Serrana 34

With light tension, close string spacing, and a big, responsive sound, the Serrana is catching the fancy of players across a variety of genres who want a harp that is easy on the hands and very satisfying to play, not to mention under 20 pounds! While it's proving to have a wider appeal than initially expected, Dusty Strings is excited about its original purpose as a much-needed resource for school mariachi programs.

These programs are known to be valuable educational, musical, and cultural experiences for the students involved. Harp has traditionally been an important part of the mariachi ensemble, but we've heard over and over again how difficult it is for music educators to find harps that meet all their needs. Traditional look, feel, and sound are important, and so are durability, sharping levers, and tuning stability. Add to that the limits of a school budget, and it becomes quite a challenge for a school program to incorporate harp.

After learning about the power of these programs, Dusty Strings was inspired to create a model that speaks to this need. They combined time-tested elements of the Ravenna 34 with a new neck, a carbon fiber pillar, and a string set with the lighter tension and closer spacing of the mariachi style. The result is a big, open voice on a very portable, sturdy, and affordable harp that can handle the everyday bumps and bruises of the school environment.

The Serrana 34 comes with a full set of Loveland levers, a deluxe padded case, and two extendable legs for easy adjustability between sitting and standing. Designed to be carried by the carbon fiber pillar and laid on its back while the legs are deployed, the harp has protective scuff pads on all the contact points.

With the optional professional-level Dusty Harp Pickup, the Serrana has a huge amplified sound and a lot of versatility. The pickup can be installed when the harp is ordered, or purchased later as an add-on kit. It's the ideal setup for being heard in an ensemble.

The Serrana is available in burgundy or black. Both options have a natural soundboard. There is also the option to add a four-legged stand with 5-inch, 8-inch, or 12-inch legs.

Range

• 34 strings
• 4¾ octaves
• Low: C two octaves below middle C
• High: A 2¾ octaves above middle C

String composition

• Treble and upper mid-range: nylon monofilament
• Lower mid-range: nylon core with nylon wrap
• Bass: nylon core with wire wrap

Sharping levers

• Full set of Loveland levers

Materials

• Soundboard: laminated Finland birch with clear finish
• Soundbox: laminated Finland birch with burgundy-lacquered ash-grained vinyl veneer
• Neck: laminated Finland birch with burgundy lacquer
• Pillar: carbon fiber

Weight

• Harp: 19½ pounds including legs
• Case adds approximately 7 pounds
• Optional stand adds approximately 3 pounds

Approximate Dimensions

• Height at back of harp: 43 inches
• Height at front of harp: 49 inches
• Legs add up to 17 inches
• Maximum soundbox width: 13 inches
• Widest part of harp (front to back): 26 inches
• Base (front to back): 9.5 inches
• Base (side to side): 15 inches

String Spacing

This is a little narrower than "concert spacing," which is most noticeable in the higher strings.

• Lowest octave: just under 4-1/4 inches
• Highest octave: just under 3-1/4 inches