string, nylon. Irish lap harp: 22 strings, nylon. Student harp: 29 strings, nylon. Musicmaker's Kits 423 South Main Stillwater, MN 55082 (800) 432-KITS Technical hotline: (612) 439-9130 ****************************************************************************** Paradise Music Publish and sell a variety of folk harp sheet music (classical, pop, folk, and some early music) and method books. Sell cassette tapes. HARPS: nylon-strung harps by Hummingbird, Stoney End, and Heartland. A wire-strung harp by Heartland, and a travel harp by Stoney End are also available by order. (priced ~1/91) Hummingbird: Hummingbird $420 Merlin $740 Columbine $1195 includes full set of Robinson levers ($100 ship) Lupine $1400 includes full set of Robinson levers ($100 ship) Stoney End: Travel (22) $295 Nylon $320 Wire Full-Size (29) $485 Nylon $510 Wire Heartland Strings: Dipper (29) $695 Corona (32) $1080 Loveland levers on Fs and Cs ($100 ship) Polaris (36) $1250 Loveland levers on Fs and Cs ($100 ship) Orion (34) $1090 Bronze Strings ($100 ship) Lyra (25) $375 Nylon or Steel strings Paradise Music 556 Paradise Lane Edmonds, WA 98020 (206) 774-8359 ****************************************************************************** Pegasus Music They sell tons of folk ethnic, and new age music, as well as songbooks, instruction books, and bodhrans and harps. Pegasus Music PO Box 150471 Arlington TX 76015-6471 (817) 572-5547 ****************************************************************************** Robinson's Harp Shop Sell video tapes, books, music, harp plans, Celtic harp and Paraguayan harp recordings, parts and strings. HARPS: Paraguayan harps. Call for availability and prices. STRINGS: Individual strings and string sets for most non-pedal harps. Phophor bronze and nylon strings. HARDWARE: Tuning pegs, sharping levers, bridge pins, soundboard eyelets, and more. PLANS: Harp plans. Tara. 36-string, nylon. Mini-Concert. 30 or 36 string, nylon. Irish. 30 string, nylon. Paraguayan. 36 string, nylon. Ancient Celtic. 30 string, wire. Leprechaun Jr. 28 string, nylon(?) Gypsy. 23 string, nylon. Robinson's Harp Shop 33908 Mt. Laguna Dr. P.O. Box 161 Mt. Laguna, CA 92048 (619) 473-8556 FAX: (619) 473-8212 ****************************************************************************** Sylvia Woods Harp Center Celtic harp, pedal harp, and other recordings, instruction tapes, instruction books, music, electronic tuners and microphones, and more. HARPS: Triplett harps (both wire- and nylon-strung, also a travel harp. Not sure if they sell the triple-harp Triplett just developed.), and Dusty Strings nylon-strung harps. Available on order. Often, though, there are models in stock. A harp demonstration video, featuring these harps is also available. STRINGS: Nylon strings only, and only strings for Triplett, Dusty Strings, Markwood, and Caswell harps. Sylvia Woods Harp Center P.O. Box 29521 Los Angeles, CA 90029 1-800-272-HARP. Sylvia Woods Harp Center PO Box 816 Montrose, CA 91021-0816 (800) 272-HARP ******************************************************************************* Triplett Harps As of 1988, these were the harps available as kits. (Prices quoted are 1988 prices. No doubt they've gone up since then....) Harps String Type Range Kit Price Price New ************** ********-- ************** ******** ******** 20-string lap harp wire G up to E $270 $410 25 string Irish low headed wire C up to F $380 $700 25 string McCurdy nylon E up to A $380 $700 30-string Axline nylon G up to A $475 $910 31-string Irish high headed wire C up to D $475 $910 34-string Celtic nylon C up to A $645 $1285 34-string Briggs nylon C up to A $645 $1300 Their blurb says: "Our kits are identical in design and materials to our finished instruments. We do all of the machine work and most of the difficult joinery. Harp parts come ready to assemble and finish. All strings and hardware are included and patience and a few simple hand tools are all that is necessary to complete a fine instrument." I'd say a little more is involved than this! Although it's true they've done the hardest parts (joining the neck with the pillar , for instance) be prepared for a significant woodworking project. Some woodworking experience helps! I have their 20-string wire kit. I was quite pleased with their choice of wood. They've been very helpful and patient whenever I've called with my many questions regarding putting this kit together. Though they officially sell kits only, I know a couple of people who have built harps from their plans. If building harps from plans interests you, it would be worth checking with them. Triplett Harps 220 Suburban, Suite B. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 544-2777 jtk@netcom.netcom.com ******************************************************************************* Vanderbilt Music Company PO Box 456 Bloomington, IN 47402 (800) 533-7200 (812)-333-5255 (in Indiana and Canada) They will send a free catalog (~30 pages) if you call. They have a lot of pedal harp music, some non-pedal harp music, and some accessories. They also sell Lyon & Healy and Salvi pedal harps. They also rent Toubadours and Folk Harps. As of 9/91, they were consistently a bit more expensive for sheet music than International Music. As of 1/91 Deposit Purchase Toubador $60/mo $120 $2,295 Folk $45/mo $ 90 $1,250 Rent may be applied to the purchase price, some restrictions apply ******************************************************************************* W & W Musical Instrument Company 3868 West Grand Avenue Chicago, IL 60651 (312) 278-4210 Maker of Venus pedal harps. Student models start from $7000; concert models start from $8000; grand concert models start from $10,000. They also rebuild old harps, but I don't have any information on that yet. ******************************************************************************* List of teachers Sally Boyd (sally@solbourne.com): Therese Honey - mostly classical, sometimes folk, (maybe) plays with the Galveston Symphony. Plays regularly at the Texas Renaissance Festival. Henry Houh (henry_houh@mit.edu): Liu Yi - graduate student of Lucille Lawrence, Salzedo style. ****************************************************************************** ****************************************************************************** Random Harp Questions: What is the HEWN? Where to get a postscript pedal harp picture ??? Have a random question/answer? ****************************************************************************** What is the HEWN? HEWN stands for Harp Early Warning Network. As far as what it is, I'm not sure. ****************************************************************************** Where to get a postscript pedal harp picture You can get one by asking: henry_houh@mit.edu ****************************************************************************** ??? Have a random question/answer? Have anything to add to the FAQ? Please mail to: henry_houh@mit.edu ******************************************************************************