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You are able to find both new and used harps online. Since your question tells me that you don't yet own a harp, I will assume that you (or your child) are a beginner, and wish to buy an inexpensive harp for learning on. With that in mind, you must ask yourself several questions:
Is this for a child or an adult and, if for a child, how old are they and how tall? Young children often start with a Zither, which is a small harp-like instrument with fewer strings. They are very reasonable. Older children may play a full-sized harp standing up. Lap harps are used by some students, both child and adult, as a beginning instrument. These harps are help upright on the lap; and look and are played like full-sized harps. They, too, have fewer strings, but may be hard to learn to balance.
Secondly: Are you looking for a pedal or a lever-style harp. The music teacher or director of the orchestra or band may prefer one or the other. Pedal harps are more convenient to play, but are heavier and more costly that lever harps. They are also more difficult to transport and more expensive to maintain. Lever harps, on the other hand, are more difficult to tune and to play sharps or flats during a performance, as one of the hands must be removed to tighten one or more strings, effecting the acoustical quality.
Thirdly, what is your budget? As with any musical instrument there are additional costs: a music stand; a harp stand (depending on the style); an appropriate bench, perhaps; maintenance supplies such as special cloths and applications to keep the instrument clean; and sheet music and lesson books.
For comparisons, I did an online research for a used Lever (or Celtic) harp. The information I gleaned is from within the United States. By typing in "used harps for sale" I found a beautifully carved Celtic harp for $129 and on Amazon I found what appeared to be the identical harp for $394. By typing in "harp store in (a local city)" the least expensive full-sized used harp I found cost $1,000. (Keep in mind that I would not be paying shipping costs on that harp.)
An earlier contributor wrote:
"A typical used pedal harp that is in mediocre shape is about 9,000 American dollars. But, prices range from around 6,000-25,000 dollars based on the quality, model, size, and shape of the harp."
I would tend to agree. When I searched for a used pedal harp there were none available on Amazon, and my online search for a "used pedal harp" took me to websites for businesses and organizations that are purveyors of harps.
When I checked for used pedal harps in these online malls, there were few to be had, telling me that this is not an instrument for a beginner as it is a major investment. The least expensive one I found was for $10,500, the one for $5,500 (which was in need of repairs) having already been sold. I did find one website, however, which said quite frankly that the search for a used harp from a realiable source can be "daunting." They did provide a list of reliable sources, including sources from outside the US, and I have included the link to that website below. They also had some alternatives to searching online, such as asking a local music teacher.
It is also possible to rent a harp, but you must be aware that most rental contracts are "rent-to-own" and the monthly fee is based on the full retail price of the harp. In this case, you may end up paying more than if you bought it outright. Also, if you should change your mind about studying harp after a few months, you may not be able to get out of the contract. So read the fine print!
Keep in mind that, a musical education can be a source of great joy for you or your child for a lifetime. It also teaches self discipline in a fun way, and has the marvelous ability to organize the brain; helping a child to, among other things, do better in math! As an adult, it is important to keep learning new skills in order to maintain brain health (memory, plasticity, etc.) Also, becoming a member of a school or community band or orchestra (yes, harps are sometimes used in bands) will provide them with new friends and a sense of accomplishment, resulting in higher self esteem...things we all want for our children.
You may want to check out the video links be inspired by both the classical harp, and some of the more recent developments in harp music, such as jazz, pop, and hip hop music, which keep children excited. The harp composers have become aware of the need for new material, variety, and age-appropriate compositions to keep students of all ages excited about their playing.
What else can I help you with?
How are dynamics and timbre controlled on a harpsichord?
You can't use dynamics or timbre on a harpsichord, but you can on a piano
The harpsichord produces sound when?
A harpsichord produces a sound by plucking a string when a key is pressed down.
What was the harpsichord made out of?
the harpsichord comes from many countries in Europe like Italy for example.
What instrument replaced the harpsichord as the most dominant instrument of the?
The piano replaced the harpsichord as the most dominant instrument.
Which keyboard instrument has strings that are plucked instead of struck when the keys are pressed?
A harpsichord was the keyboard instrument before piano fortes, the modern piano. Unlike a piano, where hammars hit the strings, a harpsichord's strings were plucked by quills, or "jacks." Harpsichords were used by Bach and other composers of that time period.
How do you use harpsichord in a sentence?
sentence of harpsichord
Was Handel's Capriccio written for harpsichord or piano?
Harpsichord
What has the author Frank Hubbard written?
Frank Hubbard has written: 'Harpsichord regulating and repairing' -- subject(s): Construction, Harpsichord 'Harpsichord Kits'
Who played the harpsichord?
Johann Sebastian Bach played the harpsichord!!
What country is the harpsichord from?
The harpsichord is originally from Italy and dates back to the 16th century.
How are dynamics and timbre controlled on a harpsichord?
You can't use dynamics or timbre on a harpsichord, but you can on a piano
What is a Cembalo?
harpsichord
The harpsichord produces sound when?
A harpsichord produces a sound by plucking a string when a key is pressed down.
What has the author Fernando Valenti written?
Fernando Valenti has written: 'The harpsichord' -- subject(s): Harpsichord
What was the harpsichord made out of?
the harpsichord comes from many countries in Europe like Italy for example.
What instrument replaced the harpsichord as the most dominant instrument of the?
The piano replaced the harpsichord as the most dominant instrument.
Which keyboard instrument has strings that are plucked instead of struck when the keys are pressed?
A harpsichord was the keyboard instrument before piano fortes, the modern piano. Unlike a piano, where hammars hit the strings, a harpsichord's strings were plucked by quills, or "jacks." Harpsichords were used by Bach and other composers of that time period.
