Tamsin Dearnley

Renting a harp is an affordable way to begin playing, and there are a number of different options available depending on your location and budget. In the UK, the Clarsach Society has a number of harps available to hire extremely reasonably (usually around £25 a month with a one-time joining/admin fee of around £40 (please check their website for the most up-to-date prices).

Most harp makers will also rent out harps, and will often deduct a proportion of the rental amount from the sale price should you decide to buy the instrument. This is a slightly more expensive way of hiring an instrument than going through the Clarsach Society (on average £45 - £60 a month, plus deposits/fees as set by the harpmaker), but has the advantage of providing you with a new (or nearly new) harp of excellent quality and letting you try out a particular make/model that interests you. Additionally, if you fall in love with your hire harp, there is always the option of purchasing it!

Here is a (non-exhaustive) list of reputable harpmakers/retailers with harp rental options:

Teifi Harps
Pilgrim Harps
Camac Harps/Telynau Vining
Clive Morley Harps

Private rental

You can also hire a harp privately from a harpist or harp teacher - teachers in particular will often keep student harps for this very purpose. We're a pretty friendly bunch, so never be afraid to just send a message asking for advice!

I also have a number of harps available for hire - please contact me if you are interested.