To buy a harp?

[Fragglewump]

I’ve just seen someone advertising harps for sale. Now I’ve got an urge for a harp. I’ve always loved the sound of them and feel weird in a good way listening to them. But I have no idea how to play one. I’m a bit musical -have played recorder, violin, guitar and saxophone before (none very well) so would it be very tricky to learn? Realising now I sound like I’m being unreasonable. Oh well. Your finest harp wisdom please..........

Maybe try a lute harp first?

they are huge.
and sensitive to humidity and temperatures.
but if you have a suitable space (and car if you need to transport it) go for it.

I love the harps in mahler symphonies. such an amazing sound!

Exciting - must get home and read this all properly!

One of the things to bear in mind is that you will generally always be playing alone because it's not a standard orchestral instrument for the most part or lends itself to joining, say, brass bands. If you move it around it needs a lot of tuning.

At the weekends I play (not the harp!) in a small amateur orchestra for beginner to intermediate level. There is a young girl in that who plays the harp. I think hers must be what you call lever as it doesn't have pedals but these red and blue things at the top and when there is a key change she as to change all the levers accordingly. It sounds lovely! The organizer tries to arrange parts for her as much as possible but she does often end up helping out with percussion when there simply isn't a harp part going.