Replacing Cardboard Soundbox With Wood

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Tagged: cardboard, Double strung, harp kit

This topic has 7 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 3 years, 2 months ago by balfour-knight.

Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)

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February 18, 2022 at 6:59 am #283928

tinyknit
Participant

Hello! I have recently made a Fireside cardboard double strung harp and it’s a very sweet little harp. The main problem is that it is very quiet, particularly on the upper end. Would replacing the cardboard soundbox with wood make it appreciably louder? Or would I be better off with buying a Stoney End kit for a double strung?

A little background – I’ve been playing harp for three years and wanted to try a double strung without a large investment. Now that I know that I can adapt, I’d like something reasonable in terms of price and quality.

Thank you!

February 18, 2022 at 2:04 pm #283930

balfour-knight
Participant

Hello Tinyknit,

This is one for my friend Biagio, here on these forums. I would think that you would indeed be better off buying a Stoney End kit for a double strung, but I am certainly no expert on this. Perhaps Biagio will see this and respond.

Best wishes to you,
Balfour

February 18, 2022 at 3:59 pm #283933

tinyknit
Participant

Thank you, Balfour! I think you are right, but I’ll see if anyone else has other suggestions.

February 18, 2022 at 5:31 pm #283935

Biagio
Participant

I don’t know what tension is on the Fireside strings and that is what would drive the volume, so really could not voice an opinion. I suppose it would not hurt to try changing to a wooden box, but agree with you, Balfour.

If it were me though and I really wanted a small double I would buy the Rees Morgan Meadow.

Biagio

February 20, 2022 at 6:58 am #283961

tinyknit
Participant

Thank you, Biagio! I find the strings to have light tension, similar to a Harpsicle. I will look into the Morgan Meadow.

February 21, 2022 at 9:00 pm #284145

balfour-knight
Participant

That Rees double-strung Morgan Meadow is the ONLY double-strung harp I have ever played! I tried that model back in 2015 in Asheville, NC at the Southeastern Harp Festival. It was a lovely little harp, if you like double-strung harps. I am completely happy with my single-strung Dusty FH36S, of course! The Rees team of harp makers are very nice folks. From what I hear, their customer service is exceptional, too.

Cheers,
Balfour

February 21, 2022 at 9:14 pm #284146

tinyknit
Participant

Thank you, Balfour! I do enjoy playing my little Fireside double strung and am looking for something more substantial. My usual harp is a Ravenna 34 – a FH36 would be a dream harp!

February 21, 2022 at 9:31 pm #284148

balfour-knight
Participant

I had a lovely Ravenna 34 for about 5 years before I bought my “Cherie,” the Dusty FH36S, in cherry. She IS a dream harp! The only other harp I own now is my other dream harp, a Camac Atlantide Prestige in tiger maple that I named “Angelica.” I am most richly blessed.

Harp Hugs,
Balfour
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