In the Shadows, Lyon & Healy Silouette

Ever since I saw Camille and Kennerly play Dream On by Aerosmith on YouTube, I have to say the Lyon & Healy Silhouette always dazzled in my brain. I managed to play one today, 33 strings and a moderate pluck, fully levered and electric. I had on a headset that appeared to be electrically connected to the harp, and I could hear myself play while nobody else could--good for not bugging the neighbours if you practice outside!

One thing I loved about this harp, is like the Ravenna by Dusty Strings, and the Harpsicle/Grand Harpsicle by Rees, the Lyon & Healy Silhouette has a strap, or a stand that you can use--meaning you can play the harp standing, sitting... or running around (SLOWLY! so you don't drop it!!)

I have to save up if I want this one... so time to book more gigs!!!

World Harp Congress 2011 - HARP HEAVEN!!

Harp Heaven, everyone says that angels play the harp, right? At the opening gala for the World Harp Congress 2011, I heard a very different saying. It went something like this: "The harp is an instrument crrafted by the devil, but it makes the songs of angels". So after a good night's sleep after te amazing arrangements of Judy Loman on a sharp-angled Lyon & Healy, I set out again on my search for the best harp. I already know Fisher is my favorite, but I wanted to see what else there was.

The first Lecture was on Amplification by Alison and Stephen Verdy of West Coast Harps (I'm listed under Teachers on their webpage!!) I was inspired about placing my amp above the crowd to let everyone hear. Also getting a $3000 BOSE amp was in mind after a few gigs. (http://www.westcoastharps.com/)

After a Lecture about Power Performances by Carrol McLaughlin, I was so impressed I bought her book, and she signed it!! I reccomend it to anyone with stage fright or just fright when playing the harp, even though the techniques can be for anyone (seeing that the Lecture was a full house!!!). (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyuuTMvqQvc)

A before dinner performance/lecture on ancient harps of the Mideast. There was a brief lecture on the history of the harp, and then a performance of Tamako Sugowara on the kugo or Angular Harp.

Anyways, now I am off to a performance of Harpa Bossa and Labrinto at the church across from the hotel! Talk to you later!!

Harp Stalker

Ultimate Celtic Harp

My favorite Celtic harp of all time has to be Larry Fisher's Éireann model.

I first fell in love with this harp after hearing William Jackson and Gráinne Hambly playing Fisher harps at the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival 2007. I was mesmerized by how easily the harp was played by Gráinne, especially on her arrangement of the Rectory Reel. In August 2009 I finally decided to ask Gráinne to pluck a few strings. I was amazed how I did not require a lot of force to create the brilliant bell-like sound on the Fluro-Carbon strings. It was in October that I finally put my name on the two-year waiting list. I received the harp in April 2010, just in time for the TBSYO's Triple Threat concert.



Sound: bell-like
Pluck: light/easy
Spacing: wider in the bottom strings than the top
Built: excellent
Weight: moderately-light
Case Included: yes
Meant for: Celtic, but can be played for any style
Strings: fluro-carbon, 34
Levers: Camac. Barely make a sound when flipped!

Website: http://www.fisherharps.com/