How Much Does a Harp Cost in Australia? | Prices for Beginners to Professionals

How Much Does a Harp Cost in Australia?

The harp is often seen as a beautiful but expensive instrument, and many families wonder whether it is affordable to learn. The truth is that there are now a wide range of harp options available in Australia, from beginner instruments through to professional concert harps and options from buying to hiring. 

If you’re considering starting the harp, here’s a clear guide to what you can expect to pay.

Entry level Harp Prices

For students and beginners, lever harps are the most common starting point.

In Australia, reputable brands of beginner harps typically start from:

  • $4000

These harps are designed for learning and often include:

  • 25–30 strings

  • lightweight and portable designs

  • simple lever systems

 

Student / 34 string + Harp Prices

As students develop, they often move to a larger harp with more range and flexibility. Many teachers, however suggest that students skip the smaller harps altogether and go for a harp with 34 strings or above as gives them the flexibility to learn for several years. 

Intermediate lever harps usually range from:

  • $7500 – $9000

These instruments typically include:

  • 34+ strings

  • full lever systems

  • improved tone and projection

A harp in this range can comfortably support many years of playing.

Professional Harp Prices

Professional harps, including pedal harps and high-end lever harps, are a significant investment.

Prices generally range from:

  • $9000 – $38000+

These instruments are used by:

  • advanced students

  • teachers

  • professional performers

They offer the full musical range and highest level of craftsmanship.

Hiring a Harp vs Buying

For many beginners, hiring a harp is a practical way to start.

Harp hire allows you to:

  • begin learning without a large upfront cost. You can hire for less than $50 a week which is a reasonable option for most students. 

  • try the instrument before committing

  • upgrade easily as the student progresses

  • Explore our harp hire options 

Buying becomes a better option once the student is committed and ready for a long-term instrument.

What Affects the Price of a Harp?

Several factors influence harp pricing:

  • Number of strings (more strings generally means a higher cost)

  • Quality and number of levers

  • Materials used (wood, strings, and overall craftsmanship)

  • Brand and build quality

  • Lever or pedal system

  • Country of manufacture

Well-known harp makers such as, Dusty Strings, Lyon & Healy, and Salvi often sit in higher price ranges due to their quality and consistency. 

Are there cheaper options for buying harps?

The short answer is yes, but they may or may not be the best option for you. 

  • Second-hand harps can offer good value and are often perfectly suitable for learning. It is worth asking, however, whether the harp has been recently serviced or regulated. While a lack of servicing does not automatically make a harp unsuitable, it is important to be aware of potential issues such as damaged soundboards, worn pins, or warped neck angles that can develop over time.

  • Lower-cost harps (often made in Pakistan) are a budget-friendly option and can be enjoyable for casual playing. However, students taking lessons will usually outgrow these instruments relatively quickly and may need to upgrade to a harp with a more developed soundboard and overall setup.

  • Harps made by smaller or boutique makers can provide a good balance of value and sound quality. The main considerations here are warranty support and the availability of replacement strings, as non-standard models can sometimes be more difficult to maintain over time.

While every new learner is in a different position and there is no single right or wrong approach, many players choose to begin by hiring a harp and then move on to purchasing their own instrument once they are confident they would like to continue learning.

Is the Harp Worth the Cost?

While the harp can seem expensive, it is also a long-term instrument. A well-chosen harp can last for many years, often supporting a student from beginner through to advanced playing.

Because harpists are less common than other instrumentalists, students who continue often find unique musical opportunities as they progress.

Getting Started with the Right Harp

With more options available in Australia than ever before, learning the harp is now much more accessible. Whether you choose to hire or buy, starting with the right instrument makes a big difference to a student’s experience.

 Browse our lever harps for sale in Australia to find the right instrument for your needs.

 

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