Carrying Harps - was Courtly behaviour

[Barbara Bilodeau <carthew@mindspring.com>]

Poster: Barbara Bilodeau <carthew@mindspring.com>


Kevin of Thornbury wrote:

> I have been rebuked numerous times for offering to carry harps.  I take
> these in stride, of course.  I imagine someone's harp is not unlike
> their child.  (And I imagine harps are quite expensive, too.)

Gee, no one should ever be rebuked for an offer.  Kevin, I hope if you ever
offered to me and I said "no thanks" it wasn't done rudely!
I'm probably one of those who doesn't let someone carry my harps until I know
them well enough to be sure they respect the instrument.  Its not quite as
much an issue with my newest harp, as it has a nice padded case, but my other
large harp was usually carried with just a blanket wrapped around it, so it
was at more risk.  Just because someone is a "beast of burden" and is kind
enough to offer help, doesn't mean I can be sure they won't grab it in a way
that would put the neck, strings, pins, etc in danger.  If its going to get
knocked into a door jam, might as well let me do it.  (hey, even Tirloch
doesn't move my harps much!)

> So, harpists - what's the rule of thumb?  I'm 6'6" and can easy lift any
> harp you'd carry.  Should I start asking again?  I have completely
> stopped at this point.

Feel free to ask!  But, since some of us get rather protective, don't be
offended if we say "no."  On the other hand, usually when I have my harp, I
also have two or three bags of music, instrument and music stands, and other
less-delicate items.  I'd always be happy to have someone lug those for me!
Best wishes,
Anne.


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