Studio Harp - and now for something completely different!

[Gavin1393]

As a luthier we are into things with wood and strings, so since my other half is wanting a harp, I figured I'd rather build her one than buy one. The satisfaction will be immense! Plus - can you imagine the points I'm going to score...!!
So after doing some research on Youtube and google I came across MusicMakers and a Studio Harp they offer plans and some parts for.

They do not ship any wood which keeps the price down, but the plans and the smaller parts are all shipped out.

This is what I am hoping for at the end of the project. Apparently can be assembled in a day!

I have the option of the low feet or tall feet as in the two pics below. Pic on the right is on the front cover of the instructions sent by Musicmakers.

[Gavin1393]

I have taken a few pictures and plan to do a build thread on the harp as they may be others who are keen to try. Who knows, could even end up as a kit on PBG?

The plans sent together with the instructions look fantastic. Lots of do's and don't to help your build progress.

As mentioned no wood was delivered, so this is a scratchie....

Here is the delivery!

[Gavin1393]

And some idea of the plans...the actual plans sent are full size with all the measurements etc. Going to see if I can get some acrylic perspex and get templates cut from this or I'll cut them myself.

[Gavin1393]

The envelopes contained some goodies that will be used to finish the build, namley some screws, ferrules, gut strings, tuners and tuning spanner amongst other items.

[Rabbitz]

One instrument I've not seen up close. Is the part that is against the guys shoulder the sound box?

If so, do harp makers argue about sound board timber as much as luthiers???????????

Also the parts marked C on the drawing, it that where to logo goes?

A serious question, though - Are A and B cut or bent to shape? That might be a challenge.

[Rabbitz]

Looks like a cool project.

The other good thing is NO SPEED HUMPS!!!!!!!

[Gavin1393]

One instrument I've not seen up close. Is the part that is against the guys shoulder the sound box?

Yes, pretty much the point where the Harp Neck and the soundbox are connected.

If so, do harp makers argue about sound board timber as much as luthiers???????????

As DB says - Yes they do! Interestingly Sitka Spruce is commonly used.

Also the parts marked C on the drawing, it that where to logo goes?

Yes indeed!

A serious question, though - Are A and B cut or bent to shape? That might be a challenge.

They are cut to shape but it is recommended that a laminate is made or acquired using the laminate to provide additional strength to the neck as there will be over 700lb of tension and a one piece neck will be prone to snapping into two pieces!

[dingobass]

I am using Tassie Blackwood for the structural pieces and probably Spruce for the sound box...

[keloooe]

I've seen a few custom harps made by a buddy of mine up in Ballarat, if I get the chance next time I'll throw up some photos for you all to enjoy, my favourite was a nice red one with abalone roses inlaid into the whole thing, looked absolutely beautiful!

[pablopepper]

Plus - can you imagine the points I'm going to score...!!

Stuff that, can you imagine the money you're going to save? Brownie points are all well and good, but a cheap and nasty full size harp would cost at least 3k, I'd guess. Exponentially more for a good one.


Great project, Gav. Look forward to seeing this one progress.