At Stewart Harps we value our customers. Buying a harp is not an easy choice and there are so many different types of levers harps on the market now. We encourage people to look around and try different harps before making a final decision, and are of course delighted when they choose a Stewart Harp. Read what some of our customers say below. Some of the testimonials are from owner/players and some are from the parents of the young players.
Michael C. - CF34
"I am really pleased with my CF34. Having played mainly a pedal harp before and only “resorting” to a lever harp when I “had to”, that has now changed: I like playing the CF34 in its own right. When I first played it for my online teacher in France, instead of enthusing about my playing, she enthused about my new harp! She liked the look of it, and in particular its sound. Shane in Whangarei and Mandy in Palmerston North(Oceania Harp Studio) have both been so helpful in guiding me through the purchasing process and then getting this lovely instrument delivered. The product and the service are both top tier. "
Denise – Heron 30
"Taking up the harp at 62, meant I had some important requirements in an instrument.
I would only be purchasing one, it needed to be lightly tensioned and manoeuvrable and of course, sound beautiful as I played the Celtic music I love. I looked at several imported harps that met my criteria, but felt disheartened by their tone and finish.
My teacher introduced me to the Heron 30, as a good compromise in size and which met all my needs. I was delighted by the big rich tone that belied its size and surpassed others I had tried – and it was not as expensive as its imported counterparts. The warm colour of the wood offset by the lighter shade of the soundboard was very pleasing. The black carbon fibre detail enables the pillar to be finer, elegant and light weight. I don’t feel I will ever be disappointed or outgrow my new harp
There’s great value in supporting local makers, being able to communicate with Shane has been beneficial and I know ongoing help is readily accessible.
I continue to be enchanted by my beautiful harp."
Catherine – Heron 34
"The process of purchasing a Stewart Harp was a pleasure. Shane's endless enthusiasm for his craft and approachable communication meant that I always felt assured when asking questions and making decisions, up to date about what stage of construction the harp was in, and confident in Shane's eye for detail and exacting workmanship. I was loaned a Heron 26 by my teacher when I first started learning, and though I tested out other brands to help me make an informed decision when I was ready to buy a harp of my own, the experience also showed me how lucky I'd been to have learnt with a Stewart Harp. The quality and warmth of tone, as well as the simple fact of how enjoyable Stewart Harps are to play and handle, made them the obvious choice for me. Besides which, it brought me no small amount of pride to think of purchasing a New Zealand-made harp. I decided on a Heron 34, and not only is it a truly beautiful instrument, but has been the perfect harp to 'grow into' as I've gained experience. For anyone looking for their first or next harp, I couldn't recommend Shane or Stewart Harps enough."
Rowan – Heron 34
"Shane Stewart Harps are beautiful. We are very pleased with quality of harp made by Shane and his professional service.
Although we purchased the harp from outside the North Island, it was well packaged and arrived safely without any damage. Shane has always been quick to answer any queries we have had and acted with integrity. Thank you Shane for your care and attention to detail in the whole process of purchasing and delivery of our harp."
Robyn - CF34
"The harp, particularly the celtic harp, was an instrument I’d always been fascinated with and after a 6 week adult beginner course, I was hooked. I knew that I’d found my new hobby at the age of 52. I wasted no time in researching harps available to buy and ultimately through word of mouth and knowing that buying NZ made was important to me, I discovered the beautiful range of Stewart Harps. Shane contacted a few harpists who had purchased his harps and I was able to go and compare three models. I fell in love with the CF34 and liked the idea it was lighter, looked stunning and had the most beautiful tone. Not only is Shane honest and kind, he is a true craftsman, with a passion for building and innovation. It is evident the pride Shane takes in his work. The detail in every aspect of the construction was impressive. My husband is an engineer and was most impressed with the design and attention to detail. I’m so happy I chose the CF34, how comfortable it feels to play, the gorgeous rich sound it produces and of course how beautiful it looks in my lounge. This is my forever harp and I’m so grateful to Shane and his expertise for making my new found passion a reality."
Simone - Heron 26
''After renting a harp for a number of years, I was finally ready to take the plunge and purchase my own instrument. My teacher recommended Stewart Harps and I'm so glad she did. Shane was lovely to communicate with and very prompt with replying. The craftsmanship of my harp is incredible and sounds amazing to play. If you're ready to get your own harp, I can't recommend Stewart Harps enough.''
Linda B. - Heron 26 and Heron 34
"I am the proud owner of two Stewart Harps -
I love the earthy sounds and folk feel of my Heron 26.
The Heron 34 has a bright and rich tone with versatility in across music genres.
High quality materials and craftsmanship is evident and makes these harps a joy to play and listen to."
Doug M. – Heron 30 and Heron 34
"My daughter Lucy has had two Heron harps, starting with a 30 string and progressing to a 34 string as her playing progressed. When we bought both harps we compared them to other harps of a similar size and the Heron harp always stood out as the fullest tone, bright and balanced across the range. The craftsmanship is outstanding and the innovative use of carbon fibre contributes to the beautiful tone and makes harp light and robust for a busy harpist going to rehearsals and performances. I would thoroughly recommend the Heron harps for as enjoyable and rewarding to play and suitable for performing to the highest level."
Nadia – Heron 30 and CF 34
"Stewart Harps had been highly recommended to me when I was looking for a new harp, and I was really impressed with the quality of craftsmanship and service. I was looking for a harp that was more portable than the larger, heavy harp I currently had, while still having a similar range. Along with being light and easy to move around, the new harp had a really beautiful tone and quickly became my favourite harp to play. Several years later, I am now the very proud owner of two Stewart Harps (Heron-30 and CF-34) and would easily recommend them to anyone seeking a high quality locally made harp. Shane has been really helpful with questions I've had about the harps, and he puts such care into his work. Now it is so much easier for me to transport the harps and enjoy playing music with and for others, and I feel very lucky to get to play such beautiful instruments. "
Glenys - Heron 34
"I purchased my Heron 34 harp over a year ago now and was very happy with the delivery and after sales questions and queries. Shane always replied promptly. My new harp! Well I get to enjoy it nearly every day. It has such a pleasing sound. Even if I play at night, the other members of my household find it gentle and soothing.
I only have to tune it weekly as it's holds it's pitch very well. I am more than happy with it and ma not looking to change anytime soon."
"I purchased my Heron 34 harp over a year ago now and was very happy with the delivery and after sales questions and queries. Shane always replied promptly. My new harp! Well I get to enjoy it nearly every day. It has such a pleasing sound. Even if I play at night, the other members of my household find it gentle and soothing.
I only have to tune it weekly as it's holds it's pitch very well. I am more than happy with it and ma not looking to change anytime soon."
Amelia - Heron 30
"Stewart Harps was recommended to us by our daughter's harp teacher. Shane was wonderful to deal with - friendly, professional, knowledgeable and helpful. He made the process so easy even though we were buying remotely. Our daughter's Heron 30 is a beautiful instrument with a lovely tone and we are still delighted with it. We have no hesitation recommending Stewart Harps to other harpists who are looking for a top-notch instrument with excellent craftmanship accompanied by outstanding service."
"Stewart Harps was recommended to us by our daughter's harp teacher. Shane was wonderful to deal with - friendly, professional, knowledgeable and helpful. He made the process so easy even though we were buying remotely. Our daughter's Heron 30 is a beautiful instrument with a lovely tone and we are still delighted with it. We have no hesitation recommending Stewart Harps to other harpists who are looking for a top-notch instrument with excellent craftmanship accompanied by outstanding service."