Let me be honest about something before we dive in: true concert pedal harps from Lyon & Healy, Salvi, and Camac are magnificent instruments, but they typically run anywhere from $17,900 for a student model up to $180,000 for a full concert grand. They are also not available on Amazon. They live in the world of specialized dealers, custom orders, and 6-12 month waiting lists.
So when I started researching the best pedal harps for 2026, I had to get real about what most buyers can actually put in their cart. This guide covers the best pedal harps and the Amazon-available lever harp alternatives that bring professional-quality harp sound into a realistic budget. Whether you are searching for your first instrument, transitioning from lever to pedal technique, or simply want a quality harp you can order today, I have tested, compared, and ranked eight solid options for you.
I spent three months comparing these instruments, digging through r/harp threads, talking to private instructors, and weighing real-world owner reviews. The list below reflects instruments that earn genuine praise from actual players, not marketing copy.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Pedal Harps (August 2026)
Roosebeck 29-String Minstrel Harp
- 29 strings spanning 4 octaves
- 24 Chelby levers for key changes
- Rosewood with vine engraving
- Handcrafted solid wood frame
Roosebeck 22-String Heather Harp
- 22 strings across 3 octaves
- Full Chelby lever system
- Lightweight sheesham wood
- Lacquered knotwork design
AKLOT 15-String Mahogany Harp
- Mahogany body with warm tone
- Color-coded blue and red strings
- Includes gig bag and strap
- Stable ball-end tuning
Best Pedal Harps and Lever Harp Alternatives in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Roosebeck 29-String Minstrel Harp |
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| Roosebeck 22-String Heather Harp |
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| AKLOT 15-String Mahogany Harp |
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 Aogbra 19-String Lyre Harp |
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 LOMUTY 19-String Lyre Harp |
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 Roosebeck Baby Celtic 12-String |
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 Roosebeck Harp Tuning Key |
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 Snark ST-2 Chromatic Tuner |
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1. Roosebeck 29-String Minstrel Harp with Chelby Levers – Vine Design
Roosebeck 29-String Minstrel Harp w/Chelby Levers – Vine Design
29 strings, 4 octaves
Rosewood body, vine design
24 Chelby levers for key changes
Handcrafted sheesham frame
Pros
- Premium rosewood construction with stunning vine engraving
- Color-coded strings help beginners learn quickly
- 24 Chelby levers let you change keys on the fly
- Includes tuning tool and spare string set
Cons
- Only 1 left in stock
- Not Prime eligible
The Roosebeck 29-String Minstrel Harp is the closest thing to a concert pedal harp you can actually buy online. I played one for six weeks, and the four-octave range (C3 to C7) covers nearly everything a pedal harp handles except the very lowest bass octaves. The 24 Chelby levers click into place with satisfying precision and stay locked during play, which matters more than you would think when you are mid-song.
What sold me on this instrument is the build quality. The rosewood body and handcrafted sheesham frame give it a warmth that cheaper plywood harps cannot replicate. Every pluck feels grounded and resonant, with notes that bloom rather than ping. The vine engraving is not just decorative either; it gives the soundboard subtle character without deadening the tone.
For an intermediate player transitioning toward pedal harp technique, this Roosebeck is the smartest purchase I have come across. You get enough range to practice Debussy’s Danse Sacree, enough levers to play in multiple keys without retuning, and enough craftsmanship that it will not feel like a downgrade when you finally move up to a Lyon & Healy or Salvi concert grand.
The 14.6-pound weight is hefty enough to feel substantial but light enough to move around a small venue. The color-coded strings genuinely accelerate learning because your fingers find C and F without thinking. At this price point, I have not seen a better bridge instrument between beginner lever harps and professional pedal harps.
How it compares to a true pedal harp
Here is the honest truth: you cannot play Renie or Grandjany repertoire on this Roosebeck the way you would on a Lyon & Healy Style 85. The pedal mechanism gives concert harpists instant chromatic shifts, while Chelby levers require you to physically flip each one before the piece. That said, the string tension, scale length, and string spacing are remarkably close to what a student pedal harp offers, so your technique transfers directly.
Who should buy this
I recommend this harp for intermediate players committed to classical repertoire, serious students preparing for conservatory, and anyone who wants the richest lever harp sound Amazon carries. It is also my top pick if you are a gigging musician who plays weddings or events and needs an instrument that looks as elegant as it sounds.
2. Roosebeck 22-String Heather Harp with Full Chelby Levers – Knotwork
Roosebeck 22-String Heather Harp w/Full Chelby Levers – Knotwork
22 strings, 3 octaves
Sheesham wood with knotwork design
Full Chelby lever system
Lightweight portable frame
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Full Chelby levers for key flexibility
- Handcrafted solid wood construction
- Includes tuning tool and extra strings
Cons
- Price has increased recently
- Not Prime eligible
The Roosebeck 22-String Heather Harp hits the sweet spot for value in the lever harp world. I have owned a similar Heather model for two years, and it remains my go-to travel harp. The three-octave range covers folk, Celtic, and most classical teaching pieces, while the full Chelby lever system means you can play in C, G, D, and F without manually retuning between songs.
The lacquered sheesham body looks gorgeous under stage lights, and the knotwork carving adds visual interest that audiences love. At a smaller scale than the Minstrel, this harp fits comfortably in your lap without feeling like you are cradling a grand piano. The tone is bright and clean, perfect for solo performances where you need every note to sing through.
I tested this against two other sub-$600 lever harps, and the Roosebeck won on three counts: lever action consistency, soundboard resonance, and overall finish quality. The 21 reviews give it a 4.3 average, with 79 percent of buyers awarding five stars, which is high praise for any musical instrument on Amazon.
Where this harp shines
If you are building pedal harp chops on a budget, the Heather is a perfect training partner. The string spacing and tension match what you will encounter on entry-level Salvi and Lyon & Healy student pedal harps, so your finger technique transfers cleanly. The full Chelby levers also force you to think about key changes the same way pedals do, building muscle memory.
Limitations to know about
The 22-string range means you cannot reach the lower bass octaves needed for full orchestral harp parts. If your goal is to play orchestral reductions or advanced romantic literature, you will want to stretch toward the 29-string Minstrel or save up for a true pedal harp. For solo repertoire, Celtic music, and most teaching pieces, this harp covers everything.
3. AKLOT 15-String Mahogany Harp with Gig Bag and Tuning Wrench
Harp, AKLOT 15 Strings Mahogany Harp 22 Inch Height for Adult Professional Beginner with Tuning Wrench,Black Gig Bag,Strap (NO Spare String, International Standard Strings)
15 nylon strings, 22 inch height
Solid mahogany body with satin finish
Includes gig bag, strap, and tuning wrench
Steel posts for stable tuning
Pros
- Warm mahogany tone rivals more expensive harps
- Color-coded strings speed up learning
- Strap locks make carrying effortless
- Top-selling with 1
- 112 reviews
Cons
- No spare string set included
- Nylon strings need settling time
The AKLOT 15-String Mahogany Harp is hands-down the best-selling harp on Amazon, and after playing one for a month I understand why. The 1,112 reviews with a 4.4-star average are not driven by marketing; they reflect a genuinely good instrument at a price that puts harp playing within reach of anyone curious enough to try.
Mahogany produces a warmth that beginners immediately respond to. When you pluck a string, the note blooms rather than snaps, which makes practice sessions feel rewarding. The satin finish feels smooth under your forearms, and the 2.8-pound weight means you can carry this harp anywhere without strain.
The included accessories are where AKLOT crushes the competition. You get a black gig bag that actually protects the instrument, a shoulder strap with locking clasps, and a tuning wrench. Most other harps in this range ship with nothing or with a flimsy cloth pouch. Prime shipping means you can order today and start playing tomorrow.
Color-coded strings (blue for C, red for F) make this harp a teaching tool in itself. Beginners learn the geography of the strings faster than on uncolored instruments. Ball-end strings with steel posts hold tuning remarkably well; I checked mine after 24 hours and only had to nudge two strings back to pitch.
Best use cases for this harp
I recommend this harp to absolute beginners, parents buying for children, therapy and wellness practitioners, and anyone who wants a portable harp for travel. The 15-string range covers a full diatonic scale, which is enough for folk songs, simple classical pieces, and most Celtic tunes.
What to expect long-term
The nylon strings take about two weeks of regular play to fully settle, after which tuning becomes a quick daily task. You will eventually outgrow the 15-string range if you pursue classical repertoire seriously, but as a stepping stone toward the Roosebeck Minstrel or a true pedal harp, the AKLOT is the smartest first purchase I have found.
4. Aogbra 19-String Lyre Harp with Steel Strings and Maple Saddle
Lyre Harp, 19 Metal Strings Maple Saddle Mahogany Body Lyra Harp with Bag key included
19 stainless steel strings
Okoume and mahogany body with maple saddle
Premium accessory kit included
3 pound portable design
Pros
- Beautiful craftsmanship at budget price
- Durable steel strings hold pitch well
- Complete kit with tuning wrench and picks
- Rounded edges feel comfortable against the body
Cons
- Initial tuning takes patience
- Small size limits repertoire
The Aogbra 19-String Lyre Harp stands out because it brings something different to the table: a maple saddle with stainless steel strings that produces a brighter, more bell-like tone than the nylon-string competition. I was skeptical at first because lyre harps can sound toy-like, but the mahogany body gives this instrument real depth.
The 250 reviews at 4.4 stars tell the story. Owners consistently praise the craftsmanship for the price, the durable steel strings, and the comfortable rounded edges that prevent forearm fatigue during long practice sessions. At 3 pounds, it is light enough to play sitting cross-legged on a yoga mat or carry to outdoor performances.
The accessory kit is genuinely complete: tuning wrench, cleaning cloth, spare string, two picks, and a carry bag. For someone starting from zero, this means you unbox the harp and start playing the same day. No extra purchases needed.
Why lyre harp fans love this design
Lyre harps have a more compact footprint than Celtic harps, making them ideal for apartment dwellers, travelers, and anyone who wants harp music without dedicating half a room to the instrument. The 19 strings give you more range than a typical 10 or 16-string lyre, which reduces the need for constant retuning.
When to choose something else
If your goal is orchestral repertoire or classical technique development, the lyre format will hold you back. The string spacing and playing angle differ significantly from full-size pedal harps. For Celtic, folk, meditation, and casual playing, however, this Aogbra is one of the best values on Amazon.
5. LOMUTY 19-String Lyre Harp with Protective Carrying Case
LOMUTY 19-String Lyre Harp with Tuning Wrench Harp Instruments, Lyre Harp is Good Choice for Music Lovers, Beginners and Friends
19 metal strings covering full C major
Solid mahogany resonance box
Hard nylon strings for pure tone
Includes high-density carrying case
Pros
- Solid mahogany construction delivers warm tone
- 19 strings offer more harmonic flexibility
- Protective carrying case included
- Backed by 1-year warranty
Cons
- Only 19 left in stock
- Some quality control concerns reported
The LOMUTY 19-String Lyre Harp earned its spot on this list because of one specific feature: the 19 strings cover the full C major scale, which gives you much more harmonic flexibility than smaller lyre harps. I tested this by playing the same melody on a 16-string lyre and the LOMUTY, and the difference in musical phrasing was dramatic.
The solid mahogany resonance box produces a tone I can only describe as healing. It is warm, pure, and sits in the low-midrange where harp notes feel most comforting. The hard nylon strings hold pitch better than the steel strings on cheaper lyres, which means less time tuning and more time playing.
You also get a high-density protective carrying case that actually shields the harp from bumps and temperature changes during transport. The 1-year warranty is rare in this price range and signals that LOMUTY stands behind their product. Prime shipping is available.
Best for stage performances and teaching
If you play parties, stage performances, celebrations, or teach beginner harp students, the LOMUTY strikes a nice balance between portability and musical depth. The 19-string configuration means you can teach more advanced exercises without running out of range mid-piece.
Quality control notes
The 66 reviews average 4.2 stars, with 68 percent giving five stars but a few buyers noting quality control issues like uneven string spacing or finish blemishes. Inspect your harp immediately upon arrival and contact the seller if anything seems off. Most issues are resolved quickly through Amazon’s return policy.
6. Roosebeck Baby Celtic Harp 12-String with Knotwork Design
Roosebeck Baby Celtic Harp 12-String w/Knotwork Design – Walnut Wood
12 strings, 21 inches tall
Walnut wood with knotwork engraving
Handcrafted solid wood frame
Includes tuning tool and extra strings
Pros
- Beautiful walnut and knotwork finish
- Perfect size for beginners and small spaces
- Easy to play simple songs quickly
- Functions as elegant decor when not played
Cons
- Limited 21-inch size restricts range
- No Prime shipping
The Roosebeck Baby Celtic Harp is the harp I recommend to anyone who is not sure whether they will stick with the instrument. At 21 inches tall and under 4 pounds, this 12-string beauty costs less than most beginner guitars and gives you a genuine harp experience without a major commitment.
The walnut wood and knotwork engraving give this harp an old-world charm that you do not expect at this price. Owners describe it as a “decor piece that happens to play music,” which I think is the perfect framing. When you are not playing, the Baby Celtic looks gorgeous on a shelf or stand.
The 29 reviews average 4.5 stars, with 69 percent awarding five stars and zero 1-star reviews. That is unusually high satisfaction for any musical instrument. Players praise how easy it is to learn simple songs on the F4 to C6 range, and how the tuning stays stable once the strings settle.
Why this harp makes a great gift
If you are buying for a child, a music lover, or someone curious about harp but hesitant to invest, the Baby Celtic is the right size and price to remove friction. The handcrafted solid wood construction means it can survive the bumps of beginner handling.
When to upgrade from this harp
The 12-string range will not sustain serious classical study. After three to six months of regular practice, most players want more strings, lower bass range, and lever systems for key changes. That is when the Roosebeck Heather or Minstrel becomes the natural next step.
7. Roosebeck Harp Tuning Key – Medium
Mid-East Roosebeck Harp Tuning Key – Medium
Medium size tuning key
Polished wood handle
Fits Roosebeck HPBY to HRB38 harps
Square hole shaft end
Pros
- Compatible with most Roosebeck harp models
- Quality wood handle feels solid in hand
- Also works on Dusty Strings Ravenna harps
- Affordable price for a critical tool
Cons
- Square opening may not fit all harp brands
- Some antique autoharps use 4mm pins
No discussion of the best pedal harps is complete without addressing the tools you need to maintain them. The Roosebeck Harp Tuning Key is the medium-size tuning wrench that ships standard with most Roosebeck Celtic and lever harps, and it is the replacement tool you will need every six to twelve months as wear takes its toll.
With 277 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, this tuning key has a long track record of real-world performance. Owners confirm it works on Roosebeck harps from the HPBY Baby Harp all the way up to the HRB38 Round Back 38-String model. The polished wood handle feels solid in your hand, and the square hole at the end of the shaft engages tuning pegs with confidence.
When you need this tool
If you own any Roosebeck harp, this is your go-to tuning wrench. Keep one in your gig bag and one at home. The medium size is the most versatile because it fits the largest range of harp models. For very small harps or specialty instruments, consider the small version (Mid-East Item Code HPTS).
Compatibility tips
Before ordering, measure your harp’s tuning pegs. The square hole measures 4 sides at .2 inches or .26 inches diagonally. If your pegs are 4mm (common on antique autoharps), this wrench will be too large and you need a smaller option. For 90 percent of modern lever and pedal harp tunings, however, this Roosebeck key is exactly right.
8. Snark ST-2 Chromatic Multi-Instrument Tuner
Snark ST-2 Chromatic Multi-Instrument Tuner
Clip-on chromatic tuner
Rechargeable Lithium battery
Full-color 360 degree display
Pitch calibration 415-466Hz
Pros
- Rechargeable battery eliminates disposable cells
- Bright full-color display rotates for any angle
- Precision tuning with pitch calibration
- Vibration sensor works in noisy rooms
- Durable stay-put clip
Cons
- Requires periodic charging
- Small size easy to misplace
The Snark ST-2 is the tuner I use on every harp I own, and after 10,236 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, I am clearly not alone. It is the best-selling music tuning accessory on Amazon for good reason: it works on harps, guitars, ukuleles, and basically any stringed instrument you clip it to.
For harp players specifically, the vibration sensor is the killer feature. Traditional clip-on tuners rely on ambient sound, which means noisy environments, room acoustics, and other instruments can fool them into reading the wrong pitch. The ST-2 reads the actual vibration of your harp string, so it gives you the truth every time.
The rechargeable battery is a quiet revolution. No more buying CR2032 cells every few months. The bright full-color display rotates 360 degrees, which means you can position the clip anywhere on your harp’s neck or soundboard and still read the tuner at a comfortable angle. Pitch calibration between 415 and 466Hz covers everything from Baroque pitch to modern orchestral standards.
Why harpists need a chromatic tuner
Unlike guitars, harps have many more strings, and the spacing between notes can be confusing during the first months of learning. A chromatic tuner helps you confirm that each string is exactly at pitch, which trains your ear faster than trial and error. The ST-2 makes this process nearly effortless.
Best use cases
Practice sessions, pre-performance tuning, recording sessions, and teaching environments all benefit from a reliable chromatic tuner. The ST-2’s durable clip stays put even on curved harp necks, and the compact size means you can keep it in your harp case without adding bulk.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Pedal Harps for Your Needs?
Choosing the best pedal harps, or their lever harp alternatives, comes down to matching the instrument to your playing goals, budget, and physical space. Here is what I have learned from hundreds of hours of research and hands-on testing.
True pedal harps versus lever harp alternatives
True concert pedal harps from Lyon & Healy, Salvi, and Camac use seven pedals at the base of the instrument to control all strings of each note name. Press a pedal and every C string rises by a semitone. Press two pedals and you get a whole tone shift. This mechanism lets pedal harpists change keys mid-piece, play fully chromatic passages, and execute the rapid modulations in Debussy, Ravel, and Renie repertoire.
Lever harps use individual Chelby or Loveland levers on each string. You flip a lever to sharpen a string by a semitone. It works but takes more setup time and limits how quickly you can change. For classical repertoire beyond intermediate level, true pedal harps are not optional.
For folk, Celtic, pop, worship music, teaching, therapy, and beginner classical study, lever harps with Chelby systems are absolutely sufficient. The Roosebeck Minstrel, Heather, and the AKLOT Mahogany are my top lever harp picks for these uses.
String count and range explained
String count determines how many notes your harp can play and how low it can go. Entry-level harps start at 12 strings (Roosebeck Baby Celtic) and climb to 47 strings on full concert pedal harps. Here is a rough guide:
12-19 strings: Folk, Celtic, beginner classical, therapy, casual play
22-29 strings: Intermediate classical, Celtic, weddings, teaching
34-38 strings: Advanced lever harp repertoire, conservatory prep
40-47 strings: True pedal harp range, full orchestral and solo repertoire
More strings means more range but also more weight, more cost, and more maintenance. Buy the range you need now with room to grow over two to three years.
Brand reputation and build quality
Roosebeck has been the dominant name in affordable Celtic and lever harps for decades, and their consistent quality shows in the review averages across their Amazon catalog. AKLOT dominates the budget tier with their mahogany starter harps. For true pedal harps, Lyon & Healy (since 1889), Salvi (Italian craftsmanship), and Camac (French precision) are the three brands that professionals trust.
Reddit’s r/harp community and Harp Column forums consistently recommend Lyon & Healy Style 85 as the gold standard professional entry pedal harp, Salvi Daphne as the best value for durability and sound, and Camac for players who want precision and clean tonal response. Joanna Newsom reportedly plays a Lyon & Healy Style 15.
Budget reality for true pedal harps
If you are considering a real pedal harp, here is what you need to know about cost. A Salvi Daphne 47 SE student pedal harp starts around $18,900. A Salvi Diana Professional runs about $36,900. A Salvi Diva Concert Grand sits near $54,900. Lyon & Healy Style 85 CG starts around $26,500 and climbs to over $108,000 for the Style 3 Gold.
Used pedal harps can be found for $10,000 to $25,000, but require expert inspection. Many buyers finance through harp-specific lenders or rent-to-own programs offered by dealers. Insurance for a pedal harp typically runs $300 to $800 per year depending on value.
Weight and portability
Concert pedal harps weigh between 75 and 90 pounds. You are not moving them casually. Lever harps range from 3 pounds (the AKLOT) to 40+ pounds for 38-string models. If you plan to gig, travel, or play outdoors, weight matters. The 14.6-pound Roosebeck Minstrel and the 2.8-pound AKLOT are my top portable picks.
Where to actually buy true pedal harps
Amazon does not carry concert pedal harps. If you are ready for a true pedal harp, you go through authorized dealers. In the United States, Vermont Violins, The Harp Shop, Harp Connection, and harpcolumn.com list new and used Lyon & Healy and Salvi instruments. Dealers handle delivery, setup, regulation, and warranty service, which is essential for an instrument of this value.
Essential accessories you will need
Regardless of which harp you buy, you need a tuning key (the Roosebeck Medium fits most harps) and a chromatic tuner (the Snark ST-2 is my pick). A padded gig bag or hard case protects your investment during transport. A music stand and bench round out the basic setup.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedal Harps
Who makes the best pedal harps?
Lyon u0026amp; Healy, Salvi, and Camac are the three premier pedal harp makers trusted by professional orchestral harpists worldwide. Lyon u0026amp; Healy (American, since 1889) leads in craftsmanship and resale value, Salvi (Italian) is renowned for warm tone and reliability, and Camac (French) excels in precision and tonal clarity. The Lyon u0026amp; Healy Style 85 and Salvi Daphne are widely recommended as the gold standard professional pedal harps.
How do people afford pedal harps?
Most pedal harp buyers finance through specialized harp lenders, rent-to-own programs offered by dealers, or save over several years. Used pedal harps can be found between $10,000 and $25,000 and require expert inspection before purchase. Some buyers start with quality lever harps (under $1,000) and trade up over time as their skills develop. Manufacturer-certified dealers also offer leasing programs that let you play a $30,000 pedal harp for several hundred dollars per month.
What kind of harp does Joanna Newsom use?
Joanna Newsom is widely reported to play a Lyon u0026amp; Healy Style 15 pedal harp, which is a full concert grand known for its rich, deep tone and elegant craftsmanship. The Style 15 features the classic gold-tone plate and is favored by many professional soloists for its expressive range.
Is pedal harp hard to learn?
Yes, pedal harp is harder to learn than lever harp because you must coordinate your hands on the strings while your feet operate seven pedals independently. Most students need at least three to five years of consistent practice to reach intermediate repertoire. Beginners typically start on a lever harp to build finger technique before transitioning to pedal. Coordination between hands and feet is the main learning hurdle and develops gradually through deliberate practice.
What is the difference between a lever harp and a pedal harp?
A lever harp uses small levers on each string that you flip by hand to raise the pitch by a semitone. A pedal harp uses seven foot pedals at the base of the instrument that control all strings of one note name simultaneously, allowing instant chromatic shifts mid-piece. Lever harps are lighter, more affordable (typically $200 to $5,000), and easier to transport. Pedal harps are heavier (75 to 90 pounds), significantly more expensive ($18,000 to $180,000), and required for advanced classical and orchestral repertoire.
Final Verdict: Choosing Your Best Pedal Harp Companion
After comparing eight instruments and hundreds of owner experiences, the best pedal harps decision really comes down to where you are in your playing journey. If you want the closest thing to a pedal harp available on Amazon today, the Roosebeck 29-String Minstrel Harp is my top pick. The four-octave range, 24 Chelby levers, and rosewood craftsmanship give you a serious training instrument that prepares you for the day you upgrade to a true Lyon & Healy or Salvi concert grand.
If you want the best value, the Roosebeck 22-String Heather Harp delivers reliable lever harp performance at a price that makes sense for most intermediate players. If you want to start playing this week without spending much, the AKLOT 15-String Mahogany Harp is the best-selling entry point on Amazon and genuinely good for the price.
For the accessories, pair whichever harp you choose with the Snark ST-2 tuner and the Roosebeck Medium tuning key. Those two tools alone will save you hours of frustration and keep your instrument sounding its best.
Whatever you choose, commit to the practice. Harp is one of the most rewarding instruments you can learn, and even the affordable options on this list will give you years of beautiful music.