Which Double-Strung Harp Should I Choose? [Double-Strung Harp FAQ S1E3]

Hey, it's time for some more #DoubleTalk! Welcome back to my Double-Strung Harp FAQ series.
In Episode 3, it's Double-Strung Harp Decision Time! If you've caught the double-strung harp bug, we'll talk about which DSH you should choose for your first one-or your next one. 😉
Theme music: “Walnut Welcome” composed & performed by Cynthia Shelhart, from the CD "Limberlost Angel." © 1992 Cynthia Shelhart and HarperCraft Productions.
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CINDY’S HARPS
Rees Harps Double Morgan Meghan Double-Strung Harp (54 strings)
Dusty Strings FH26x2 Double-Strung Harp (52 strings)
Rees Harps Special Edition Fullsicle™ Harp (26 strings)
Carved Strings Mathilde medieval harp (19 strings)
Thanks for watching!
-Cindy
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[@jillgeary1313]

Thanks Cindy! I really enjoy your music - the double has completely captured my heart! My first good harp was a double - but I've had so many hand issues I ended up selling it - wish I still had it! I was surprised to hear that the Dusty 26 Double has light tension. I've played a single Dusty Ravenna 26 which seemed like considerably more tension than my Stoney End Eve single....so that's good to know! I look forward to more Double videos. It would be interesting to see you sit with a 26 Double compared to a 29 Double re: posture, reach, harp size, etc. Also any difference in tone between a Dusty Double and a Stoney End Double. Thank so much!

[@cindyshelhart]

Hey Jill, thanks for the kind words--as you can tell, the double has completely captured my heart, too! Posture, reach, and distance between strings can definitely vary between luthiers, and even between different models from one luthier. Right now, I have a 26 x 2 Dusty Strings FH26 double, and a Rees 27 x 2 Double Morgan Meghan, so those are the harps you'll see and hear in future videos. (Also, my current performance videos from a 2021 virtual festival have some great footage of me playing the Dusty). More to come, thanks again, and stay tuned!
PS: Your Limberlost Angel CD shipped today--thanks for your order! C xo

[@ReenBlom]

Yes, if you are asking if you are going to miss the bass notes, you probably will. If you are playing a small harp to start with, then perhaps no.
22DS was my first harp, and until I tried the big 34 string I did not know what bass was or what big and resonant sound a floor harp has.
So it comes down to this, if you like big sound and bass instead of tiny music box sound... 😉
I am still in love with the DS, but alas, there are not many manufacturers (especially in Europe) and the price of a large DS is forever out of my budget(especially an import). Maybe one day I get to try a Welsh triple, but that there is simply no such thing as budget or student friendly large DS harp (or a kit). Yes I know of Lorraine, but it is still an import and loose bass strings? Brea in the UK costs GBP 2500-3000, what about anything larger? I Think a German manufacturer makes Kairos DS that goes F to A3. Anyway what DS should you choose? Probably Fireside cardboard. Then you can't expect much so will not be disappointed and no need to sell your kidney to afford one. RANT OVER. Lol PS I love your DS book, Cynthia!

[@cindyshelhart]

Everyone has their own preferences for sound, range and size; that’s why I wanted to make sure I included that discussion in the video. 😀 We’ll need to work on making a variety of quality DS available worldwide! PS: which DSH book is it that you love? Thanks for your kind words!

[@moirbasso7051]

@8:50 in. Her own recommendations for DS Harps. Thanks for this series of videos. Much needed!

[@cynthiashelhart]

Thanks, glad these are helpful for you!

[@organist1982]

Could you tell me who makes double-strung harps with higher tension or gut strings? I've done a fair amount of research on harp models and makers, and I've not come across any doubles with high tension or gut strings.

[@cindyshelhart]

Hi, thanks for your interest in double-strung harps! In the brief history of the modern DSH (since 1989), a number of luthiers have experimented with strings and string tension. Some were successful... some, not so much (including pulling apart from string tension). Many DSH models originated as single-row harps, so the DSH version by a given luthier might have similar tension to its single-row sibling. That being said, there are varying degrees of "lighter tension" between DSH models, but all are definitely lighter than high/pedal tension, and I don't know of anyone building modern double harps with gut strings at this time. Hope that helps!

[@organist1982]

@helhart Thank you for your reply! I'm now in the process of collecting various models of Rees DHS's. Would you say that they have the highest tension of all the current makers of DHS's except for perhaps the Stoney End Brittany DHS model?