Identify wire harp from kit

[Jennifer Brady]

Hello
I have inherited a wire harp my aunt built from a kit 30-40 years ago. I am a complete beginner and gathering resources to begin to play. I would like to find out where she purchased the kit (to make string replacement easier) and inquiries from places I can find online that currently sell kits have come up empty. Photo attached! 25 strings! Let me know if you can identify kit maker!

[Jennifer Brady]

Here is the photo

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[Biagio]

Sorry I don’t recognize it immediately but it seems to be well made.

If you measure the string vibrating lengths and know the intended range it would be easy to figure out the needed gauges. Ask a string supplier such as Robertson’s Harp Shop/Vermont strings. Or contact me off list.

If you do know the correct gauges, bronze strings may be purchased from Vermont Strings; brass from Malcolm Rose or The Instrument Workshop https://www.fortepiano.com/

In the event that they are steel you can probably get those from Musicmakers.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 9 months ago by Biagio.

[Jennifer Brady]

That is awesome, thank you so much for the info! I borrowed a friends digital caliper and measured all string diameters and have to say I’m suspicious of my measurements. Can you let me know how to contact you off list? I tried clicking your profile but did t see an obvious way to message you directly!

[Biagio]

@Jennifer if you address you next post to @Biagio I think that will do it. If not, just measure the vibrating lengths and post them here; also let me know the intended range.

[Jennifer Brady]

@biagio here is my attempt at string chart. As you can see the diameters do not progress in an incremental fashion. My aunt may have restrung without regard to diameter? Thank you so much for your guidance!

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[Biagio]

Hi Jennifer,

No problem – it is difficult to get accurate measurements for several reasons and indeed people have been known to replace a string of one size with another if the first breaks. The more relevant for our purposes is the length (also hard to measure accurately when it has been under tension for a while), but “close enough” as they say. Here’s what I come up with (phosphor bronze):

F6,E6 0.014
D6-A5 0.016
G5-D5 0.020
G5-A4 0.022
G4-E4 0.025
D4-B3 0.028
A3,G3 0.032
F3-D3 0.035
C3 0.040

If you want to make C3 also at 0.035 that would be OK. Red brass (at 0.035) would be even better.

It might interest you to know that this looks very much like a 27 string harp made by Chris Caswell, but with a larger range obviously. I happened to have that on file and just changed a few lengths to yours, and tweaked a few diameters.

I don’t know if he ever made kits but who knows? And harp makers often “borrow” designs from each other haha.

Happy harping,
Biagio

• This reply was modified 2 years, 9 months ago by Biagio.
• This reply was modified 2 years, 9 months ago by Biagio.

[balfour-knight]

Good job, Biagio, my friend! I do not know what these folks would do without you. We are so glad you can help Jennifer. That is a beautiful little harp!

Best regards,
Balfour (and Carol Lynn)

[Biagio]

You are too kind, Balfour:-)

Really though this kind of thing only takes a few minutes, especially with a “library” of designs already in hand.

I think that people hear that string band design is mathematical and are intimidated, but heck with computer programs a basic clarseach like Jennifer’s is easy. After all there are a limited number of choices – brass or bronze, possibly silver – and limited number of available gauges! Just plug in the numbers and maybe tweak a little!

Best wishes,
Biagio

[Jennifer Brady]

Thank you @biagio and this forum! After staring at this harp in the corner for a few years, I’m finally on my way. A tuning wrench and wire harp book from stony end then wire harp specs and string source from you all … I’m now able to enjoy my own harp music in spite of the three busted strings I now have but will soon be able to replace. Many thanks!

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