Hello Derek! This was an awesome teaching/sound comparison. I must admit I own a Dusty Strings, Crescendo so I may be a little biased.....but I definitely liked the sound of the Crescendo more that the Salvi harp. The Crescendo just has a deep, rich resonance that is simply beautiful to hear.
Thank you for this review! I have a Salvi Una but I rarely hear people talking about them, so I really enjoyed this. Now, if only I could play as beautifully as you do!
Thanks Derek - This was interesting to me. I went through the gut-wrenching harp decision a year ago to add a larger lever harp to my harp family (I also have a Lyon and Healy 85 GP and LOVE it). The closest harp stores were in Salt Lake City, 400 miles away. I made a spreadsheet with all of the considerations you mentioned - height, weight, string spacing, types and tension, cases, price, special features etc. I actually had 18 harps on the spreadsheet based on what was available in each store. The harp on my vision board had been the beautiful green Una Deluxe and I'd been saving $ for that but knew that the strings were different and I really knew I needed to see how they played for me. I was 90% sure I wanted that harp since it was so beautiful and made by such a great harp maker. I thought my 2nd choice would be a Lyon and Healy Ogden as I'd played one owned by a friend. I did however want to keep my mind open to other harps offered at the other store including Dusty Strings. Day 1 was store #1 where I first tried the Una. - I kept wishing I liked the sound better and didn't like the feel or sound of the lower strings. I wondered what kind of technique I would have to develop to get the sound I desired. I tried other Salvi's and also the Ogden's and Troubadour. I was disappointed in how the levers dulled the sound on the 3 Odgens and didn't love the tall swooping point on the Troubadour. I was IN love with the beautify of that Una. I had the professional pedal harpist play the Una for me and she struggled with it too, stating that she truly rarely played lever harps. Anyway, I left wishing I liked the Una better. Da2 2 was store #2 where I tried a variety of new and consigned harps. I did enjoy the Dusty Strings harps as many of my online harp friends had stated. I didn't know how much I loved them. I was hoping for a floor harp without legs and trying to figure out what might work for me. I tried them with and without legs. I'm short so no legs may have worked on the Crescendo. After going back and forth about a few things I felt I would go home and decide whether to drive to Grand Junction , Colorado to try the newer Blevins Riversong, and perhaps to check out a used Musicmakers harp in the Denver area, before making a decision. The harpist there asked me to try one more harp I hadn't seen online. A Dusty Strings GH36S. I didn't realize as I first played it that it was a 2003 and on consignment. I also didn't know why I hadn't considered that in my spreadsheet ??? Perhaps the cost of a new one??? , or perhaps it was pretty close to 30# - almost 5 pounds more than the Una, and a bit lass portable - I'm not sure but I felt the harp almost played itself and I LOVED the sonorous deep sounds of the bass strings. Very unlike the Una. I traveled back home without a new harp and started listening to videos of people playing the Una and talking more to my friends with Dusty Strings harps. I made phone calls to Blevins and Musicmakers to learn more about their harps that were only in their own showrooms. I called store #1 telling her the next time I went back to SLC maybe I would give the Una a 2nd chance??? I also told her how much the Dusty Strings resonated with me, and how surprised that made me. She encouraged me to buy the harp I love the sound of most, knowing it wasn't her Una. I then realized that the 2003 Dusty Strings with an affordable price might disappear quickly to another buyer and that if I really wanted it, I better just buy it. I called store #2 back to discuss the purchase, even asking if the owner would look at an offer lower than the asking price considering how many miles away we lived. She said sure and within hours I purchased that harp via the phone! In a serendipity way, a friend was traveling to SLC and said he could actually pick up the harp and bring it to me - which he did a few days later - Dec. 26, 2023! I got nervous wondering if it would sound as I remembered. When he dropped it off I opened the case and was thrilled to know I had made the right choice!! I have loved every minute of my 11+ months of playing "Sally Pearl" as I named the FH36S. My 20# Blevins Encore (now discontinued) still serves me for playing in Hospice and hospital rooms, but I DO plan to visit the Blevins store 7 hours away in Colorado someday to try out a Riversong in person and see if I'd like to upgrade from the Encore. A caveat to this story is there was another lady who was trying to decide between the beautiful Una and the FH36S, and she had decided on the Una - Both stores sold their harps and both customers got something they loved!! Yes - harps have a way of finding you.
That is such a great story! I'm so glad you found the harp that was right for you. I absolutely love the FH models from what I've heard online but I've never heard one in person, unfortunately no one I know has one nearby. I bet I would love them too! It's so interesting how different people's tastes are.
As another Crescendo player, I really appreciate the mention of the longer legs! I had no idea they were an option but will definitely be looking into them. Cheers!
@@derekharpson great video, by the way, thanks for the comparison. Glad you got the chance to harp-sit for a while . I always enjoy stumbling across new pieces as you do them - I particularly liked Takeda Lullaby, and the piece you played here was lovely as well
Wonderful to hear a comparison of these two! I like them both for different reasons. I appreciate the time you took to with your insights. Your comment about the crescendo taking a lighter touch makes me realize that my playing style.has been heavy/stronger. I need to.go try the crescendo again! Questions -weight... Comparison? To each other, not a pedal harp 😊
Great for you to share your thorough insights about these two harps Derek! I fall for deep rich bass, so my vote goes with the Crescendo. Great playing, as always!
Hi Derek, thanks so much for this comparison of the Dusty Crescendo and Salvi Una. I too have a Crescendo 5 years old now. I got excited to when I saw you have one too. The Una sounds like it's louder, a bit more stronger dynamic. The Dusty sounds,in my opinion, softer but beautiful. I love the upper register. It sounds so pretty. I also agree about the levers. I have that same experience with the sticky, scratchy sound when lowering mostly the bass levers.
Glad it was helpful! I agree, the una is definitely more loud and direct, I actually preferred the upper range of the Salvi but I think that’s because I easily over play the Dusty’s higher strings
Very interesting, thank you Derek! You have two lovely harps there, and they both sound really good. Personally I prefer the sound of the Crescendo though. From the very beginning of my harp journey, I have had a weakness for that "Dusty sound". I recently purchased my first own harp, it was a huge decision for me. I chose the Dusty FH34S. I'm glad I got it with Camac levers... 😉 Both harps sound really good though, it's a matter of taste. 🙂🎶
The FH line is so gorgeous, do you find the Crescendo is really different? The Dusty sound is definitely amazing. I think Salvi is more geared to pedal harpists who want a Celtic harp
@@derekharpson Oh, that's a very difficult question! 😅 I have never played a Crescendo or heard one live. But it sounds gorgeous! I played a rental Ravenna before purchasing my FH34S, so I can compare those two. I LOVED my Ravenna. At the end I chose between buying my rental Ravenna (it was brand new when I got it one year before) or purchasing a FH34S. There is a difference between these two, but they are both great harps in their respective price ranges. About the Crescendo I can only say it sounds gorgeous. It has that clear, bright, sparkly sound I love so much - with a deep, warm and resonant bass. I love your playing! 🙂🎶
Thank you for this comparison. I appreciate your comments and playing. I have a small, 30 string, harp with concert harp spacing and tension. The only thing I wish I had was more strings! Nevertheless, I know my harp is perfect for me.
Lovely comparison, good job Derek! Both harps sounded great, but they both have a different character. When you played the same piece on both harps, it took me to different places each time, if you know what I mean? The Crescendo sounded more mellow and took me to an enchanted forest, the Una was more resonant and reminded me of a glittering lake in the sunlight.
Thanks so much Jane 😊The piece I’m playing is the first part of Frank Voltz’s Coming Home. It’s such a lovely piece but it’s over 6 minutes to play so I cut it short for the video
I haven’t had mine break but a few of them are really stiff in the lower end. Definitely should’ve got the upgraded levers but the Dusty is so great that it’s worth it
Very interesting. I like both! Actually, I think I prefer the Crescendo in the bass and the Una in the treble, but if I had to pick just one, I think it would be the Crescendo due to the warm, resonant low end. The Una just doesn't seem to have the power in the lower frequencies, even though the bell-like clarity is stunning in the treble. (And I agree with the comments about not classifying yourself as a beginner!) I have a large collection of lever harps, including a Dusty Ravenna 34 in gut stringing with Camac levers, a Dusty Boulevard (pedal tension, Loveland levers), a Salvi Gaia 38 (pedal tension), a L&H Prelude 40, a Rees Aberdeen Meadows 36 in the optional lower A-A stringing, multiple Rees double-strung harps (which I LOVE), just to name a few. Beautiful playing, Derek! -Gregg
I’ve always wanted to try a double strung! I hear the Rees line is beautiful. The only thing I’ll say about the Crescendo (at least mine) is that the bass is a bit too strong. I actually have to muffle the sometimes but I do love the warm resonance of the crescendo (if only you could merge them).
@@derekharpson Interesting; I didn't think a harp could have too much bass, haha! I have two preowned Rees floor doubles that are both larger than their current largest double model (Mariposa). Mine are a Double Aberdeen Meadows 36x2, again in the lower A-A stringing, and a Double Corlieu Falls 33x2 (the first one they ever made, owned by Darlene Walton), whose soundbox is larger than their double Mariposa 34x2. I also have a cute little Double Morgan Meghan 27x2, though the tension is nearly as light as their Harpsicles.
I have and love the crescendo mine came with 3 different leg lengths!!! I only need the shortest Agree the levers could be smoother but as an older student love the spacing of the harp Snd having a case is fabulous what is cost difference ?
Oh I do to! The only thing I notice with my Dusty is that it buzzes more (but that’s a me thing rather than the harp haha). So, in Canada both harps are comparable in price (I believe they are about $5500 CAD). The deluxe is definitely more expensive because of the gold and decoration.
Interesting. I feel the Salvi had more ring to the notes, than the Dusty Strings. I think a lot depends on the type of music you’re interested in playing. In fast passages having that much ring in a harp can muddy the waters, so to speak. They both have beautiful sound though.
This was great! Very interesting. Love the soft, rounded tones of your Dusty... but yes, it's a very personal thing and the Salvi sounds good too. Is the Dusty, cherry wood? Salvi, mahogany? Just guessing. Finally, if you're still classing yourself as a beginner, Derek... then that makes me a sub-beginner... or a minus beginner?! 😂
So I believe the Una is Red Spruce and the Crescendo is a Finnish Birch. Okay okay deal, maybe I’ll classify my self as an early intermediate (there’s just so much I don’t know).
Thanks so much to you and your friend for this! I have a Dusty Ravenna and I love it but I've definitely noticed that it's harder to make the high strings sound musical when playing forte. Do you happen to know approximately what the price levels are between these harps? And where would you get a case to fit the Salvi correctly?
So base price is relatively the same actually. I’m not sure how much the upgraded levers might be the same as the travel case for the Una. For the case, you can order it from any harp centre that sells Salvi harps, you could also order them direct from Lyon and Healy or Salvi. Hope that helps!
The Dusty really speaks to my soul with those notes
Same! It’s such a wonderfully mellow sound isn’t it?
Yes, absolutely
Hello Derek! This was an awesome teaching/sound comparison. I must admit I own a Dusty Strings, Crescendo so I may be a little biased.....but I definitely liked the sound of the Crescendo more that the Salvi harp. The Crescendo just has a deep, rich resonance that is simply beautiful to hear.
I agree the depth of the Crescendo is my favorite part of the harp as well
Thank you for this review! I have a Salvi Una but I rarely hear people talking about them, so I really enjoyed this. Now, if only I could play as beautifully as you do!
Thanks so much, it’s a beautiful harp that deserves to be talked about!
Thanks Derek - This was interesting to me. I went through the gut-wrenching harp decision a year ago to add a larger lever harp to my harp family (I also have a Lyon and Healy 85 GP and LOVE it). The closest harp stores were in Salt Lake City, 400 miles away. I made a spreadsheet with all of the considerations you mentioned - height, weight, string spacing, types and tension, cases, price, special features etc. I actually had 18 harps on the spreadsheet based on what was available in each store. The harp on my vision board had been the beautiful green Una Deluxe and I'd been saving $ for that but knew that the strings were different and I really knew I needed to see how they played for me. I was 90% sure I wanted that harp since it was so beautiful and made by such a great harp maker. I thought my 2nd choice would be a Lyon and Healy Ogden as I'd played one owned by a friend. I did however want to keep my mind open to other harps offered at the other store including Dusty Strings.
Day 1 was store #1 where I first tried the Una. - I kept wishing I liked the sound better and didn't like the feel or sound of the lower strings. I wondered what kind of technique I would have to develop to get the sound I desired. I tried other Salvi's and also the Ogden's and Troubadour. I was disappointed in how the levers dulled the sound on the 3 Odgens and didn't love the tall swooping point on the Troubadour. I was IN love with the beautify of that Una. I had the professional pedal harpist play the Una for me and she struggled with it too, stating that she truly rarely played lever harps. Anyway, I left wishing I liked the Una better.
Da2 2 was store #2 where I tried a variety of new and consigned harps. I did enjoy the Dusty Strings harps as many of my online harp friends had stated. I didn't know how much I loved them. I was hoping for a floor harp without legs and trying to figure out what might work for me. I tried them with and without legs. I'm short so no legs may have worked on the Crescendo. After going back and forth about a few things I felt I would go home and decide whether to drive to Grand Junction , Colorado to try the newer Blevins Riversong, and perhaps to check out a used Musicmakers harp in the Denver area, before making a decision. The harpist there asked me to try one more harp I hadn't seen online. A Dusty Strings GH36S. I didn't realize as I first played it that it was a 2003 and on consignment. I also didn't know why I hadn't considered that in my spreadsheet ??? Perhaps the cost of a new one??? , or perhaps it was pretty close to 30# - almost 5 pounds more than the Una, and a bit lass portable - I'm not sure but I felt the harp almost played itself and I LOVED the sonorous deep sounds of the bass strings. Very unlike the Una.
I traveled back home without a new harp and started listening to videos of people playing the Una and talking more to my friends with Dusty Strings harps. I made phone calls to Blevins and Musicmakers to learn more about their harps that were only in their own showrooms. I called store #1 telling her the next time I went back to SLC maybe I would give the Una a 2nd chance??? I also told her how much the Dusty Strings resonated with me, and how surprised that made me. She encouraged me to buy the harp I love the sound of most, knowing it wasn't her Una. I then realized that the 2003 Dusty Strings with an affordable price might disappear quickly to another buyer and that if I really wanted it, I better just buy it. I called store #2 back to discuss the purchase, even asking if the owner would look at an offer lower than the asking price considering how many miles away we lived. She said sure and within hours I purchased that harp via the phone!
In a serendipity way, a friend was traveling to SLC and said he could actually pick up the harp and bring it to me - which he did a few days later - Dec. 26, 2023! I got nervous wondering if it would sound as I remembered. When he dropped it off I opened the case and was thrilled to know I had made the right choice!! I have loved every minute of my 11+ months of playing "Sally Pearl" as I named the FH36S.
My 20# Blevins Encore (now discontinued) still serves me for playing in Hospice and hospital rooms, but I DO plan to visit the Blevins store 7 hours away in Colorado someday to try out a Riversong in person and see if I'd like to upgrade from the Encore. A caveat to this story is there was another lady who was trying to decide between the beautiful Una and the FH36S, and she had decided on the Una - Both stores sold their harps and both customers got something they loved!! Yes - harps have a way of finding you.
That is such a great story! I'm so glad you found the harp that was right for you. I absolutely love the FH models from what I've heard online but I've never heard one in person, unfortunately no one I know has one nearby. I bet I would love them too! It's so interesting how different people's tastes are.
This was so cool to watch. I loved hearing the differences between both harps!
Thanks so much Steph, it was great to hear and compile it
I tried both of these in a store, went with the salvia and haven't regretted it. It just speaks more to me
The Salvi is a gorgeous harp. I love my pedal harp from them and I started on a Salvi Mia and loved it
How lovely, I love both for different reasons
I completely agree, both are great!
Definitely the Dusty. Most definitely.
Oh I agree it’s such a great harp
As another Crescendo player, I really appreciate the mention of the longer legs! I had no idea they were an option but will definitely be looking into them. Cheers!
Another person told me that there’s actually 3 options for legs. Everyday learning something
@@derekharpson great video, by the way, thanks for the comparison. Glad you got the chance to harp-sit for a while . I always enjoy stumbling across new pieces as you do them - I particularly liked Takeda Lullaby, and the piece you played here was lovely as well
Wonderful to hear a comparison of these two! I like them both for different reasons. I appreciate the time you took to with your insights. Your comment about the crescendo taking a lighter touch makes me realize that my playing style.has been heavy/stronger. I need to.go try the crescendo again!
Questions -weight... Comparison? To each other, not a pedal harp 😊
Great point! The Una is slightly heavier at 25 pounds and the Crescendo is about 24 pounds
Great for you to share your thorough insights about these two harps Derek!
I fall for deep rich bass, so my vote goes with the Crescendo.
Great playing, as always!
Awe thanks so much! To be honest I got the idea from your Harp video
@@derekharpson Awe, I am honored!
Hi Derek, thanks so much for this comparison of the Dusty Crescendo and Salvi Una. I too have a Crescendo 5 years old now. I got excited to when I saw you have one too. The Una sounds like it's louder, a bit more stronger dynamic. The Dusty sounds,in my opinion, softer but beautiful. I love the upper register. It sounds so pretty. I also agree about the levers. I have that same experience with the sticky, scratchy sound when lowering mostly the bass levers.
Glad it was helpful! I agree, the una is definitely more loud and direct, I actually preferred the upper range of the Salvi but I think that’s because I easily over play the Dusty’s higher strings
Very interesting, thank you Derek! You have two lovely harps there, and they both sound really good. Personally I prefer the sound of the Crescendo though. From the very beginning of my harp journey, I have had a weakness for that "Dusty sound". I recently purchased my first own harp, it was a huge decision for me. I chose the Dusty FH34S. I'm glad I got it with Camac levers... 😉
Both harps sound really good though, it's a matter of taste. 🙂🎶
The FH line is so gorgeous, do you find the Crescendo is really different? The Dusty sound is definitely amazing. I think Salvi is more geared to pedal harpists who want a Celtic harp
@@derekharpson Oh, that's a very difficult question! 😅 I have never played a Crescendo or heard one live. But it sounds gorgeous! I played a rental Ravenna before purchasing my FH34S, so I can compare those two. I LOVED my Ravenna. At the end I chose between buying my rental Ravenna (it was brand new when I got it one year before) or purchasing a FH34S. There is a difference between these two, but they are both great harps in their respective price ranges. About the Crescendo I can only say it sounds gorgeous. It has that clear, bright, sparkly sound I love so much - with a deep, warm and resonant bass. I love your playing! 🙂🎶
Thank you for this comparison. I appreciate your comments and playing. I have a small, 30 string, harp with concert harp spacing and tension. The only thing I wish I had was more strings! Nevertheless, I know my harp is perfect for me.
That’s what’s really important, any arrangement can be adapted but the connection you have with your harp is key!
Wow very awesome, both were great.
Thanks so much 😊
Lovely comparison, good job Derek! Both harps sounded great, but they both have a different character. When you played the same piece on both harps, it took me to different places each time, if you know what I mean? The Crescendo sounded more mellow and took me to an enchanted forest, the Una was more resonant and reminded me of a glittering lake in the sunlight.
I love the imagery you shared, such a great mental image and one I agree with. I hope to always be in that mellow forest
Oh, I forgot to say that piece you played was so lovely. Your playing was lovely, what was the name of the piece? Great job, and great video!🙂
Thanks so much Jane 😊The piece I’m playing is the first part of Frank Voltz’s Coming Home. It’s such a lovely piece but it’s over 6 minutes to play so I cut it short for the video
Thank you Derek, it sounds so beautiful on the Crescendo. Best Wishes.
The Salvi levers look wonderful. It's the only thing I dislike about my Dusty. The plastic levers are always breaking. Very nice job Derek. Thank you
I haven’t had mine break but a few of them are really stiff in the lower end. Definitely should’ve got the upgraded levers but the Dusty is so great that it’s worth it
Yes, you really have to listen with headphones, really cool
For sure to hear the exact differences
I like the Salvi Una ❤
It’s an awesome harp, I can see why!
Very interesting. I like both! Actually, I think I prefer the Crescendo in the bass and the Una in the treble, but if I had to pick just one, I think it would be the Crescendo due to the warm, resonant low end. The Una just doesn't seem to have the power in the lower frequencies, even though the bell-like clarity is stunning in the treble. (And I agree with the comments about not classifying yourself as a beginner!) I have a large collection of lever harps, including a Dusty Ravenna 34 in gut stringing with Camac levers, a Dusty Boulevard (pedal tension, Loveland levers), a Salvi Gaia 38 (pedal tension), a L&H Prelude 40, a Rees Aberdeen Meadows 36 in the optional lower A-A stringing, multiple Rees double-strung harps (which I LOVE), just to name a few. Beautiful playing, Derek! -Gregg
I’ve always wanted to try a double strung! I hear the Rees line is beautiful. The only thing I’ll say about the Crescendo (at least mine) is that the bass is a bit too strong. I actually have to muffle the sometimes but I do love the warm resonance of the crescendo (if only you could merge them).
@@derekharpson Interesting; I didn't think a harp could have too much bass, haha! I have two preowned Rees floor doubles that are both larger than their current largest double model (Mariposa). Mine are a Double Aberdeen Meadows 36x2, again in the lower A-A stringing, and a Double Corlieu Falls 33x2 (the first one they ever made, owned by Darlene Walton), whose soundbox is larger than their double Mariposa 34x2. I also have a cute little Double Morgan Meghan 27x2, though the tension is nearly as light as their Harpsicles.
I have and love the crescendo mine came with 3 different leg lengths!!! I only need the shortest Agree the levers could be smoother but as an older student love the spacing of the harp Snd having a case is fabulous what is cost difference ?
Oh I do to! The only thing I notice with my Dusty is that it buzzes more (but that’s a me thing rather than the harp haha). So, in Canada both harps are comparable in price (I believe they are about $5500 CAD). The deluxe is definitely more expensive because of the gold and decoration.
I preferred the Dusty Strings. To my surprise.
That’s awesome, always good to be pleasantly surprised
Interesting. I feel the Salvi had more ring to the notes, than the Dusty Strings. I think a lot depends on the type of music you’re interested in playing. In fast passages having that much ring in a harp can muddy the waters, so to speak. They both have beautiful sound though.
For sure! I haven’t play much fast music on it but I imagine that would be a problem. The dusty doesn’t that that issue though
This was great! Very interesting. Love the soft, rounded tones of your Dusty... but yes, it's a very personal thing and the Salvi sounds good too. Is the Dusty, cherry wood? Salvi, mahogany? Just guessing. Finally, if you're still classing yourself as a beginner, Derek... then that makes me a sub-beginner... or a minus beginner?! 😂
So I believe the Una is Red Spruce and the Crescendo is a Finnish Birch. Okay okay deal, maybe I’ll classify my self as an early intermediate (there’s just so much I don’t know).
Thanks so much to you and your friend for this! I have a Dusty Ravenna and I love it but I've definitely noticed that it's harder to make the high strings sound musical when playing forte. Do you happen to know approximately what the price levels are between these harps? And where would you get a case to fit the Salvi correctly?
So base price is relatively the same actually. I’m not sure how much the upgraded levers might be the same as the travel case for the Una. For the case, you can order it from any harp centre that sells Salvi harps, you could also order them direct from Lyon and Healy or Salvi. Hope that helps!
That was really lovely, what song are you playing there?
So this is Coming Home by Frank Voltz
What are the weights of these 2 harps? And is the Salvi harp nylon strings...no gut?
The Una is 25 pounds and the Crescendo is 24 pounds. The Una is nylon strings, no gut strings on either harps
Derek, what is the tune that you were playing? For a moment, I was hearing The Nightingale.
Yes, I think the Nightingale is in the same key. This is Coming Home by Frank Voltz
Did the Salvi have fluorocarbon strings or gut?
So they have nylon strings, no gut strings
You can get the Una with silk gut strings now. That is what was on the Una I tried. I had a Crescendo at that time.
Can you do fast Irish music with ornaments on the Salvi?
I can definitely try, I don’t have anything ready yet but I can learn a simple one for sure
@@derekharpson my point is that it's difficult to do fast Irish ornamentation on a harp with concert tension strings
Sorry, What piece are you playing Derek?
So this is the first page of Frank Voltz’s Coming home. The entire piece is over 6 min so I cut it down a bit to make it more video friendly.
What are the weights of these 2 harps? And is the Salvi harp nylon strings...no gut?
Listing the specs in comments would be helpful. Visual notes.
That’s a great point, thanks for the feedback 😊
Don't know anything about harps but the Dusty sounded richer and natural, the other sounded almost tinny and sterile
Very interesting, glad you liked the Dusty