Upgrading my harp

Subject: Upgrading my harp
From: Bearheart
Date: 29 Apr 03 - 10:55 PM

Looking to go to a bigger harp. But I need to sell the one I have to help finance. Trouble is, it's a Gothic style (early music/medieval) and though well amde, not in great demand among folkies. Any thoughts about how/where to sell it? Also I paid $1300 for it (with case) in '88, it's in great condition, but what's the depreciation-- how much can I expect to get for it?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Bekki

Subject: RE: Upgrading my harp
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 12:22 AM

Oh, I wish!! Had I the dosh I'd go for it, Bearheart! Good luck!

Subject: RE: Upgrading my harp
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 04:06 AM

sorry mis read this thought it said "heart"

Subject: RE: Upgrading my harp
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 04:25 AM

There's a Yahoo Group called "Harpmarket" which you could post it on. You should be able to get onto the moderator of this list via [e-mail] or else trawl through www.yahoogroups.com until you find it. It doesn't get too much traffic, but is free, so worth a shot.

There are some other harp-related Yahoo groups as well, plus some early music ones, which might be more fertile grounds for you. Also of course there's good old Ebay, which if nothing else, usually sparks off a discussion in the email chat groups. Anyway, SOMEone will want it. Best of luck!

Subject: RE: Upgrading my harp
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 04:35 AM

Another thought: A harp still in good condition tends to retain its value, and as market prices always go up, not down, there may actually be little or no depreciation. A well-made harp with good tone won't go out of date like computers do, or break down and wear out, like cars do; so take a look at some of the prices being asked by makers today and judge accordingly. A Google trawl of harp sites should net you plenty of info.

Two general retail outlets that handle harps are www.harpcenter.com and www.melodystraditionalmusic.com (don't leave out the "s") but there are also a lot of individual makers. This should give you some idea of what to charge.

Subject: RE: Upgrading my harp
From: Bearheart
Date: 30 Apr 03 - 10:28 AM

Thanks folks for your good thoughts.

The man who made my harp (Ben Bechtel of Columbus OH) designed it to, as he said, "last a life time". I've had it since 1988 and there has been no structural deterioration. Also it comes with a hardshell case which helps to protect it (it is quite lightweight and can easily be held up in one hand, though it has a full set of sharping levers.) It has 24 strings starting with G below middle C, which is why I'm upgrading. I want a harp with more bass and more range. (Playing my friend Patrick's Lyon and Healy Troubabour has me craving those deep bass notes, not to mention the high range. I don't expect to be an exemplary harper-- it's mostly for accompaniment-- but it's soul food...)

Bekki

Subject: RE: Upgrading my harp
From: Bearheart
Date: 02 May 03 - 02:46 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Upgrading my harp
From: Helen
Date: 02 May 03 - 08:27 PM

There is an e-mail harplist and I could post the details on it, if that's ok with you. I won't put your contact details in there but ask anyone who is interested to contact me and then I'll forward the details.

But, it is an excellent list to join with members from all over the world, and the discussions are very interesting and informative, as well as friendly and supportive.

If you are interested in joining you can go here and register.


subscribe to the harplist

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/harps/

Hope to see you there,
Helen