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The Swan (See Cygnet, Serenade and Gemini below)

1996: When I first met Dave Thormahlen at the Vermont Harp Conference it was love at first sight (with the harps!) Compared to my other harps, it was like silk.
- Cynthia Lynn Douglass, Georgia, (with her Maple Swan)

2005: "When I first played on my new Swan, I felt like I'd come out of the desert and into an oasis of beauty, both in sound and in quality. While I have owned a few Thormahlen harps over the last 10 years, being without one for two years made me appreciate Dave's work even more. Never have I been moved to tears when hearing a new harp, but today was an exception. Thank you, Dave and Sharon, for your magnificent work."
- Cynthia Lynn Douglass, Alabama, (Cynthia has a new Cherry Swan)

I have a maple nylon-strung Swan 36 and love it. It's the best lever harp I've played. Thanks for building such great harps!
- Jan Jennings, Florida

When Jan received a new Serenade, she said: "It's so adorable!"

I play a Thormahlen Harp because it plays itself and reminds me of the reason I am a harpist. After studying pedal harp for more than 10 years, the Thormahlen Harp is my dream harp.
- Laura Zaerr, Oregon (with her Mahogany Swan below, Mahogany Cygnet, right, and her new Koa Swan Deluxe, lower right)

What a harp! It has a beautiful shape, rounded with care and love:
I let my fingers run over the neck and it seems I'm touching a silky skin. It's lighter than my old harp. And the sound! So loud, so sparkling, so sweet. (Even better than on the phone). Also my tuner noticed it: the needle was precise and not oscillating. I'm really happy to have a harp like this. I'm eager to learn to play better and to make beautiful songs. I really want to thank you from the bottom of my heart to let me have an instrument so enchanting.
- Marta Luchi, Italy (with her Koa Swan)

I, like many others, am the happy owner of a Thormahlen Swan. It's koa, with folk gut strings, and a sound I can only describe as "smoky." That's what really grabbed me - I had to have one. It stays in tune very well, even outside at the beach. It's lovely to look at (mine has a narrow band of abalone around the soundbox that adds a little "twinkle") and the staved back is very comfortable. It actually fits in my Honda Civic 2 door.
- Cornelia Van Aken, California (with her new Koa Swan)

My harp arrived, and he is beautiful! I knew he would sound wonderful, but I wasn't prepared for how beautiful the wood work is. I appreciate your attention to detail and your high standards. The way you worked with the grain of the wood is masterful. The inlay work is perfect. I don't see or feel a flaw.
- Kilian Metcalf, Arizona

Kilian's Walnut Swan with pearl inlay. This photo will have to do until she sends me a photo of her.

I, too, fell in love with the Swan and had to have one! It is the most beautiful harp.....the craftmanship is outstanding...but it is the tone that sold me. Everything I play sounds lovely! In fact, I can't stop playing!!! The sound is addicting! Not only do I have a gorgeous harp, but I feel like I'm part of the Thormahlen family. Sharon was so accomodating and helpful playing harps made out of different woods...the mahagony gave me goose bumps every time! She was very patient and answered all of my questions.  I am also in love with Sharon's original compositions...I ordered all three books along with my harp and they are wonderful! Thank you for making my harp dreams come true!
- Lynne, Connecticut (with a Mahogany Swan).

And by the way, Lynne is 5 feet tall and she has found the Swan to be "very comfortable and manageable to carry around."

I have been SO thrilled with my 36 string Thormahlen! The more so after my 1-yr. old granddaughter broke it, and I had to ship it back for repair. David Thormahlen is a genius! I cannot even tell WHERE it was broken now! But what I did not know when I bought the harp, was that I was also getting the music I have been looking for for years!  Sharon's music is not only unintimidating to learn and memorize but it is BEAUTIFUL! I like to say it is "simple" but NOT "simplistic"....her melodies are fascinating and just plain lovely!
- Peggy Glenn, North Carolina (with her Zircote Swan)

I just wanted you to know that a few weeks ago, I tried one of your Swan harps, and I need to tell you that it is without doubt one of the nicest instruments I have ever experienced. I can only remember one other pedal harp that had the same effect on me. I sat down to play it and immediately it felt like an extension of me. I bought it on the spot for a friend who has a very keen ear and sense of beauty and she is truly in love with it. I extracted the promise that were she ever to sell it, I had first dibs. What a beautiful, responsive harp. Thank you.
- Stephanie Curcio, New Hampshire

What an extraordinary harp. I have a Thormahlen that I absolutely love. I can yank the strings hard when I need to, and they respond very easily to a light touch as well. Everywhere I have taken this harp people (harpists and non-harpists alike) have oohed and ahhed about the sound. I have also recorded with this harp and it held it's tuning great for some rather lengthy sessions. I'd sell my pedal harp before I'd part with mine. It is by far my favorite harp (my pedal harp is jealous!). I can't recommend the harp highly enough, it's Awesome!
- Andra Bohnet, Alabama

We just shipped a Cherry Cygnet to Andra to add to her harp collection.

I wanted to let you know how much I am loving my harp.  When deciding what harp to purchase I did a lot of research, played a lot of different harps, and also talked with a lot of different people. After having decided to purchase your Koa Swan, I must say that I am happier that I even expected to be. It is a breathtaking work of art, and more importantly it sounds and plays beautifully. I really appreciate your taking all the time with me that you did in helping to answer all my questions, and discuss with me all my possible options. You really did help guide me exactly to the harp I was hoping for.                          I love the way the gut strings feel and sound. They have a very rich full sound without any of the "twang" that I hear in most nylon strung harps. The feel is incredibly "smooth." I have no problem whatsoever playing for hours and hours without my fingers getting tired or worn out even in the slightest I had only been playing the harp for about 6 months prior to the time when my Thormahlen harp arrived, but as soon as I started playing it, it was as if I suddenly had been given 6 free months of practice for nothing. I played clearer, faster, more accurately, and with a much more pure sound simply because your harp was so natural in my hands. It was a perfect fit.                               I had read some of your reviews stating that your harps tend to hold their pitch well. Here is what I found: after about two months of playing your harp every day (and not tuning it, because I am so lazy) I decided to tune both my harps so that my wife and I could play together. Even after two months there were only about 5 strings that even needed to be tuned at all (and I was using an electric tuner to verify it was in tune). Amazing if you ask me. Anyway, I cant say enough good things about the harp, and want to thank you again for all you did in order to get it to me. 
- Ryan and Kelly Melville, Texas (pictured is Jae Morgon, who is Ryan and Kelly's son)

I want to thank you one more time for my beautiful harp. Even when not playing, simply looking at my harp in the living room has provided a wonderful aesthetic calm for me. Everyone comments on what a beautiful instrument it is! Oh and thank you one more time for providing me with the method of removing paint from the finish after my cats knocked it over and against a wall. Sigh. They are VERY active cats and they are fascinated with the harps. For a while I had to keep towels stuffed into the openings in the soundboard because they wanted to climb in. When I play, they come and listen. It is adorable.
- Susan Spencer, Oregon

See Susan's Cat Cards at www.clawsandeffects.com

I received my Koa Swan yesterday - yippee! When I took the harp out of its case, I stood there speechless just admiring the beauty of the harp! I was in awe of the beautiful Koa wood, the Cedar soundboard veneer, and the gorgeous abalone inlay around the soundboard and down the T-brace. I tuned the harp so I could hear her sing. What a gorgeous tone! Every note just rang like a bell as I tuned the harp. When I played the harp, the tone and resonance was absolutely heavenly! I had to tend to some chores, but I kept peeking in the room where the harp was just to make sure that it was really there and was really mine! I am in awe of such beautiful craftsmanship, the precision and perfection of the abalone inlay, and the stunning tone. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!! 
- Cynthy Johnson, Virginia (Cynthy's Koa Swan Deluxe)

You'll also see Cynthy below with her Cherry Cygnet

Dear Sharon and Dave, now that I have been playing my Swan for a month, I'd like to tell you of my experience with it. I don't yet have a picture of me with the harp, but will forward one to you when I can.

Playing my new koa Swan harp has been a deep and poignant delight, for my mind and heart, and especially for my soul. Each note I pluck feels alive and resonant under my fingers. My new harp has an incredible dynamic range and sensitivity to my touch. The mellow depth of tone in the folk gut strings sings through my bones and body, creating a feeling of reverence and awe--I never knew my music could sound so moving and expressive.
In addition, this instrument is beautifully crafted. The harp's woods and design meld to demonstrate artistry at its finest, even down to the bear claw marks on the soundboard! Thank you for bringing such an amazing harp into my life.
Jennifer Pratt-Walter, Oregon

My beautiful harp arrived yesterday. What a gift you have to be able to create an instrument that not only looks beautiful but sounds beautiful too. I even enjoyed tuning it. :-) The inlay is so lovely and so perfectly done. I hope you have some idea of the joy you bring to others lives by the work of your hands. This is my forever harp and hopefully at least one of my grandchildren will play and then one of their children and so on. I can't thank you enough...my Swan is just perfect in every way!
- Judith Rathbone, Georgia

When I was in the hospital, my husband brought to me a dear friend: my Cygnet harp, Lucia. She was (and still is) such a comfort. I played her whenever I could. I must tell you the patient in the next room who had Alzheimer's, was very noisy yelling and screaming, not really knowing where she was and what was happening to her. I would play my harp and she quieted right down. It was better than the any drug the nurses could have given her!! Her husband thanked me, the nurses thanked me. I was told my harp was  wonderful by so many doctors and nurses!!! I created a soothing comforting and healing atmosphere with my Lucia.
- Pam Travis, Washington (with her Cherry Cygnet)

Pam's Cherry Cygnet has a sister Cygnet in Koa, so there are 2 Cygnets at Pam's house.

My harp, "Little Sister," lives in the family room and I sit with her in front of the TV, noodling during commercials. I can't resist striking an arpeggio as I'm walking by, letting the ringing follow me when I'm about my business. And this seems to be catching. Both of my kids can't resist her, either. I LOVE having a bass and the ability to change keys without retuning the harp. And the rich, mellow tone is so calming. Even though I'm still a beginner, Little Sister's tone calms even me while I'm playing. I've learned that harp therapy is not only for the sick and stressed listener but also for the player. She is my respite. Thank you for making a wonderful and beautiful harp.
- Lynne from New Jersey (with her maple Cygnet)

Thank you, thank you. My new harp is TRULY A WORK OF HEART!
- Donna Cribbs (her new cherry Cygnet with our new oval heron inlay)

I am sooooooo thrilled!! I now have a beautiful folk gut strung Cherry Cygnet. I have so very much missed playing my L&H Style 23 Concert Grand, and had to sell it because of the advancing osteo-arthritis in my hands, but the Cygnet is that and more with out the high tension!! The tone is so lush, rich, and warm!! I am so excited to have it right before my busy season. The harp is beautiful to look at and the tone is awesome!!! What a wonderful harp you all make!!
- Cynthy Johnson, Virginia (Cynthy and her Cherry Cygnet)

See Cynthy with her Koa Swan above

On February 14, Joanna sent this to the harplist:

I would like to send an e-Valentine out to Dave and Sharon.
Thanks Dave for making those gorgeous harps!!! Everywhere I go with my cherry Cygnet 36, someone always says "Hey, that harp looks like a heart! How do you get all that music out of that little harp?" Somehow, Dave knows how to build a small, light harp with a huge, lush sound....and everytime I call Sharon with another dumb question, she is always gracious and helpful. I love you guys!!!! Oh, and by the way it's just the right height so I can look over her cute little neck and see everyone in the room. She sang beautifully at my Valentines day gig. I just love my little Cygnet!
- Joanna Mell, Pennsylvania (You may have noticed Joanna up above in the Swan section and you'll see her below in the Serenade section as well).

I am enjoying my Bubinga Cygnet so much! I receive compliments on its lovely tone at harp circle meetings and from my teacher whenever she plays it. My dog and cat faithfully curl up as close to the harp as I will allow them to while I play. At the end of my practice time, I can never resist playing just one more arpeggio to prolong the harp magic!
- Tabitha Brecke, Arizona

My daughter Nicole loves her new indigo Serenade dearly. It has the most beautiful tone - and there's no problem with volume - it's loud!
- Jennifer Wong, Pennsylvania (Nicole with her indigo Serenade)

Just wanted to let you know we are enjoying the harp. My daughter Laura has performed on it the last 2 weekends - once for a youth convention of about 1500 teens, and then last weekend for a Christmas party for a Christian Bikers Club - a very interesting crowd, but they loved the harp and gave her a standing ovation! We have had lots of compliments on how pretty the harp is, with the black color, and the pearl. Have a great Christmas.
- Vicky Stanifer, Indiana (Laura with her Black Pearl Serenade)

I want to let you know how pleased I am with the new Serenade harp. It is exceeding my expectations, and I am now thinking that a Cygnet might be the next harp in my future! I am amazed at how Dave is able to get such a great sound out of such a small instrument. I have been singing its praises to all of my harp colleagues and will probably use this harp for some upcoming concerts I have.
- R. Barnwell, Georgia (Mr. Barnwell already owns one of our Swan harps and now has a Sereande. If he ever gets a Cygnet, he will be the first to own a whole family of Thormahlens).

Mr. Barnwell is playing Julianne's harp in this photo.

I got the Serenade!!! I LOOOOVVVEEEE IT! It is as close to the perfect harp as one can get. I can't believe how resonant and full the tone is - wow! And it arrived in great condition. I am very impressed with DHL. A driver brought it right to my front door in a van. Great service. I am extremely pleased with the harp and am looking forward to two more at least - my student already has put her ibby dibs on the next one. When can I get it?
- Joanna Mell, Pennsylvania

Thank you so much for your perfect customer service. It makes me proud to own a Thormahlen Harp. You are sooo kind. I play my harp all the time. I played for an 84 year young friend who just had pancreatic cancer surgery. I know that she and her hospital room-mate were deeply appreciative of the wonderful tone and healing vibration. Her only regret was that her husband of 59 years was at home and missed the concert!
- Dustin Ebesu, Hawaii

My Serenade harp arrived today and I instantly fell in love with it. It has a tremendous sound, is easy to play, and is light weight (which is important to me). And I'm so glad I decided on the black one....I think it's exquisite. My husband, who didn't see the need for me to buy another harp, is equally pleased with it. Although he knows nothing about harps and music, he also loves the sound of the harp and he raved about the workmanship. He even insisted that he do the dishes after dinner so I could go play the new harp for him. I'm so glad I decided to purchase a Serenade...I will highly recommend them to my harp friends. Thanks so much for producing such a wonderful instrument.
- Avalon Berkebile, Maryland

I have been so busy playing my new Serenade harp! After telling myself I didn't feel well, I called in sick to work, but truthfully, I think I just wanted to spend some quality time with my harp! I love it. The sound just fills me, and I've been having so much fun playing new and old pieces with bass notes!!! Thank you again, so much!
- Barbara Von Behren, Oregon

“Thormahlen is truly a leader in lever harp construction. I recently bought my Gemini Swan which has both clarity and depth of tone throughout the range of the harp. The sound is warm and sweet. One of the few full sized double strung harps, it has unique harmonic capabilities that are completely different from my pedal harp. The wood is remarkable and beautiful to look at, and the sound projects very well. You can’t go wrong with a Thormahlen.”
- Julieanne Rabens, Illinois (Julie with her Gemini 72 Double Swan)

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