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Review of the Aklot 15 String Harp
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- Опубліковано 7 сер 2024
- Today I'm reviewing an Aklot 15 string harp I was sent! This harp is a bargain for $130, and it makes a great portable harp for the park or the classroom. You can purchase your own Aklot harp on Amazon here: amzn.to/36BvEO5
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means that if you buy something from the above Amazon link, I might get a small share of the sale :) Thank you!
Check out my unboxing here: • Unboxing the Aklot 15 ...
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You're really providing a great service for a pretty niche crowd. Very informative. Keep it up!
Thank you! I'm glad you found it helpful :)
A real harp. Like they used to be pre French. No multiple string rows, or levers, or pedals. Just a nice simple solidly built wood frame that you can carry around and sounds heavenly.
Good news! Aklot has fixed the string problem. C's are red and F's are blue, plus the strings are better quality.
Wonderful to hear! 😊
Thank you for the video! I got this cute little harp two weeks ago, after I got to know it through your unboxing video. I wanted something small and light weight next to my 34 string floor harp. At first I was sceptical towards „just“ 15 strings, but I must say, that it turned out to be so much fun to take melodies of traditional songs and make own arrangements which can be played on it. And I agree that it has the perfect weight and size to wear with the strap! That’s a harp you can just take with you wherever you go, even if you just want to get comfortable on the couch. Something you definitely can’t do with a big floor harp :-D
Thank you for your nice videos, keep up the good work! :-)
Thank you! I'm so glad you like it. It's perfect for the park :D
I have this one, and the Roosebeck LUTE HARP. The sound is much better on the Roosebeck but the Lute Harp is super awkward to hold and play with the left hand. I've ordered grown up replacement strings for this Aklot, (in Canada) from West Coast Harps on the Island and they are extremely helpful. I'm looking forward to delivery of my new strings and restringing this harp to make it a nice little practice harp.
I am so curious about that lute harp and would love to get one someday! I would have to decide a way to hold it though.. good to hear that it has a nice sound 😊 Enjoy your beautiful harps!
For Guts and Grit - did you replace the strings on the Aklot? Did it make a difference in tone? Thanks!
I'm so glad to find somebody who's familiar with harp, reviewing this! 😀
I have two harpsicles, but since its beginning of the year I've been taking lessons on my Dusty Strings Ravenna. I'm a little bit afraid to go back to the harpsicle just yet because it took me awhile to get used to the different string spacing. Do these little Harps have more of a "standard" spacing or is it closer together since it's a smaller instrument?
I would love to have a small harp with more normal string spacing, but it's hard for me to justify when I've already got two fullsicles plus the Ravenna! $$$$ But I'm seriously eyeballing this cute little thing! lol
Very helpful review. Thank you.
Excellent perspectives and insight Molly. Your review is very different from mine or Maria's because you actually have experience with harps. LOL. I love hearing different musicians reviews of the same instrument. It's interesting to see what each person fixates upon or sees as a drawback.
Thank you :D. I totally agree! That's one reason I still do reviews of instruments I don't have much experience with - I always like to know the impressions of people with different perspectives when I'm looking to buy something :)
@@MusicalMollyKhan I couldn't agree more and its never bad to attempt an instrument you've never played before because... let's face it... half the people viewing the video have never played that particular instrument before either. :-)
Honestly... experimentation is half the fun of music. For me anyway.
@@musicalmiscellany me too! I'm always looking for something new :D
Thank you. You made my day.
I'm so glad :)
Hi! Molly, Thank you for your youtube channel and reviews of harps. I am really curious after you tried to replace the better strings for the Aklot 15 string harp, is it sounds better? Or the pretty much the same? Thank you
Love your reviews. I've been a musician my whole life and am currently looking at this harp. One thing I've noticed is that I can't find a replacement string set with 15 strings. Being a stringed instrument musician I'm used to buying strings that match the instrument. Would I need to get a much larger set to pick out the strings that I would need? I just don't want to buy a harp and then not be able to find the strings that I need. Thanks so much!
Musical Molly Khan
They were having a supply issue w/ getting the right colored strings.
oh lovely - what are the name of the strings you used to replace? :)
Hi Molly! Love your reviews! Which do you prefer the sound of the white or the mahogany?
Also, is the tension less or more than a Harpsicle?
Keep on making your reviews. You are bring music to so many others with all the instruments.
Honestly they are so small I feel the sound is very similar! and I feel it's very similar in tension to the Harpsicle, maybe even a fraction more 😊
Hi Molly! your review helped me to get this harp! I am so excited to start practicing! I was wondering what types of books would you recommend for this 15 string harp. I am finding it kind go hard to find practice books for it. Thanks!
I am so excited for you, congratulations on beginning this journey 😊 Great question! I made a video with some resources, hopefully this helps: ua-cam.com/video/B-t9CzaRE1w/v-deo.html
I’ve had this harp for several months and I discovered something pretty amazing about it! First the bad news, I can’t get it to stay “in tune” because of its unreliability and tediousness of tuning (for that, I use the Fullsicle)…BUT that means that the Aklot harp works great for microtonal music, and as a composer, it’s opened up a whole new universe for me for different sounds. So, if you’re interested in that, I highly recommend it!!!
ohh may you elaborate on the microtonal music? :)
@@ahrtemisianah he’s just being a circlejerker.
Hey Molly. I'm loving your harp content! Thanks for sharing your opinions. I was wondering if you had any recommendations for strings to replace these ones? Preferably something inexpensive haha
Thank you! You can contact Robinson's Harp Shop, they should have a string chart for the Aklot and be able to get you exactly what you need 😊
@@MusicalMollyKhan thank you so much. I'll email them now. I'm in Australia so hopefully they can ship internationally :)
Would you recommend changing the strings of that Aklot harp with Roosebeck brand harp strings?
Wow if its anything like my Aklot lyre it must be nice! I need to review your harp videos again because I think I would like more strings. But I just got an Eastman mandolin and am not a string player so need to learn it before I get my harp. What harp would you recommend with levers and not much larger than this one?
That's a little tricky.. a lot of harps in this price range have very subpar levers that just aren't going to do much good. It's quite a step up in price, but your best bet is to look at one of the harp makers that does 22 strings. Stoney End makes a gorgeous harp called the Eve with 22 strings. There's also Fireside Harps, you can make your own with a kit or they will assemble one and put levers on for you. It has a cardboard soundbox but sounds beautiful!
@@MusicalMollyKhan sounds good. Thank you.
Great video Molly. I agree about the strings. Kale mentioned Vermont Strings. That’s the same company as Robinson’s right ? I was going to jUst replace the 4 incorrect strings. But now I’m re thinking if i should wait and Change all of them. if it’s worth all that time right now (not the biggest fan of changing strings lol ) !
It’s funny I think the pluckiness isn’t as bad when you listen to it. And wow yes the Aklot is much nicer !!! Now the last song was with the changed strings ? Cause it sounded so good.
Yep, they're the same! Honestly, with the string change there wasn't as much difference as I thought there would be in sound, though it's definitely there. So it might not be worth it - I'm not the biggest fan of changing strings either :D
Musical Molly Khan so maybe for now I will call them and just get the four and then a whole new set for when these all get dull or something. That will be a less daunting task for a newbie like me ! Thanks Molly 😊 also i would love for you to check out my channel if you get a chance :) thanks so much !!
I appreciate your review! I'm interested in getting a lyre or harp but I can't tell if the sound I'm looking for is a lyre tuned in a specific way or just a tiny harp lol
That's totally fair! Hopefully you can find the instrument of your dreams 😊 I'd suggest listening to wire vs nylon strings, as that will probably make the biggest difference in the sound you hear.
I just bought the Aklot harp so I can start learning,but I am completely lost where the stings are concerned.Can you tell me what numbers and diameter the new strings need to be?Also,what octaves is this harp in?Thanks
Great video Molly! I'm planning on getting this harp and I am wanting to replace the strings on it, what would be a good set of strings to put on it? (I'm new to harp, still learning everything.) also I have heard that lyre/lap harps are harder for beginners to learn, what is your stance on that? thanks and may God bless!
Thank you! You can contact Robinson's Harp Shop for info on a new set of strings, they have the chart and are so helpful.
The advice about lap harps is because they are a little harder to hold and balance while playing. This is true, but won't hold you back too much with the Aklot, especially if you're using the strap to provide additional support 😊
Thanks Molly! I'll be traveling (hopefully) this summer and would like to have a small harp (even a harpsicle is too large for me to travel with) - Quick questions: C - C (the lowest C is middle C?); and how is the tension? Similar to the Harpsicle, or greater tension/less tension? Thanks!
Great question! Yes, the lowest C is middle C. The tension is light but not too much so. I'd say it's comparable to a Harpsicle but honestly I don't have one at the moment and am working from memory 😅
Hi, After seeing your presentation I bought such a 15 string Aklot harp.because of it's plonkyness I tuned it in the lower key of G. I wonder what you think of that! Love Elizabeth
How has that worked out for you? Do you feel it made the strings overly loose? That sounds like a great way to get around some issues!
@@lindasue8719 hi Linda, at first I liked it and thought it a smart idea. It worked for me. Until I ones tuned it back to C, just to compare and noticed it sounded much more sparkling, so I left it this way! The disadvantage is the higher tension on the strings (in C) in combination with their bad fit of the tuning pins, it sooner is out of tune. I have to tune it every session .Stil I love the instrument because of it's size and weight!!
Also I know how to improve the tuning system but I'm to lazy for that, just improved the worst one;)
Did you find any improvement after changing the strings?
Hi Molly! When you get a chance, can you let me know what strings you bought for this little harp? Thanks and miss you in the channel.
Thank you for such a good review. I have been thinking of buying one of these. Where did you find strings to restring the harp? Thanks. Ebay has them at $111.
I order mine from Robinson's Harp Shop, I believe they have a string chart made up for the Aklot now. On that note, I believe they come with the correct string colors now so it may not be an issue for you!
@@MusicalMollyKhan Thank you, Molly. My harp will be here by next week. I got a good deal on Ebay. Are Robinsons harp strings better sounding?
How much is a new set of good strings? And what brand or type should I replace it with?
Not too much! I believe it's about 1.50 for the thinner nylon strings? I could be totally off though 😅 contact Robinson's Harp Shop, they have the string chart for the Aklot and can hook you up with the right strings!
Are you playing a different harp at the end?
Obrigada pelos seus vídeos, adoro seu conteúdo e você é tão animada deixa tudo perfeito. A música e a sua alegria. Estou planejando comprar uma, ainda não sei se seria melhor uma Lyre 19 strings ou Harpa 15 strings.
Well, I did buy the Aklot 15 string and it arrived yesterday. I'm wondering if they changed their production? The strings are similar to plastic (!) and the tone is horrible - nothing like what yours sounds like (even with the original strings in your video). The grommets/eyelets are different also and 2 of the tuning pins do not hold (I tune it every hour but two just will not hold - I'm familiar with nylon harp strings where you tune all the time for weeks when the strings are settling LOL but this is different). I'm not sure whether to invest in the Robinson string set - I just don't know if the tuners are good enough and worth the extra investment for the new strings? I have no idea if it will sound good with the nylon strings, or if it won't....Hmmm. Bummer....Anyway, just wondering if they rushed my harp into production to meet demand? It also has some nicks in the wood but that doesn't bother me (too much LOL).
Oh no! That's really disappointing. If you want to send me some close up pics to guitarsandharpsohmy at Gmail, we can compare and I can help with some thoughts. Sad to know they're doing things differently!
That’s a real shame to hear! I was really wanting to buy one of these
Update: I think they’ve really made better changes and most of the issues I had are now fixed - but they are hard to find. Probably on a ship in LA harbor 🤪
That little baby harp looks more like a desk top decoration than an actual playable instrument, but kudos to you making a song on it🎶
It does look like it, but it has a surprisingly lovely tone.
Hi Molly! Three quick questions: it's difficult to tell on the YT video, but do you think the new strings from Robinson make a big difference in sound? Also, is the tension the same with the new strings vs. the original strings? Finally, if I contact Robinson, can I just ask them for the same string set that you have (will they know what I'm talking about)? Thanks so much!!
I actually didn't think they made a huge sound difference, but there was a small difference. The tension was the same as I tried to choose the same diameters of strings. I believe that Robinson's has a string chart for this harp, so if you mention the Aklot 15 they should know what you mean 😊
Thanks again Molly! I emailed Robinson’s yesterday (the Vermont location) but have not heard back yet 😊
@@MusicalMollyKhan Hi Molly. I checked with Robinsons (I thought) and they didn't know you - but I emailed the Vermont location - did you call a number for Robinsons? I must have contacted the wrong number? I do believe the Vermont folks can help with new strings though. Thanks!
@@jillgeary1313 oh I'm sorry! I don't imagine they would know me, I just buy strings there occasionally 😅 but I thought they had a string chart for the Aklot! I pieces mine together from old strings lying around, but I believe my friend Kale over on the channel Poorness Studios spoke with them extensively about it and they got one made up. Hopefully they can help you out!
@@MusicalMollyKhan thanks! They said they are familiar with the Aklot 15 so somehow they’ve had orders already 😊. Thank you!!
Hey Molly, is it possible to tune it in pentatonic scale ? Thank youuuu
You definitely could! It would involve some compromise (lower notes tuned lower than usual, higher notes tuned higher), or you could get a purpose-made set of strings. I'm sure Robinson's Harp Shop could do the calculations for what gauge you would need.
So, yes, but it's a bit more complicated 😊
@@MusicalMollyKhan thank you very much, i didn't even know it was possible that the strings would change the tone 😅, yes, I'm a very bigginer
I say this you have a very Bubbley personality love the little giggles 😅
Does anyone know the specifications of the strings for this harp? We know the coloring for this little harp is wrong when purchasing it but I am sure the corrects strings are available. Can anyone provide this information to help with ordering. Thanks for the review Molly.
Gregg - I think Molly (or someone?) mentioned the string set on UA-cam - but I think Robinson has the measurements since they sent the strings to Molly
@@jillgeary1313 thanks Jill. We did contact Robinsons and they can make a set of strings up. Saying that we have decided to send the Aklot back as it does not hold its tuning. Instead we are going to purchase either a Harpsickle or a Dusty Strings Ravenna 26. Both harps are used by beginners and it will much less frustrating.
@@gferrie I've played the Harpsicle (which I own - actually a Flatsicle) and the DS Ravenna - both are MUCH better than the Aklot. The Harpsicle's string spacing is quite narrow but it doesn't bother me - the string tension on the Ravenna is more than the Harpsicle's - in case that matters.
@@jillgeary1313 Hi Jill. thank you very much. Yes we sent back the Alkot after my wife got totally frustrated tuning and retuning constantly. We are renting a Harpsickle (without levers) to start . We are also looking at a Dusty Strings Ravenna 26 to purchase and it seems like a very superior harp. I regret getting the Alkot but live and learn - you get what you pay for seems to apply here.
@@gferrie I own a Harpsicle and rented the Ravenna 26 also. The Ravenna is a 'better' tonal harp, but they are both wonderful harps and made well. Wondering if the Aklot had a zither pin the was loose, or just the strings hadn't settled in yet? I also have a Stoney End Eve harp that I really love. Stoney End has a rent-to-own program as well. Best of wishes with this fun search!
Any harpists here who can comment on the spacing of the strings? How does it compare to so-called standard? Also the tension?
I am emotionally attached to my harpsicles (although I play Dusty strings Ravenna these days) but the harpsicle tension is so low it makes them too buzzy for my liking. Looking to find another affordable small harp like this Aklot. Thanks!😃
I've always heard that red is C and I read that harps start with G
Always wanted to play the harp.. If they weren't so expensive💔
I understand - I was so lucky to be able to purchase one.
If it helps, this Aklot is pretty inexpensive; or if you're looking for a larger harp, Vermont Violins does payment plans that are really reasonable and you get the harp up front :)
I realized that if instead of trying to reproduce and copy others people music I play from my imagination and my heart i can play faster and is much more fun. Have you tried?
That works wonderfully for many people! I'm glad it does for you :). I'm not very good at improvisation though, haha.
@@MusicalMollyKhan You have to study Music theory... And then you have the guide of what you can do.. Have you ?.
@@Amatteus I studied music theory extensively in college actually :) I am a pretty decent composer and can come up with songs, but just not on the spot, haha!
@@MusicalMollyKhan It´s called imagination. To me it´s automatic, natural. I have a little voice that tells me what to do. Which note to play next.
How many harps do you own? LOL!!
How many times she said “Hehheh 😆”
😊
Sorry that 8 string sounds like a toy harp. Can I also say your smile should be bottled and given to anyone suffering from depression 😊
Holaaaa