Sorry about my unfinished sentence above. I must have gone out for a coffee.

Harp weight depends on the size of the harp (number of strings), and the builder. Mine is a 36 string but weights only about 21 lbs. It fits across the back seat of my car (an important consideration). It has a very good carrying case (another important consideration). Many similarly sized harps weigh much more than that.

The issue of strings jutting out in front was something that I found to be quite disconcerting at first. But it was just a matter of time for it to feel comfortable to look at an instrument from back to front rather than side to side.

I agree that a good teacher is far better than any method book. The Woods book is certainly popular, but not my cup of tea. Leeneia is right...it is very important to play and carry a harp properly to avoid injury. A teacher who plays the style of harp you enjoy is very important (don't expect a strictly classical harpist to teach you improvization of folk melodies), but also a teacher who can help you with good playing habits. That goes for any instrument, not just the harp.

~b.w.