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You have been captivated by the soft and melodious sounds of the harp and you have decided to learn to play this very beautiful instrument which has thrilled so many people through the ages, from the Egyptian era when it appeared for the first time in a primary form, in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance where the instrument was developed in different forms and across the Celtic plains of Brittany and Ireland where the Celtic harp was born. But how do you choose the harp of your dreams? Here are some explanations that may help you and do not hesitate to visit us at the store for more information and to try our models.
Celtic harp or pedal harp?
If you are new to the harp, for adults as well as for children, we recommend a first approach on a Celtic model. This will make it easier for you to learn the technique and the holding of your instrument. Then, after a few years, older students can play on a pedal harp if they wish.
Indeed, the 2 types of instruments complement each other. An adult can play very well on a Celtic harp if he likes to play a Celtic, folk repertoire that does not require a lot of changes of tones or alterations within the same piece.
What limits the repertoire on Celtic harps are the changes of sharps and flats during a piece because it is with the help of small hooks (one for each string) that they will be put in place then that on a pedal harp, there is a pedal that will take care of putting the sharp, the flat or the natural on all the C of the harp for example (in total 7 pedals, one for each note from C to B) . The pedal harp not only has more strings (between 40 and 47) but offers an unlimited possibility for the repertoire as well classical as jazz or modern.
Of course, each instrument has its own sound and a different playability (depending on the weight, the type of wood and the shape of the instrument) so it is important to be able to come and try it before buying it in order to understand if that’s what you are looking for in terms of sound and playing comfort.
We have many models of Salvi harps to offer you that we particularly like because they are quality instruments in which we can trust and which are very beautiful.
Which model of the Celtic harp Salvi?
Celtic study harps
Juno 25 or 27 string harps
The Juno harps are intended for young children who are starting the harp (from 4 years old) but also for older children who are looking for a travel harp, easily transportable because you can play with it standing (with a strap or by placing it on a table ), place it on its knees or on feet (accessory to be purchased separately). The model 25 has 25 strings, the 27 has 27 strings and therefore offers a greater range of notes which is more pleasant to be able to play more pieces without being limited. The strings are made from Silkgut (synthetic gut) and therefore hardly ever break. These harps are delivered with a thick and very practical transport bag because it is worn like a backpack.
The Mia harp
This model is ideal for beginner harpists. It is as well suited for children from 7 years old as for older children or adults by adding the feet provided with it to enlarge it. It is a very light harp which is easily transported. The 34 strings already allow you to play a large repertoire. You can choose from Silkgut (synthetic gut) or natural gut strings. It comes with a dust cover but you can buy a thicker cover for transport which allows it to be worn on the back easily and to protect it well from possible shocks.
The Titan harp
The Titan harp has 38 strings so you have access to more notes. You can choose from Silkgut (synthetic gut) or natural gut strings. It is suitable for beginners as well as for experienced harpists. Its larger size is recommended for taller children (around 10 years old but this will depend on the size of each child). Its size gives it greater sound power. It comes with feet that allow it to be enlarged for larger harpists. On request, we can order feet of an even larger size to reach a height of 170 cm.
The Hermes harp
The Hermes harp is a Celtic harp with the shape of a pedal harp.
It has a large resonance chamber producing a rich, deep sound and 40 strings which give aspiring harpists the possibility of playing over a wider range.
Professional Celtic harps
Una
Lightweight and portable, the Una 38-string harp is distinguished by its sophisticated and fascinating Celtic design. Its special Silkgut® Copper strings contain copper powder from B 4th octave to D 5th octave D. They thus allow a homogeneous transition of the sound between the metal strings and the synthetic strings, and give the Una an extraordinary richness of tones and extremely deep bass.
Una Deluxe
The Una Deluxe is enriched by an elegant soundboard decoration and a 24-carat gold-plated mechanism. Lightweight and portable, the new 38-string Una Deluxe features a sophisticated and captivating Celtic design. Its unique Silkgut® copper strings containing copper powder from the 4th B to the 5th D octave give the Una Deluxe rich tones and deep bass.
Donegal
This model represents the Celtic style in terms of design and sound. This instrument is indeed ideal for Celtic music; It is lightweight, portable and equipped with professional levers and the option of interchangeable feet. The carbon fiber strings are low tension and create a crystal clear, well-balanced tone.
Ana Deluxe
A quality choice for students wishing to progress to a pedal harp and for harpists looking for a sound close to a small pedal harp. It includes 40 strings which allows to expand the repertoire.
Rather synthetic strings (Silkgut) or natural gut?
Silkgut synthetic gut strings (equivalent to nylon) are flexible in terms of playing and much less sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, so they rarely break.
The natural gut string produces a much richer, warmer and rounder sound and is soft to the fingers but less flexible. The sound is similar to that of a pedal harp. The strings are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity and can break more regularly which can lead to more costs.
What are the useful accessories for harpists?
It is essential to have a tuning key and a tuner in order to properly tune your harp.
Of course, a lectern as well as a seat will also be essential. For the seat, we recommend either a round seat , or a piano seat which is also very suitable and which allows you to be seated in a very stable way which is important for playing well. The seat must be adjustable in height in order to be able to play at the right height and have a good seat.
If you transport it regularly, we advise you to invest in a thicker cover that will protect it from knocks and the cold during transport, which a dust cover will not do because it is much too light and thin.
Salvi pedal harps
If this is your 1st pedal harp and you are studying the harp, we recommend one of our Daphne study models which has magnificent tones but also a beautiful playability with refined design. Some models have wider soundboards, therefore offering greater resonance.
For those who want to invest in a professional model, there are wonderful models in different price ranges that you can discover on our website …
Griselda
