Musicians who want to learn to play the harp but have never played a large stringed instrument should first take harp lessons to see if it is the right instrument for them. Choose a harp that is appropriate for your level of experience when purchasing one. Do not buy a used harp without first inspecting it. Before purchasing a harp, inspect the strings and body, as well as test it out. Consider your budget and choose a harp that fits within that range without sacrificing quality.
Consider whether you’ll be using the harp professionally or as a hobby before purchasing one. If you’re a professional musician, you’ll need a good instrument. If you’re just starting out, a small, less expensive harp should suffice.
Before you buy a harp, you should think about the price, as prices vary depending on the size and features of the harp. You might not need an advanced player’s harp, and opting for a beginner’s style with around 24 strings could save you a lot of money. The disadvantage of purchasing a beginner’s harp is that the sound range will be limited compared to a harp with 30 strings. Buy a harp that can be placed on the floor if you can afford it. Smaller hand-held models are more difficult to control.
It’s crucial to understand the two main harp styles, which are the lever and pedal styles. Both types of harps should be on display in a major music store or music dealer that specializes in harps for you to try. If you’re a beginner harpist, give each one a few minutes before deciding which one you prefer.
If you’re not sure whether you want to buy a harp with a pedal or a lever system, think about how you’ll use it. If you choose a small lap harp, it will almost certainly have a lever instead of a pedal. The styles of music and notes you can play on a lever harp may be limited. If you’re a serious musician who wants to play a wide range of music, a pedal harp is a good investment.
Examine a used harp for signs of damage before purchasing it. The neck and soundboard should be free of cracks and worn parts, and the strings should not be broken. All levers should be intact, with no signs of looseness, and the bridge and turner pins should be tight. The harp’s wooden feet on the bottom must be smooth and free of warping. If you’re thinking about buying a used pedal harp, make sure the pedals are smooth and free of squeaks or grinding noises.