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 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
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.
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 😊
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! 🙂🎶
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.
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
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
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.
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!
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
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!
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).
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.
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!
Definitely the Dusty. Most definitely.
Oh I agree it’s such a great harp
How lovely, I love both for different reasons
I completely agree, both are great!
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.
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
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.
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
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
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! 🙂🎶
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
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
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
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!
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!
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
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!
Wow very awesome, both were great.
Thanks so much 😊
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).
Yes, you really have to listen with headphones, really cool
For sure to hear the exact differences
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 like the Salvi Una ❤
It’s an awesome harp, I can see why!
That was really lovely, what song are you playing there?
So this is Coming Home by Frank Voltz
I preferred the Dusty Strings. To my surprise.
That’s awesome, always good to be pleasantly surprised
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
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
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
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?
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
Listing the specs in comments would be helpful. Visual notes.
That’s a great point, thanks for the feedback 😊