I would say in conclusion that I find my Triplett more conducive to folk and traditional music (sound), regardless of whether you are playing fast or slow tunes. All the best to you, and enjoy making your decision. Lyon & Healy Style 23 Gold (Consignment 5321-23) - PENDING SALE. When you listen to alot of traditional music (and folk tunes) played on the harp, you will hear how most of these musicians are playing on folk harps (or lever harps) that have a lighter tension and are typically nylon strung. Lyon & Healy Style 85 CG in Mahogany 22422. It is all about individuality and what moves and resonates with you. There really is no right or wrong way (at least not in my opinion). However, as time goes on (as it always does), you may just want to find yourself a folk harp later on, as I did.
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I have enjoyed playing a simpler style/version of folk tunes on my higher tension Pratt harp to accommodate my level of playing along with the higher tension. If folk music is what moves you, perhaps you are still learning technique and will master speed later, which means you could learn the technique at a slower speed on a harp that gives you the sound you currently love. Visit the CPO site to see what harps are available today. Harps are brought back to Lyon & Healy from its Bounty Program, trade-in or because they were lightly played at demonstrations, exhibits, workshops or recitals. Also something to consider is, you say you are a beginner. A Lyon & Healy CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) harp is the perfect choice for those who prefer not to purchase new, but want to own and play on a Lyon & Healy.
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I love the flexibility it offers, for both quicker embellishments and hands and fingers that don’t ache after playing for a couple hours. Then I bought the Triplett Eclipse, lighter tension, nice big sound with lots of bass and clear higher register, but higher tension from some other nylon strung harps I tried. I loved my Ogden when I had it, and sold it so I could purchase the Pratt (also high tension) but BIG SOUND which I needed for playing gigs without amplification. I am older now, and play my Triplett almost exclusively: (1) I love the sound (2) the lighter tension saves my fingers and hands from some of the pain that results from higher strung harps at my age (of which I have 2 - L&H Style 100 Pedal harp, and Pratt Chamber harp), and by pain I mean achy hands after playing a 1-2 hr gig). I don’t consider myself an “accomplished” harpist, but was able to play satisfying folk music on either harp. I play a variety of folk tunes, traditional tunes, etc. Then I would say that it is far more difficult to play quick-paced embellishments on the Ogden than it would be on a lighter tension nylon strung harp. I think it depends on just what a person considers “fast”, and if “fast” means lots of embellishments. Hi, Aleisha! I have played folk tunes on both the Ogden and my current Triplett Eclipse.