That's quite a suprise. I am a bass lover but I much prefer the Sonnet sound - the larger soundbox does the trick. Never would have thought I would say that cos I love the bass on my floor harp. Musicmakers are stellar at soundbox design, like on Voyageur. Extra volume for me!
I love the Sonnet Harp the most. I usually prefer warmer-toned harps, but for lap harps, the bright tone of the Sonnet Harp sounds the clearest. All are amazing harps though 🥰
Christy Lyn, thank you so much for very informative video. I play a Cherry Marini Bass Minstrel 27; mine has smaller width and non-curved soundbox than your 28 Bass Lap; but even so, it still has a lot of presence for a small harp. Like you mentioned, my Marini reminds me of playing a floor harp but way more portable. Based on your video, If I didn't already have a Marini 27, I'd sure like a Marini 28 Bass Lap harp! Listened to your video with headphones because over past year I was very curious about Sonnet. Your Sonnet's sustain is nice & what gorgeous tiger maple. Your video affirmed my preference towards the Marini full bass sound, solid sustain, medium tension, & floor harp string spacing. Because I'm currently in the market for a lightweight under 20lbs, fully levered 34-36 string, that will fit in a backseat of a smaller car, I'm checking out TH-cam videos trying to help me narrow down harp makers. I need to replace a now too heavy for me older 34 string floor harp that sits un-played in my living room. There aren't harp dealers convenient to my location, so side by side comparison videos such as yours are greatly helpful.
We're so glad you found this video helpful and that it gave you some clarity on what you're looking for! Best of luck on your journey of finding a new harp 💚 --Carrie
I think I already mentioned my super-light Rees Brilliant harp in walnut, but there's also the MusicMakers Ballad 34 strings, though it's advertised to have narrow spacing and low string tension. There's also a new in-stock Marini Ultra-Lite 34-string harp currently for sale on their website. Here's the info: $6,247.00, semi-gloss African Mahogany with stain and full set of Forte Levers. That model is advertised to be 19 lbs before levers are installed, and the Forte levers they put on it supposedly only add a few ounces of weight, not even a full pound.
In addition, there's the Rees Mariposa 34-string model which weighs as little as 19 lbs, as well as the Camac Ulysse model which also has 34 strings and weighs just under 19 lbs, though that one has a carbon fiber body.
And how could I have missed mentioning the various Dusty Strings models?! The new FH34S in walnut weighs about 20 lbs with its base attached, and the Serrana 34 weighs about 19.5 lbs.
@@organist1982 Thank you for your helpful light weight 34 string harp suggestions. I will look into some of those you suggested in my search for lightweight, medium tension, regular string spacing (not narrow spacing). That Marini Ultralight sounds interesting and I will look into Camac & Dusty. Thanks again.
I kept wondering why the Marini sounds so mid-rangey, similar the Fullsicle minus some of the brightness, but then I remembered that the soundbox of the Marini 28 was originally designed for their smaller 26-string lap harp, which has the exact same note range as the Fullsicle, so I wonder if the higher-pitched Marini 26-string version might possibly have a fuller tone (more fundamental) than the 28-string bass version since the soundbox is identical.
All three harps are beautiful, but I think I like the sound of the Marini Made 28 Bass the best. Plus, it has wider spacing, so as a person with big hands, it would probably be the one that I would purchase. However, I think the Harpsicle should be given credit for being able to compare with the others which are so much more expensive.
I don’t know how I missed this review. I have a Harpsicle/fullsicle limited edition. And I have a Musicmakers Jolie which I absolutely love. I wanted the sonnet when I first bought a small harp but I was new to harp at the time and the limited edition fullsicle was much more affordable. I got a great deal on it because it was a second. It had a crack in the soundboard when it was made. They fixed it and said it is stronger than any regular soundboard and I can’t see the crack at all. So it was a great starting harp. Now I am planning to buy the sonnet. It’ll be probably about $4k though with all the extras I want. I feel it has the best sound. I found the Marini Ron sound a bit tinny in the upper octave. I thought your Harpsicle had a better sound quality in the upper octave than the marini. But overall the sonnet is the best sounding for me. Thanks for doing this in depth review. Oh andd I look forward to the Sunshiney Day music if you offer it! I requested that one! (I’m sure others probably did as well!)
I wish more people knew about the Rees Morgan Meghan model, as it's essentially the high-end version of the Fullsicle and has a much larger soundbox for a bigger, fuller sound. It would be great to hear how that model compares to these, as well! Anyway, thanks so much for both versions of this video, Christy-Lyn!
This was a great comparison! Side by side, same notes/music/ and your notation. It's between the Sonnet vs Bass LAP for me! Really good video! Thank you!
I know nothing about playing a Harp. I play Piano. However...I closed my eyes to listen the first time around to hear the sound of each Harp. Each was different both in tonal quality and how it made me feel. For me the first was rather bright. The second was both mellow and bright, depending on the octave. The third was interesting in it's resonance and purity of sound. The Arpeggio of each was beautiful to experience...made me think of a gentle waterfall over rounded stones in a running Creek. Overall I liked the 28-Bass LAP Harp...but the Sonnet Harp was so very Rich in sound...I loved listening to both. It is difficult to compare when on does not experience the Harp by playing the Harp. I can compare my Pianos to each other because I can experience them as I am playing them. Each are different in expression...Steinway being warm in sound quality and the other two (made in China) more bright. I have wanted to learn how to play a Harp for many years. A Lap Harp would be a lovely instrument to play. It also can be easily carried. Not so with an Acoustic Piano. I very much enjoyed this tutorial, and you sharing your beautiful Soul. I will continue to follow and 'Learn'. Thank you.
I started playing the harp in my late 40's. I'm SO glad I did. I'm a pianist and organist. I think it would be easier to start on a floor harp so you can focus on learning and playing rather than trying to figure out how to hold the harp. I've also heard this from several teachers.
I adore my 26 Marini for many reasons, big gorgeous sound for its size and beautifully made as they all are, and as it's so portable weight wise- since I have a bad back from a car accident. Just thought it worth mentioning as the price points are tricky because of freight and exchange rate actually doubles the price plus a bit extra for where I live.
Do you need a stand with the marini or will it stay on lap when playing? I'm looking at sonnet and marini. I'm in Canada and both come about to same price with money exchange, shipping etc. I had a Juno salvi but had to leave it behind when moved back here from Europe. I have a small place too so not much room.
Generally harp strings have a red string for the C's and a blue or black string for the F's. The rest are white. I wasn't sure which was was purple on the Sonnet that Christy-Lyn opened in a different video.
![CAMPปลิ้น | EP.82[1/2] แก๊ง 3 สาวเพื่อนซี้บุก CAMPปลิ้นครั้งนี้ห้ามเสียอาการ](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_6WUjXHe1TM/mqdefault.jpg)
That's quite a suprise. I am a bass lover but I much prefer the Sonnet sound - the larger soundbox does the trick. Never would have thought I would say that cos I love the bass on my floor harp. Musicmakers are stellar at soundbox design, like on Voyageur. Extra volume for me!
I like the Harpsicle price.
I love the Sonnet Harp the most. I usually prefer warmer-toned harps, but for lap harps, the bright tone of the Sonnet Harp sounds the clearest. All are amazing harps though 🥰
Agree no 2 most resonant, no 1 clearer and no 3 I found a bit muddied ….
I’d get no 2 in a heart beat
Christy Lyn, thank you so much for very informative video. I play a Cherry Marini Bass Minstrel 27; mine has smaller width and non-curved soundbox than your 28 Bass Lap; but even so, it still has a lot of presence for a small harp. Like you mentioned, my Marini reminds me of playing a floor harp but way more portable. Based on your video, If I didn't already have a Marini 27, I'd sure like a Marini 28 Bass Lap harp! Listened to your video with headphones because over past year I was very curious about Sonnet. Your Sonnet's sustain is nice & what gorgeous tiger maple. Your video affirmed my preference towards the Marini full bass sound, solid sustain, medium tension, & floor harp string spacing. Because I'm currently in the market for a lightweight under 20lbs, fully levered 34-36 string, that will fit in a backseat of a smaller car, I'm checking out TH-cam videos trying to help me narrow down harp makers. I need to replace a now too heavy for me older 34 string floor harp that sits un-played in my living room. There aren't harp dealers convenient to my location, so side by side comparison videos such as yours are greatly helpful.
We're so glad you found this video helpful and that it gave you some clarity on what you're looking for! Best of luck on your journey of finding a new harp 💚 --Carrie
I think I already mentioned my super-light Rees Brilliant harp in walnut, but there's also the MusicMakers Ballad 34 strings, though it's advertised to have narrow spacing and low string tension. There's also a new in-stock Marini Ultra-Lite 34-string harp currently for sale on their website. Here's the info: $6,247.00, semi-gloss African Mahogany with stain and full set of Forte Levers. That model is advertised to be 19 lbs before levers are installed, and the Forte levers they put on it supposedly only add a few ounces of weight, not even a full pound.
In addition, there's the Rees Mariposa 34-string model which weighs as little as 19 lbs, as well as the Camac Ulysse model which also has 34 strings and weighs just under 19 lbs, though that one has a carbon fiber body.
And how could I have missed mentioning the various Dusty Strings models?! The new FH34S in walnut weighs about 20 lbs with its base attached, and the Serrana 34 weighs about 19.5 lbs.
@@organist1982 Thank you for your helpful light weight 34 string harp suggestions. I will look into some of those you suggested in my search for lightweight, medium tension, regular string spacing (not narrow spacing). That Marini Ultralight sounds interesting and I will look into Camac & Dusty. Thanks again.
wow thank you i love your videos
Love the Marini
I kept wondering why the Marini sounds so mid-rangey, similar the Fullsicle minus some of the brightness, but then I remembered that the soundbox of the Marini 28 was originally designed for their smaller 26-string lap harp, which has the exact same note range as the Fullsicle, so I wonder if the higher-pitched Marini 26-string version might possibly have a fuller tone (more fundamental) than the 28-string bass version since the soundbox is identical.
Oh wow, that's a really interesting thought! I hadn't considered that but you may be right 😃 --Carrie
All three harps are beautiful, but I think I like the sound of the Marini Made 28 Bass the best. Plus, it has wider spacing, so as a person with big hands, it would probably be the one that I would purchase. However, I think the Harpsicle should be given credit for being able to compare with the others which are so much more expensive.
You're so right! It's amazing to hear the differences between these 3 😄
I don’t know how I missed this review. I have a Harpsicle/fullsicle limited edition. And I have a Musicmakers Jolie which I absolutely love. I wanted the sonnet when I first bought a small harp but I was new to harp at the time and the limited edition fullsicle was much more affordable. I got a great deal on it because it was a second. It had a crack in the soundboard when it was made. They fixed it and said it is stronger than any regular soundboard and I can’t see the crack at all. So it was a great starting harp. Now I am planning to buy the sonnet. It’ll be probably about $4k though with all the extras I want. I feel it has the best sound. I found the Marini Ron sound a bit tinny in the upper octave. I thought your Harpsicle had a better sound quality in the upper octave than the marini. But overall the sonnet is the best sounding for me. Thanks for doing this in depth review. Oh andd I look forward to the Sunshiney Day music if you offer it! I requested that one! (I’m sure others probably did as well!)
Sonnet wins hands down. I love mine. It has the bassiest sound of any lapharp that I’ve heard.
I wish more people knew about the Rees Morgan Meghan model, as it's essentially the high-end version of the Fullsicle and has a much larger soundbox for a bigger, fuller sound. It would be great to hear how that model compares to these, as well! Anyway, thanks so much for both versions of this video, Christy-Lyn!
This was a great comparison! Side by side, same notes/music/ and your notation. It's between the Sonnet vs Bass LAP for me! Really good video! Thank you!
Definitely Sonnet. It has been on my wish list for a long time.
I know nothing about playing a Harp. I play Piano.
However...I closed my eyes to listen the first time around to hear the sound of each Harp. Each was different both in tonal quality and how it made me feel.
For me the first was rather bright. The second was both mellow and bright, depending on the octave. The third was interesting in it's resonance and purity of sound.
The Arpeggio of each was beautiful to experience...made me think of a gentle waterfall over rounded stones in a running Creek.
Overall I liked the 28-Bass LAP Harp...but the Sonnet Harp was so very Rich in sound...I loved listening to both.
It is difficult to compare when on does not experience the Harp by playing the Harp.
I can compare my Pianos to each other because I can experience them as I am playing them.
Each are different in expression...Steinway being warm in sound quality and the other two (made in China) more bright.
I have wanted to learn how to play a Harp for many years.
A Lap Harp would be a lovely instrument to play. It also can be easily carried.
Not so with an Acoustic Piano.
I very much enjoyed this tutorial, and you sharing your beautiful Soul.
I will continue to follow and 'Learn'.
Thank you.
I started playing the harp in my late 40's. I'm SO glad I did. I'm a pianist and organist. I think it would be easier to start on a floor harp so you can focus on learning and playing rather than trying to figure out how to hold the harp. I've also heard this from several teachers.
I like the Sonnet best of all, Christy! Thanks, Balfour
I adore my 26 Marini for many reasons, big gorgeous sound for its size and beautifully made as they all are, and as it's so portable weight wise- since I have a bad back from a car accident. Just thought it worth mentioning as the price points are tricky because of freight and exchange rate actually doubles the price plus a bit extra for where I live.
Do you need a stand with the marini or will it stay on lap when playing? I'm looking at sonnet and marini. I'm in Canada and both come about to same price with money exchange, shipping etc. I had a Juno salvi but had to leave it behind when moved back here from Europe. I have a small place too so not much room.
I think my prefernce would be more of a treble sound like the sonnet or the harp sickle that you are playing in the first two...
can you buy different color strings for any type of harp that a person might buy or want to get?
Generally harp strings have a red string for the C's and a blue or black string for the F's. The rest are white. I wasn't sure which was was purple on the Sonnet that Christy-Lyn opened in a different video.
I choose you.
I think you make them all sound amazing! But I love the Bass harp.
Very interesting. I like the Sonnet the best overall.
They are all so beautiful ✨🙏
Sonnet Harp. Very rich and deep tones.
Wow thanks this is so helpful