Cheyenne Upgrade

[Biagio]

Hi Balfour,

Honestly I think that dulcimers of both types are just as exacting if not more so than lever harps. I used to make them (and banjos) before harps seduced me ( those cunning little tramps). Just getting the frets right and the sides steam bent on the mountain dulcimer, getting the bridges and supports right on the hammer one – yeesh!

With the spruce SB replacing it, a nice large piece of a/c laminate will be left over. Already thinking what to do with that – a 3 1/2 octave double maybe? More projects… should pass the rainy winter time:-)

Sure will keep any interested informed but I think off line. Wil Weten asked me to document the process so Hiho! I’ll copy you too. Everything is lined up now after chatting with Rick and a call from Joan Lamere about string specs and cost. Going to have to buy some clamps though haha.

Best wishes,
Biagio

[balfour-knight]

That all sounds great, Biagio! Happy harp building!
Our very best wishes,
Balfour and Carol Lynn

[Biagio]

Just for kicks and giggles, I added up the costs and compared that to a roughly equivalent harp: the Dusty FH36H at $5595 (excludes case, includes full Camacs).

The Cheyenne upgrade, assuming someone had all necessary tools and did not charge themselves for labor and overhead, will cost $3060 (full Truitts). If you just bought the wood and cut to shape you might save around $1500 over the pre-cut kit but spend a lot longer making it; perhaps another 5 days or more.

Add labor and overhead at $50/hr 35 hrs: $1750, total $4810. From scratch add $1250 and we’re up to about $6000 Not such a huge “saving” over the Dusty’s $5595 right? About 15% which is a typical profit margin for a pro.

Good harps are not cheap no matter if you buy or build (but we knew that)!

• This reply was modified 4 years, 6 months ago by Biagio.

[leisesturm]

$50/hr.??!! Any low/mid tier Civil Servant can make that. A craftperson at the top of their game should make much, much more! (IMO).

[Biagio]

I was being very conservative and considering the opportunity costs to me as a retired guy with time on my hands:-) But it’s a fact: no one makes harps expecting to get rich. Or even reasonably well paid compared to the alternatives open to many of them.

For example: Dave Thormahlen was a geology graduate when he got side tracked by harps, Chris Caswell a physics major, Ray Mooer (Dusty Strings) dentistry, Mark Blessley physician, Rick Kemper engineer. I had dual careers: Intelligence officer and corporate financial consultant.

I guess some people do stuff for love more than money huh?

[Author]

Posts