The birth of a harp

[Audrey Nickel]

So far I’m still not seeing any widening or lengthening of the cracks.

[Liam M]

Really? I am glad for you…

[Karen Johns]

I found the same thing with my Limerick (Taliesin). The steel strings came up to pitch after only a few tunings, while my

[Audrey Nickel]

I don’t actually have a stringing chart.

[Liam M]

Karen,

I do not have my notes with me, and

[Karen Johns]

Try paint markers for your strings- they seem to endure longer. Be careful with the wound strings though (if you have any)-the paint seeping into the grooves tends to deaden the sound.

[Karen Johns]

If you look at the style of the Limerick, you will see the relatively straight neck. Some harp models, like pedal

[michael-rockowitz]

Liam,

I’m not sure if this is what you’re referring to, but here’s a widely used string tension calculator:
http://www.cs.helsinki.fi/u/wikla/mus/NewScalc/

String tension calculators like this, as well as the actual formulas behind them, are readily available on the web-

The question of arched versus straighter neck – I was under the impression that one of the reasons for the harmonic arch is to reduce the length of the strings in the higher ranges – as a result, you can use a lower

[Audrey Nickel]

I know that historical wire harps (such as the Trinity — aka “Brian Boru” and Queen Mary) have the low head and curved arch similar to ours.

[Karen Johns]

I’m just passing along what I was told by two harp designers that have been at this for 20+ years. This is their observations I am relying on. I just want everyone to be aware of this- I neither have the experience as either a designer or builder to make these statements about

[unknown-user]

Well Audrey it has been a number of days since your Bard was tuned, how do you like the sound? And what made you buy a harp from Muis. To Liam as well how do you like the Trinity harp in the plywood Mahogany. I am interested because I have ordered a Trinity from Muis in Mahaogany which should be done in a week or so. Iam looking forward to putting it together and hopeing for that magical wire string tone. Thanks a lot.

[Liam M]

Dennis, I am warming to the Trinity. However it is still disassembled in restoration and I am far from my shop… so it will be some time before I finish it. I must admit, I prefer the Cherry and hope Muis continues to offer it. It is hader to work, but I just like the wood better.

[Audrey Nickel]

I am utterly enchanted with the sound. He has a beautiful, resonant, bell-like voice.

I will be taking him with me to my regular lesson on Friday.

[Audrey Nickel]

Well, Aodhán’s made his recording debut!

[Geri McQuillen]

Audrey, the sound is lovely.

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