Comparing My FIVE Harps' Sound! // Bridget Jackson Harp

I have been wanting to make this video for a while! There are SO many factors that contribute to a harp's unique sound, and I own five very different harps, so today I'm showcasing that diversity of sound!
Some of the things that affect how a harp sounds include: size of soundboard/soundbox, quality of materials, types of strings, range, age, environment, and so many more!
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Intro
2:36 - Scales (comparing harps' range)
3:20 - Arpeggios (comparing harps' resonance)
4:30 - Song Demo
7:10 - Outro
THE HARPS:
Lyon & Healy Chicago CGX - www.lyonhealy.com/harps/chica...
Lyon & Healy Troubadour VI - www.lyonhealy.com/harps/troub...
Rees Harps Grand Harpsicle - harpsicleharps.com/harps/gran...
Camac Harps Aziliz - www.camac-harps.com/en/harps-...
Roosebeck Balladeer - www.handcraftedworldinstrumen...
(video is of course not sponsored by any of these makers in any way!)
Here’s the equipment I used for the demos in this video:
Rode M5 Matched Pair
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
The video’s background music is my recording of Infra 3 by Max Richter.
The song I use for the harp demo is "Alone" from Naruto.
► My Website: www.bjacksonharp.com/
► My Harp Arrangements: www.bjacksonharp.com/sheet-music
► Instagram: / bjacksonharp
► Facebook: / bjacksonharp

[@Maris-W]

I liked the Lyon & Healy Troubadour and the Camac Aziliz

[@tracyence8243]

That was fun ! The Chicago had a rich full sound but I was impressed how good the smaller harps sounded.

[@renatobossi9289]

I vote Lyon and Healey Chicago CGX!

[@shannonsharpstory]

Always so fun to compare harp sounds! The Chicago pedal harp is very full and rich, but the Troubadour has a nice mellow tone. The Grand Harpsicle is brighter in the treble notes with a more muted bass. The Camac is also brighter with a resonant bass and not as resonant treble. The surprise for me is the little Roosebeck, which I've always heard was poorly crafted. The sound is actually pretty good. Of course, I like them all! Thanks for the fun comparison! 🥰

[@TheTerribleTen]

So interesting to hear all of them compared, they are so different!

[@jamiepittman8389]

Thank you for the comparison. Your variety of harps gives a beginner like me some perspective.

[@bjacksonharp]

Thanks for watching!

[@mandarinlearner]

For an amazing lever harp, try a Dusty Strings harp

[@bjacksonharp]

A few of my students have Dusty Strings, they are great harps 👍🏽

[@catholicdoula]

Pedal Harp and Troubadour and the Camac in that order were my favorite. I played a pedal harp when I took harp lessons in college, but it was difficult for me to push the pedals. I just prefer lever harps. I am getting a double 24 x 2 strings soon. :)

[@bjacksonharp]

That's awesome! Double strung harps are really cool. And thanks for watching 😊

[@rebeccasims3333]

I liked the sound of the Troubadour and the Aziliz.

[@bjacksonharp]

Thanks for watching!

[@phantasma.3216]

Muito legal as suas harpas! Eu não sabia que existiam harpas de vários tamanhos e timbres! Ótimo vídeo, parabéns pelo seu trabalho!

[@medward7330]

Thanks so much for this! I’m planning on upgrading from lever to pedal, do you like your Chicago cg? There’s so much criticism online for them, but all I’ve heard (online) sound great!

[@bjacksonharp]

I haven't really heard much criticism about the Chicagos, and have had mine for ~15 years! I think it's great that L&H made them as a more affordable/accessible pedal harp with different size options. I personally am very happy with my harp's sound. And in regards to looks, of all the silhouettes of harps out there I like it the most, it fits my style. Whatever harp you choose, I'd recommend going in person if at all possible and trying out the harps and going with whichever one sounds the best to you. Best of luck!

[@RobinPalmerTV]

Your children are all beautiful