Camac Odyssey 27-string lever harp review

Full review

The Odyssey is Camac's smallest student lever harp and a sensible first harp for children or for adults who are not yet sure they will stick with it. At 99 cm tall and 5.9 kg with levers, it can sit on a stool or table and be carried in one hand.

Camac builds it with a spruce soundboard and a maple and beech body, the same recipe as its larger Hermine. It is strung with Camac Celtic nylon in a light, folk-style tension, which is gentle on the fingertips and makes the harp responsive. The 27 strings cover A1 to C27, roughly four octaves.

The important thing is to buy the version with levers. Camac sells the Odyssey with or without them, and without levers you are stuck in one key unless you retune. Waltons in Ireland lists it with levers and feet. You can also choose a low base or higher legs.

The trade-off is range. Many teachers want a 34-string harp by the time a student reaches intermediate pieces, so think of the Odyssey as a first harp or a second, portable harp. Camac does not state which case or cover is included, so ask the dealer.