DUSTY STRINGS - HARPS FOR SALE
Welcome to Vermont Harp Center, your premier destination for Dusty Strings harps. Explore our collection of Dusty Strings harps, renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and signature sound. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a novice, our selection of Dusty Strings harps caters to diverse preferences. Embark on your musical journey with confidence at Vermont Harp Center, where you can buy a harp crafted with precision and passion. Find the perfect Dusty Strings instrument to elevate your musical journey.
Our team at Vermont Harp Center is dedicated to providing expert guidance, ensuring you make an informed choice tailored to your musical preferences. Browse the Dusty Strings collection and immerse yourself in the world of finely crafted instruments that define the artistry of Dusty Strings. Elevate your musical experience with Vermont Harp Center and Dusty Strings today!
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FIRST SELECT YOUR HARP!
The Dusty Strings Ravenna 26 is the ideal starting point for anyone ready to begin their harp journey with an instrument that is genuinely well-made, beautifully playable, and built to last. Crafted in Seattle, Washington by Dusty Strings — one of America's most respected lever harp makers — the Ravenna 26 delivers the same hardware quality, tuning stability, and tonal character found in their more advanced models, at a price designed to make the harp accessible.
Designed Around the Player, Not Just the Price
Dusty Strings built the Ravenna 26 with a specific philosophy: affordability should never mean compromise on the things that matter most. The action hardware, string tension consistency, and tuning stability are held to the same standards as their professional-line instruments. What changes is the construction approach — an innovative technique that reduces build time without reducing quality — keeping the base price genuinely within reach while delivering an instrument that sounds and plays beautifully.
26 Strings, 3½ Octaves — Compact Without Being Limited
The Ravenna 26 is not just a beginner's harp; it is the ideal choice for any player who needs a smaller, highly portable instrument. Whether you are a child starting lessons, an adult exploring the harp for the first time, or an experienced player seeking a travel companion, the Ravenna 26 delivers a remarkably full, bright tone for its size. The characteristic Dusty Strings stave-back soundbox design ensures both acoustic resonance and playing comfort — the ergonomic curve makes long practice sessions genuinely comfortable.
Strings That Cooperate with You
One of the most common anxieties for new harpists is string maintenance. The Ravenna's nylon strings address this directly: they are durable, break infrequently, and when they do need replacing, Dusty Strings' toggle system allows string changes without tying knots — an elegantly practical solution that removes a significant barrier for beginners.
All levers are fully installed and included in the price. The black finish on this model is clean, bold, and versatile — at home in any setting from a children's lesson room to a professional gigging environment.
Everything You Need to Start Playing
The Ravenna 26 is designed to be complete and customizable. The base instrument includes a full set of installed levers and a tuning wrench. To play comfortably at standard seated height, we recommend the drop-down leg (which adjusts and retracts conveniently) or the removable four-leg stand.
The CE26 or CD26 case makes this harp easy to take in the car or carry on the subway. The CE26 does a good job of giving basic protection to the harp. The CD26 is thicker and has more pockets, including separate, protective compartments to hold the stand base and legs. Both have optional backpack straps.
26 strings, 3½ octaves
Laminated birch soundbox
Comfortable staveback design
Ravenna Harps require special shipping. We will contact you to arrange shipping after you place your order
Vermont Violins Harp Center
Our harp specialists are available to help you select the right instrument, configure the right accessories, and find the financing or rental plan that works for your situation.
Playing the harp is much easier and more enjoyable when you have an instrument that sounds good and functions well, and this is the driving concept behind the Ravenna models. To provide the best performance, the Ravenna is made with the same high-quality hardware and materials as our more expensive models. So, in order to meet our goal of affordability for the most budget-conscious harpists, Dusty Strings came up with an innovative construction technique that reduces the time we put into building them. They also priced separately all the accessories and options that are useful but not immediately essential, which is why the base price includes just the instrument and a tuning wrench. Each person can add exactly what they want or need to fit their budget.
Not just for beginners, the Ravenna 26 is a great harp for anyone who needs something small and portable. It has a remarkably full and bright sound for its size, and features our characteristic tuning stability and even string tension. The staveback soundbox provides an extra level of playing comfort.
Our prices include all the levers fully installed. If you want an unlevered or partially levered harp, please call us for pricing.
Unless the harp is being played by a small child, you will probably want a drop-down leg or a stand to raise it up to a comfortable height. The drop-down leg slides into playing position with the twist of a knob, can be adjusted to any height, and retracts back into the harp when you're done playing. The removable stand raises it about 12 inches (8-inch and 5-inch legs are also available) and holds it steady on four legs. If neither option fits in the budget, you can set it up on a step-stool while playing.
The CE26 or CD26 case makes this harp easy to take in the car or carry on the subway. The CE26 does a good job of giving basic protection to the harp. The CD26 is thicker and has more pockets, including separate, protective compartments to hold the stand base and legs. Both have optional backpack straps.
26 strings, 3½ octaves
Laminated birch soundbox
Comfortable staveback design
**Ravenna Harps require special shipping. We will contact you to arrange shipping after you place your order**
Playing the harp is much easier and more enjoyable when you have an instrument that sounds good and functions well, and this is the driving concept behind the Ravenna models. To provide the best performance, the Ravenna is made with the same high-quality hardware and materials as our more expensive models. So, in order to meet our goal of affordability for the most budget-conscious harpists, Dusty Strings came up with an innovative construction technique that reduces the time we put into building them. They also priced separately all the accessories and options that are useful but not immediately essential, which is why the base price includes just the instrument and a tuning wrench. Each person can add exactly what they want or need to fit their budget.
Not just for beginners, the Ravenna 26 is a great harp for anyone who needs something small and portable. It has a remarkably full and bright sound for its size, and features our characteristic tuning stability and even string tension. The staveback soundbox provides an extra level of playing comfort.
Our prices include all the levers fully installed. If you want an unlevered or partially levered harp, please call us for pricing.
Unless the harp is being played by a small child, you will probably want a drop-down leg or a stand to raise it up to a comfortable height. The drop-down leg slides into playing position with the twist of a knob, can be adjusted to any height, and retracts back into the harp when you're done playing. The removable stand raises it about 12 inches (8-inch and 5-inch legs are also available) and holds it steady on four legs. If neither option fits in the budget, you can set it up on a step-stool while playing.
The CE26 or CD26 case makes this harp easy to take in the car or carry on the subway. The CE26 does a good job of giving basic protection to the harp. The CD26 is thicker and has more pockets, including separate, protective compartments to hold the stand base and legs. Both have optional backpack straps.
26 strings, 3½ octaves
Laminated birch soundbox
Comfortable staveback design
**Ravenna Harps require special shipping. We will contact you to arrange shipping after you place your order**
The Dusty Strings Ravenna 34 is, without question, our single best-selling harp. We have sold hundreds of them — to children, to octogenarians, to beginners and working musicians alike, coast to coast from Hawaii to Alaska. When teachers recommend a first serious lever harp, the Ravenna 34 is overwhelmingly the instrument they name. This is a harp that earns that reputation every single time.
Why the Ravenna 34 Is in a Class of Its Own
Designed and hand-built in Seattle, Washington, the Ravenna 34 is a 100% American-made instrument. Dusty Strings engineered it to deliver professional-grade playability and tonal quality at an accessible price — and they achieved it by being genuinely clever about construction, not by cutting corners on materials or hardware.
The result is a harp with 34 strings spanning a full four-plus octaves, giving players every note they need for classical repertoire, Celtic and folk traditions, contemporary music, and everything in between. The solid ash neck and pillar construction provides structural integrity and tonal warmth, while the laminated soundbox keeps the price grounded and adds real-world durability — this harp travels, and it holds up.
Sound That Fills the Room
For players moving up from a smaller instrument — a Fullsicle, a 26-string entry harp, or any compact beginner model — the Ravenna 34's tonal range is a genuine revelation. It produces a strong, uplifting tone with remarkable projection for a lever harp. Players who have made this transition consistently describe it as the moment the harp became a real musical instrument for them.
Built for Real Life
At just 25 pounds, the Ravenna 34 is genuinely portable without sacrificing presence. The stave-back soundbox design provides ergonomic comfort during extended playing sessions — a detail that matters more than most buyers anticipate. Dusty Strings' proprietary toggle string system means even beginners can change strings without tying knots, removing one of the most common points of anxiety for new harpists.
The nylon strings are durable, break less frequently than gut, and are straightforward to replace. The available padded transport cover — with padded straps, protective pockets, and room for the stand — makes this harp ready for wherever music takes you: recitals, farmers markets, Celtic sessions, ferry crossings, and everything in between.
A Harp Players Keep for Life
We tell customers this is a beginner harp, and that is true. What we also tell them — because it is equally true — is that the majority of Ravenna 34 owners never replace it. This is an instrument capable of accompanying a player through an entire musical life. It does not cap your potential; it grows with you.
Our prices include all the levers fully installed. If you want an unlevered or partially levered harp, please call us for pricing.
Most people find that raising the Ravenna 34 about 5 inches off the floor is a comfortable height for playing, and you can choose either a drop-down leg or a stand to achieve this. The drop-down leg slides into playing position with the twist of a knob, adjusts to any height, and retracts back into the harp when you're done playing. The removable stand raises the harp about 5 inches (8-inch and 12-inch legs are also available) and holds it steady on four legs. If neither option fits in the budget, you can set it up on a small box or step-stool while playing.
34 strings, 4¾ octaves
Laminated birch soundbox
Comfortable staveback design
Options for a full or partial set of Loveland sharping levers
- Ravenna harps require special shipping. We will contact you to arrange shipping after you place your order.-
Playing the harp is much easier and more enjoyable when you have an instrument that sounds good and functions well, and this is the driving concept behind the Ravenna models. To provide the best performance, the Ravenna is made with the same high-quality hardware and materials as our more expensive models. In order to meet our goal of affordability for the most budget-conscious harpists, Dusty Strings came up with an innovative construction technique that reduces the time we put into building them. They also priced separately all the accessories and options that are useful but not immediately essential, which is why the base price includes just the instrument, a tuning wrench and the most commonly-used sharping levers. Each person can then add exactly what they want or need to fit their budget.
The Ravenna 34 features nearly five octaves of the characteristic Dusty Strings sound - a warm, strong bass balanced by a bright, clear treble. It has a comfortable staveback design and even string tension, allowing for precision playing. To keep the carrying size of the harp relatively compact and portable, the stand (if you choose to include one) is completely removable and comes apart to fit in one of the case pockets.
Our prices include all the levers fully installed. If you want an unlevered or partially levered harp, please call us for pricing.
Most people find that raising the Ravenna 34 about 5 inches off the floor is a comfortable height for playing, and you can choose either a drop-down leg or a stand to achieve this. The drop-down leg slides into playing position with the twist of a knob, adjusts to any height, and retracts back into the harp when you're done playing. The removable stand raises the harp about 5 inches (8-inch and 12-inch legs are also available) and holds it steady on four legs. If neither option fits in the budget, you can set it up on a small box or step-stool while playing.
34 strings, 4¾ octaves
Laminated birch soundbox
Comfortable staveback design
Options for a full or partial set of Loveland sharping levers
-Ravenna harps require special shipping. We will contact you to arrange shipping after you place your order.-
Playing the harp is much easier and more enjoyable when you have an instrument that sounds good and functions well, and this is the driving concept behind the Ravenna models. To provide the best performance, the Ravenna is made with the same high-quality hardware and materials as our more expensive models. In order to meet our goal of affordability for the most budget-conscious harpists, Dusty Strings came up with an innovative construction technique that reduces the time we put into building them. They also priced separately all the accessories and options that are useful but not immediately essential, which is why the base price includes just the instrument, a tuning wrench and the most commonly-used sharping levers. Each person can then add exactly what they want or need to fit their budget.
The Ravenna 34 features nearly five octaves of the characteristic Dusty Strings sound - a warm, strong bass balanced by a bright, clear treble. It has a comfortable staveback design and even string tension, allowing for precision playing. To keep the carrying size of the harp relatively compact and portable, the stand (if you choose to include one) is completely removable and comes apart to fit in one of the case pockets.
Our prices include all the levers fully installed. If you want an unlevered or partially levered harp, please call us for pricing.
Most people find that raising the Ravenna 34 about 5 inches off the floor is a comfortable height for playing, and you can choose either a drop-down leg or a stand to achieve this. The drop-down leg slides into playing position with the twist of a knob, adjusts to any height, and retracts back into the harp when you're done playing. The removable stand raises the harp about 5 inches (8-inch and 12-inch legs are also available) and holds it steady on four legs. If neither option fits in the budget, you can set it up on a small box or step-stool while playing.
34 strings, 4¾ octaves
Laminated birch soundbox
Comfortable staveback design
Options for a full or partial set of Loveland sharping levers
-Ravenna harps require special shipping. We will contact you to arrange shipping after you place your order.-
The Crescendo Harp by Dusty Strings is a perfect lever harp for the advancing player, ready for a more professional tone but maintaining the versatility and portability of smaller harps. With 34 strings spanning 3 2/3 octaves, there is ample range on this harp to master a wide repertoire, and the tone is projective and clear with a deep, resonant bass. A great, well-rounded harp that balances tone, affordability and portability.
26 strings, 3½ octaves
Solid sapele neck, sides & back
Laminated Finland birch soundboard
Full set of Loveland sharping levers
Four removable legs included
The 26-string Allegro is an ideal harp for any traveling harpist, beginner or teacher. Its 3½ octaves make it conveniently portable yet provide it with enough range and fullness of sound to please a fine-tuned ear. Combining solid wood sides and back with the simplicity of a laminate soundboard creates a clear and bright sound, blending the affordability of the Ravenna 26 with some of the solid wood tone and volume of the FH26.
Available fully levered with Loveland sharping levers, or with Camac levers as an option. A set of straight-tapered detachable legs (included) raises the harp about 11½ inches to a comfortable playing height. Sets of 5-inch or 8-inch legs are also available.
CE26 or CD26 case available separately.
Price includes set of four 12-inch legs and T-handle tuning wrench.
The 34-string Boulevard was designed with classical players and students in mind, and is quite different in feel and sound from the other harps. The tone is warm and full and the higher-tension concert gut strings provide a shorter sustain than the “typical” Dusty Strings sound. This makes the Boulevard an ideal choice for classical repertoire and for players and students who want a feel similar to that of a pedal harp. It also sometimes appeals to harpists who simply like a less bright sound than our other harps.
Based on the popular Ravenna 34, the Boulevard features the same innovative and affordable construction technique, the comfortable staveback body, and the easily removable stand. We designed it to be as lightweight and portable as possible in a full-range harp, without sacrificing the quality of the hardware or the construction. The package includes a full set of Loveland sharping levers, tuning wrench, stand and CD34 case.
The four-legged stand is quickly and easily removable without needing to turn the harp over, and comes apart to fit in the case pocket. It includes 5-inch legs, but 8-inch legs can be substituted if you prefer the harp to be situated higher up.
The case is made of durable, water-resistant cordura with thick foam padding, a convenient shoulder strap and a multitude of pockets for your stand, music, extra strings and other accessories.
Price includes deluxe CD34 case, stand with 5-inch legs, and T-handle tuning wrench.
Note: Starting in late 2021, Boulevard soundboxes now have a smoother, more uniform texture on the sides and back, rather than the ash-grained texture you may have seen on older Boulevards. The previous ash-grained laminate material is no longer available to us. If you are used to seeing the textured version, please refer to the comparison photo on this page to visualize the difference.
34 strings, 4¾ octaves
Light-tension strings & closer string spacing
Strong and lightweight carbon fiber pillar
Laminated birch soundbox
Full set of Loveland sharping levers
Two extendable legs included
Deluxe case included
The Serrana 34 comes with a full set of Loveland levers, a deluxe padded case, and two extendable legs for easy adjustability between sitting and standing. Designed to be carried by the carbon fiber pillar and laid on its back while the legs are deployed, the harp has protective scuff pads on all the contact points.
With the optional professional-level Dusty Harp Pickup, the Serrana has a huge amplified sound and a lot of versatility. The pickup can be installed by us when the harp is ordered, or purchased later as an add-on kit. It's the ideal setup for being heard in an ensemble.
There is also the option to add a four-legged stand with 5-inch, 8-inch, or 12-inch legs.
NOTE: If you need any custom options, please add them in the notes section during checkout. We will send you the quote with additional items separately. Because lead times can differ for each FH harp, they may take a little longer to arrive. Please get in touch with us for an ETA.
26 strings, 3½ octaves
Solid wood construction in choice of 5 woods
Set of four removable legs included
Deluxe case included
The FH26 package includes four removable legs, a deluxe CD26 case, and a custom tuning wrench.
LEVERS:
Full Loveland Levers
Full Camac Levers (+265)
STAND:
Removable stand with 5-inch legs (most common)
Removable stand with 8-inch legs
SOUNDBOARD VENEER:
Curly maple
Figured Cherry (For Maple/Walnut/Cherry Harps Only)
Birds-Eye Maple (+275)
Koa (For Maple Harps Only - +$275)
SOUNDBOARD INLAY:
None
Abalone around soundboard (+$1300)
PICKUP:
No pickup
Purchase Pick-Up Option Seperately (+465)
Case: CD26 Included
NOTE: If you need any custom options, please add them in the notes section during checkout. We will send you the quote with additional items separately. Because lead times can differ for each FH harp, they may take a little longer to arrive. Please get in touch with us for an ETA.
26 strings per side, 3½ octaves
Solid wood construction in choice of 3 woods
Set of four removable legs included
Deluxe case included
The FH26 Double-Strung package includes four removable legs, a deluxe CD26 case, and a custom tuning wrench.
LEVERS:
Full Loveland Levers
STAND:
12-inch legs inlcuded
SOUNDBOARD VENEER:
Curly maple
Figured Cherry (For Maple/Walnut/Cherry Harps Only)
Birds-Eye Maple (+245)
Koa (For Maple Harps Only - +$245)
PICKUP:
No pickup
Purchase Pick-Up Option Seperately (+430)
Case: CD26 Included
NOTE: If you need any custom options, please add them in the notes section during checkout. We will send you the quote with additional items separately. Because lead times can differ for each FH harp, they may take a little longer to arrive. Please get in touch with us for an ETA.
34 strings, 4¾ octaves
Solid wood construction in choice of 5 woods
Removable stand with 5-inch or 8-inch legs
Deluxe case included
The FH34 package includes a removable four-legged stand, a deluxe CD34 case, and a custom tuning wrench.
LEVERS:
Full Loveland Levers
Full Camac Levers (+265)
STAND:
Removable stand with 5-inch legs (most common)
Removable stand with 8-inch legs
SOUNDBOARD VENEER:
Curly maple
Figured Cherry (For Maple/Walnut/Cherry Harps Only)
Birds-Eye Maple (+275)
Koa (For Maple Harps Only - +$275)
SOUNDBOARD INLAY:
None
Abalone around soundboard (+$1300)
T-Brace Inlay:
None Included
Abalone Celtic Knot (+$795)
Wood In-laid Cherry Blossom (+$795)
PICKUP:
No pickup
Purchase Pick-Up Option Seperately (+465)
Case: CD34 Included
NOTE: If you need any custom options, please add them in the notes section during checkout. We will send you the quote with additional items separately. Because lead times can differ for each FH harp, they may take a little longer to arrive. Please get in touch with us for an ETA.
34 Strings, 4¾ octaves, low C to high A
Lightweight, solid wood construction in choice of 5 woods
Comfortable and compact staveback design
Removable stand with 5-inch or 8-inch legs
Deluxe case included
The FH34S package includes a removable four-legged stand, a deluxe CD34 case, and a custom tuning wrench.
LEVERS:
Full Loveland Levers
Full Camac Levers (+265)
STAND:
Removable stand with 5-inch legs (most common)
Removable stand with 8-inch legs
SOUNDBOARD VENEER:
Curly maple
Figured Cherry (For Maple/Walnut/Cherry Harps Only)
Birds-Eye Maple (+275)
Koa (For Maple Harps Only - +$275)
SOUNDBOARD INLAY:
None
Abalone around soundboard (+$1300)
PICKUP:
No pickup
Purchase Pick-Up Option Seperately (+465)
Case: CD34 Included
NOTE: If you need any custom options, please add them in the notes section during checkout. We will send you the quote with additional items separately. Because lead times can differ for each FH harp, they may take a little longer to arrive. Please get in touch with us for an ETA.
36 strings, 5 octaves
Solid wood construction in choice of 5 woods
Comfortable hybrid staveback design
Deluxe case included
The FH36S package includes a deluxe CH36 case and a custom tuning wrench.
LEVERS:
Full Loveland Levers
Full Camac Levers (+265)
STRINGS:
Nylon (Included)
Lever Gut (+$300)
STAND:
Removable stand with 5-inch legs (most common)
Removable stand with 8-inch legs
SOUNDBOARD VENEER:
Curly maple
Figured Cherry (For Maple/Walnut/Cherry Harps Only)
Birds-Eye Maple (+275)
Koa (For Maple Harps Only - +$275)
SOUNDBOARD INLAY:
None
Abalone around soundboard (+$1300)
T-Brace Inlay:
None Included
Abalone Celtic Knot (+$795)
Wood In-laid Cherry Blossom (+$795)
PICKUP:
No pickup
Purchase Pick-Up Option Seperately (+465)
Case: CD34 Included
NOTE: If you need any custom options, please add them in the notes section during checkout. We will send you the quote with additional items separately. Because lead times can differ for each FH harp, they may take a little longer to arrive. Please get in touch with us for an ETA.
36 strings, 5 octaves
Solid wood construction in choice of 5 woods
Comfortable staveback design
Deluxe case included
The FH36S package includes a deluxe CH36 case and a custom tuning wrench.
LEVERS:
Full Loveland Levers
Full Camac Levers (+265)
STRINGS:
Nylon (Included)
Lever Gut (+$300)
STAND:
Removable stand with 5-inch legs (most common)
Removable stand with 8-inch legs
SOUNDBOARD VENEER:
Curly maple
Figured Cherry (For Maple/Walnut/Cherry Harps Only)
Birds-Eye Maple (+275)
Koa (For Maple Harps Only - +$275)
SOUNDBOARD INLAY:
None
Abalone around soundboard (+$1300)
T-Brace Inlay:
None Included
Abalone Celtic Knot (+$795)
Wood In-laid Cherry Blossom (+$795)
PICKUP:
No pickup
Purchase Pick-Up Option Seperately (+465)
Case: CH36 Included
Dusty Harp Pickup Options: P10 and P20
Discover the Dusty Harp Pickup options designed to enhance your harp experience:
P10 Pickup: Perfect for 24-30 string lever harps such as the Ravenna 26 Lever Harp and Allegro 26 Lever Harp.
P20 Pickup: Ideal for most 32-40 string lever harps like the Ravenna 34, Crescendo 34, and Boulevard 34 Lever Harps.
Choose the option that best fits your needs:
DIY Installation: Suitable for harp owners looking to install the pickup themselves.
Pre-Installed Option: Ideal for those purchasing a new harp and seeking a ready-to-play setup.
Dusty Harp Pickup Options: P10 and P20
Discover the Dusty Harp Pickup options designed to enhance your harp experience:
P10 Pickup: Perfect for 24-30 string lever harps such as the Ravenna 26 Lever Harp and Allegro 26 Lever Harp.
P20 Pickup: Ideal for most 32-40 string lever harps like the Ravenna 34, Crescendo 34, and Boulevard 34 Lever Harps.
Choose the option that best fits your needs:
DIY Installation: Suitable for harp owners looking to install the pickup themselves. This option requires Drill Bit.
Harps are particularly difficult to amplify because of their long soundboards.
After extensive development and testing, the Dusty Harp Pickup was launched. Rather than relying on one (or sometimes two) contact points, which can't help but pick up more sound from the notes that are close by and less sound from the notes farther away, our pickup has 4 carefully selected piezo elements spaced along the length of the soundboard. (Three elements in the case of the smaller P10.) This creates a balanced and focused sound throughout the whole range of the harp. The full, rich bass notes blend with the clear mids and highs, providing natural-sounding amplification at any volume level. It's simply the sound of the harp, only bigger!
The pickup is discreetly mounted inside the soundbox, invisible to the audience. A single jack mounted on the back of the harp makes for "plug and play" ease of use. An instrument cable (not included) connects your harp directly to any amplifier and most PA systems. In most situations a preamplifier is not needed, but if you are playing in situations requiring very high volume, you may want to add one. In addition to boosting the signal, it will give you direct control over your volume and tone. With some amplifiers, a preamp can also sweeten and smooth out your sound.
We can install the Dusty Harp Pickup in any new or existing Dusty Strings harp, and it can also be done by harp owners who are handy with tools or by any instrument repair technician. Installation involves attaching mounting clips to the internal braces or sides of the harp, snapping the cable harness into the clips, gluing the elements in place, and drilling a hole to mount the jack in the back of the harp. There are detailed instructions and a template for placing the elements in Dusty Strings harps. If you have a different type of harp, use the template as a starting point, but it's a good idea to experiment with the element placement to confirm the best-sounding attachment points. The only tool you'll need is a ½-inch brad point drill bit, available at most hardware stores or from us. If you prefer not to drill a hole, you can simply connect to the jack through the bottom soundhole of your harp, or add our Jack Clamp for a secure and removable way to anchor the jack.
Please note that the pickup produces the best possible sound when the elements are super-glued to the back of the soundboard, as specified in the instructions. If you choose to use double-stick tape for a less permanent installation, you will have a challenge getting the volume loud enough, and you will not get the sound quality this pickup is known for. Once the pickup is glued in, it can be removed if desired, although we don't recommend that because it is too easy to damage the elements in the process. In any case, the presence of a high-quality pickup system will enhance the appeal and value of your harp.
If you're curious about the installation process, you can download and read the installation instructions for lever harps (P10, P20.
Check out our blog for background information on terminology and amplification basics.
Dusty Harp Pickup Options: P10 and P20
Discover the Dusty Harp Pickup options designed to enhance your harp experience:
P10 Pickup: Perfect for 24-30 string lever harps such as the Ravenna 26 Lever Harp and Allegro 26 Lever Harp.
P20 Pickup: Ideal for most 32-40 string lever harps like the Ravenna 34, Crescendo 34, and Boulevard 34 Lever Harps.
Choose the option that best fits your needs:
Pre-Installed Option: Ideal for those purchasing a new harp and seeking a ready-to-play setup.
Harps are particularly difficult to amplify because of their long soundboards.
After extensive development and testing, the Dusty Harp Pickup was launched. Rather than relying on one (or sometimes two) contact points, which can't help but pick up more sound from the notes that are close by and less sound from the notes farther away, our pickup has 4 carefully selected piezo elements spaced along the length of the soundboard. (Three elements in the case of the smaller P10.) This creates a balanced and focused sound throughout the whole range of the harp. The full, rich bass notes blend with the clear mids and highs, providing natural-sounding amplification at any volume level. It's simply the sound of the harp, only bigger!
The pickup is discreetly mounted inside the soundbox, invisible to the audience. A single jack mounted on the back of the harp makes for "plug and play" ease of use. An instrument cable (not included) connects your harp directly to any amplifier and most PA systems. In most situations a preamplifier is not needed, but if you are playing in situations requiring very high volume, you may want to add one. In addition to boosting the signal, it will give you direct control over your volume and tone. With some amplifiers, a preamp can also sweeten and smooth out your sound.
We can install the Dusty Harp Pickup in any new or existing Dusty Strings harp, and it can also be done by harp owners who are handy with tools or by any instrument repair technician. Installation involves attaching mounting clips to the internal braces or sides of the harp, snapping the cable harness into the clips, gluing the elements in place, and drilling a hole to mount the jack in the back of the harp. There are detailed instructions and a template for placing the elements in Dusty Strings harps. If you have a different type of harp, use the template as a starting point, but it's a good idea to experiment with the element placement to confirm the best-sounding attachment points. The only tool you'll need is a ½-inch brad point drill bit, available at most hardware stores or from us. If you prefer not to drill a hole, you can simply connect to the jack through the bottom soundhole of your harp, or add our Jack Clamp for a secure and removable way to anchor the jack.
Please note that the pickup produces the best possible sound when the elements are super-glued to the back of the soundboard, as specified in the instructions. If you choose to use double-stick tape for a less permanent installation, you will have a challenge getting the volume loud enough, and you will not get the sound quality this pickup is known for. Once the pickup is glued in, it can be removed if desired, although we don't recommend that because it is too easy to damage the elements in the process. In any case, the presence of a high-quality pickup system will enhance the appeal and value of your harp.
If you're curious about the installation process, you can download and read the installation instructions for lever harps (P10, P20.
Check out our blog for background information on terminology and amplification basics.
NOW SELECT A BAG!
Please Note: Harp bags are available as add-on purchases only, when you buy a harp. We do not ship harp bags as standalone orders.
The CD26 is the more deluxe case option for the Ravenna 26, Allegro 26 or FH26. It has a burgundy cordura exterior, more substantial foam padding, a soft interior, and a gusseted exterior accessory pocket, which has slots for four legs. It includes D-rings to attach optional backpack straps (available separately), which allow the harp to balance comfortably on the back, even on a bicycle!
A member of our team will contact customers for applicable shipping charges.
Please Note: Harp bags are available as add-on purchases only, when you buy a harp. We do not ship harp bags as standalone orders.
The CD34 case is designed to fit Dusty Strings Ravenna 34, Serrana 34, Boulevard 34, Crescendo 34 and FH34 harps. It is a substantial soft-shell case featuring thick foam padding, a burgundy cordura exterior, zipper closing, shoulder strap, and a variety of pockets for holding music accessories, including one with four individual leg compartments. The optional backpack straps (available separately) allow the harp to be worn on your back.
The case weighs approximately 7½ pounds.
A member of our team will contact customers for applicable shipping charges.
AND NOW, SELECT THE PROPER STAND!
Stands are important to elevate the harp to a comfortable height and to keep the harp stable while you are playing. There are quite a few approaches to this.
For a small child, the Ravenna 26 might be the perfect height without any legs, but most other players will probably want to raise it up off the floor. We make a sturdy, removable four-legged stand for this purpose.
The 12” stand and legs is the most popular option for the Ravenna 26.
The 5” stand and legs is the most popular option for the Ravenna 34.
Legs are interchangeable on the 26 & 34 stands.
A member of our team will contact customers for applicable shipping charges.
This easy-to-install single leg for the Ravenna and Boulevard models drops down from the base of the harp at the twist of a knob, raising the harp to a comfortable playing height without the need for a separate stand. You can carry the harp into a lesson, jam session, or hospital and be playing in seconds. For added flexibility or for bedside work, you can even play while standing, and the non-skid foot pad makes the harp comfortably stable while resting against your shoulder. The leg extends up to about 21.5 inches easily, with a maximum extension of 24 inches. A movable lock lets you drop the leg to the same height each time, and you can easily readjust it for changing situations.
BENEFITS OF THE HARP RENTAL PROGRAM BY VERMONT VIOLINS
Pay only the first month’s rent and delivery upfront.
No security deposit.
Ownership after 24 months
Stop anytime…or buy out early and save!
ABOUT: DUSTY STRINGS
Dusty Strings of Seattle Washington has been delighting players of all levels since its founding in 1979. Their harps are widely sought after as they are constantly setting new standards for the excellence of design, tone, and presentation. It's no wonder they are a best-seller nationally! Each harp is crafted in their Seattle workshop from the best materials and time-tested innovation brings constant improvements that have raised the bar in the craft of harp making!
Perfect also for the professional player looking for portability. It's a perfect studio harp, therapy harp, or just something to have around that is accessible, affordable, and extremely versatile.
The Ravenna-34 is the grown-up version of the 26: with another octave of strings and a larger soundbox, this instrument offers greater versatility and a larger volume of tone and yet still captures the beauty of a duo-toned harp!
AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE OR RENT
For the beginner player, not yet ready to commit to a purchase, we offer a 24-month Rent With Ownership plan: 24 Monthly payments of $107.75 each with the option to return the harp at any time, with no further commitment. The rental harp is the Ravenna-26, fully levered with the deluxe bag, tuning wrench, and stand with 12" legs.
For a more advanced player, or someone looking for an instrument with greater versatility, we recommend the Ravenna-34 which is also available on a 24-month Rent With Ownership plan of $165.25/month. These harps come outfitted with a deluxe bag, tuning wrench, and stand with 5" legs.
These harps come in a number of different colors and styles which are available by special order.
The Ravenna-26 and Ravenna-34 Harps are kept in stock and available for purchase for a base price of $1,675 (26 string) or $2,745 (34 string), which can be applied to one of our in-house Financing Plans for low interest over 12 months. Other models of Dusty Strings Harps are available for 12 months, low-interest financing; please call for prices and delivery times.