Harp Kits and Levers

[Alyson Webber]

I read somewhere that the notch out of the bottom of the soundboard for the column would weaken a spruce soundboard. What do you think of the trade-off of sound and strength?

[Biagio]

Alyson, yes it would – I’d just cut that part of the pillar off and bolt through the pillar foot and ribs. Just did that on a modification of their old Shepherd design as a matter of fact. Those who have modified the Voyageur as I indicated had the SB made by either Betty Truitt or Rick Kemper (Sligo harps). Betty I think just sends a blank board, Rick will taper, add ribs, and even laminate the face if the client wishes:

http://www.sligoharps.com/Components.html

The board supplied with the kit has a glue-on piece to simulate a tapered board. The sound that way is good, double tapering it in fact is much better. Double tapered spruce best of all.

Biagio

[Alyson Webber]

Wow! Great information! Thanks, Biagio. I’m sure this will be very valuable option for anyone looking at building a harp from a kit.

[Biagio]

One of the many things I like about Music Makers: their harps are carefully designed and easily “upgraded” – and they’ll often do a few modifications there too if you ask. Great service, always.

Biagio

[balfour-knight]

I agree whole-heartedly, Biagio–Music Makers always has great service! I did not build my Large Gothic from a kit, so I do not have experience with doing that, but they built her beautifully!

[Author]

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