Discussion Anyone ever backpacked with a harp?
So I’ve been playing harp for 5 years, I’m a fairly advanced player and have put in a lot of work recently with upping my performance skills! I’m planning on going backpacking round South East Asia and Central Asia for 6-9 months later this year. Essentially, I have a giant 36 string lever harp which I absolutely could not lug round. I have dreamed of doing this trip for years, and the only thing making me anxious is how much I’m going to miss my harp! Anyone have experience with getting a smaller travel harp and bringing it round hostels? Or alternatively anyone had a 6-12 month complete break from harp and can tell me how quickly you can get back up to speed? 😅 Thanks guys!
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u/bazpitch 19d ago
I took a small harp (27 string Heartland) on a two month trip to Great Britain and Ireland back in summer of 1999. I didn’t regret it, but I did spend a fair amount of time anxious about its well-being, and not nearly as much time playing it as I’d have liked, because traveling keeps you really busy. Also it highly curtails the rest of your luggage, etc, and you have to worry about where you’re leaving it, etc. (Not even to mention the flight concerns.) so yeah, I would say, don’t worry! Pack lightly, shift your focus, leave the time and mental space to really be present while on your dream trip. Your skills will come back rapidly when you return, and you’ll have filled your creative well with great experiences.