Whurlitzer Harp with 7 pedals

<p>I learned to play on a Wurlitzer 46 string harp. Mine was built about 1910, and we sold it in 1970 for @$7,000. Some harpists consider the Wurlitzer a second-rate harp, it sometimes has a tinny sound compared to a Salvi or Lyon &amp; Healy. They often turn sharp and need to be retuned during a concert or long session.</p><p>Condition and tone are everything in setting the value of the instrument. Look closely at the sounding board for checks and cracks. Look at the base of the board to see if it has pulled up any from the base. Check teh neck, the layered curved piece which rests near the shoulder when the harp is in play. Be sure teh neck is not starting to twist. Work the pedals through the three positions. Do they move easily and set into each place well? Watch the disks move against the strings as you move the pedals. Are all the disks intact? The gold gilt on the column is typical and generally doesnt affect the quality, but it may need to be regilted for looks. </p><p>Play it! Or have an experienced harpist play it. Listen for a fullness of tone, good resonance, compare its sound to harp recordings. The condition and age of the strings will affect its value, as is using the correct wire/nylon/ or synthetic gut strings in the correct gauge for each position.</p><p>If you do not see visible checks or cracks, no twists, the mechanics are good adn the tone is nice, it may be well worth having it appraised before selling. I do not know of any harp appraisers in OR but there are some in CA. Ask a store that specializes in orcehstral instruments. I sold violins for years, harps are very similar in things to look at. </p><p>Odd thing about harps and water, I have heard of a harp colony in northern WI that hauls harps out to a camp on an island on pontoon boats too. Humidity is hard on harps, it may have affected the condition of your harp. Keeping it tuned and well played will help to maintain its tone. Enjoy it, a great family legacy. Good luck! </p>