One of the first questions I get from new or prospective students is whether they should get a lever or pedal harp. Therefore, this post is dedicated to going through the most common and relevant pros and cons of each type of harp so as to help you evaluate which best suits your needs and interests.
Lever Harps
Pros
1) As far as harps go, lever harps are typically inexpensive.
2) They are relatively small, making transporting them fairly easy.
3) There are a number of quality lever harps with amazing tone/sound quality.
Cons
1) There is more limitation in both quantity and style of music that can be played.
2) Depending on the harp, it is possible to outgrow the harp's size.
Pedal Harps
Pros
1) Pedal harps have a lot more versatility with regards to music genres (such as jazz and even rock and roll) due to the ability to play in any key.
2) All harp music can be played on a pedal harp.
3) Typically, because of the size, pedal harps have a richer, deeper, and fuller sound.
Cons
1) Pedal harps are significantly more expensive.
2) They are absolutely inconvenient to transport and require large vehicles.
In the end, the crucial point to consider is your goals. Do you want to become a professional harpist and play at weddings? Then you might consider a pedal harp. If that is not financially an option or you do not know how committed you are to playing the harp long-term, you might consider getting a lever harp. In either case, it is important to know that it is possible to start by renting a harp - either pedal or lever! This is a great way to begin your journey without a huge financial commitment.
I hope this post helped you in your evaluation. If you still have questions, reach out to me! I am happy to support you in any way I can.
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