Possible to refinish a lacquered Salvi lever harp?

[robin-dorer–2]

I have a Salvi Heather with black lacquer finish. I bought it from the original owner who started playing as a child. The finish on the soundboard is crazed and the lacquer is chipped. The instrument is in good shape structually but the original levers degrade the tone so need to be upgraded. While I’m at it, I’d like to look at having the entire finish redone. Do I have to go with the lacquer again? I’d really rather have natural or stained wood. Also, any idea what Salve used for finish on the soundboard? It looks thicker than the polyurethane we used to refinish the pine floors in our old house.

I should add my husband is laid off so will be doing the work. I am renting a pedal harp so he can take the time to research how to do this right.

Thanks,
Robin

[Sid Humphreys]

Dear Robin,
Put the sandpaper down and walk. Away. From. The. Harp….

[Author]

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