children's musical instruments?

[prefernot]

Anyone know of anywhere decent / cheapish in the UK I could look up online? Dd's 2nd birthday in 3 weeks and she wants a harp (AGH!). Obviously we can't get a full size one but I wondered if there might be a child's equivalent or if I'm just being batty. She's been mad on harps since she was 6 months old and talks about them loads.

You can get a child's harp made, but I think it is quite pricey. They need to measure your child (I think) for it.

One of my friend's daughter is learning the harp, and as soon as i can get her on the phone, Ill get some details for you.

Right, have spoken to friend. She did have to have her daughter measured and they are renting the harp, as they are very expensive to buy and ofcourse you have to keep changing the size.

She got hers from Class Act Society in Edinburgh. They may have a website, but if not the tel no. is 0131 228 3052 and the contact is Anne Kelly. However, there is a 1 year waiting list!! But she is sure Anne can put you in touch with someone in your area. Hope this helps!

OH, thanks a lot muminamillion. Yes, getting one made would be way way over my puny budget. And I think dd might be too young to rent a 'proper' one though I'll keep these details for a future time. At the moment I was kind of thinking of getting some kind of a 'toy' type one but have scoured the net and nothing's coming up so I probably am batty. .

Sorry, just read her age!! Havent seen one for such a little person, but it would be lovely if she did start playing when she is old enough. The harp is such an unusual and beautiful instrument. Where did she see one?

She saw her first one ever on an episode of Teletubbies when she was 6 months old. A little girl was playing it with a professional player and it's a beautiful sequence. Then one arrives in Teletubby land and a couple of tubbies play it and then it flies off into the clouds. She'd always burst into terrible sobs when it went away but still insist on seeing it. Then she became fascinated by the magic harp in Jack and the Beanstalk and at the same time (about 12 months) she saw one being played live. Now she's mad on every CD we have with a harp onit. She talks about them so much you wouldn't believe.

So sweet! As a harp player she'll definately get a place in an orchestra I'd imagine - not too much competition! You should definately encourage it. My oldest are learning the violin from me - not so pleasant on the ears as a harp.

Have you looked on ebay?? The closest I could find was this it's a bit tiny though.

Thanks fuzzywuzzy, I placed a bid on it anyway. It may be fun as a toy's harp to play with.