Craft Your Own Music: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Harp

The harp, with its elegant form and enchanting sound, has captivated audiences for centuries. While owning a professionally crafted harp can be a significant investment, the rewarding experience of building your own instrument is within reach. This comprehensive guide provides detailed instructions for creating a small, diatonic harp, offering a fulfilling project for woodworkers and music enthusiasts alike. This harp will be more decorative than a concert instrument, but will still be fun to play.

Understanding the Harp’s Anatomy

Before diving into the construction process, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental parts of a harp:

• Soundbox (Body): The resonating chamber that amplifies the sound produced by the strings. Its shape and size significantly affect the harp’s tone.
• Neck (Harmonic Curve): The curved piece of wood that supports the strings at the top. Its shape determines the string spacing and angle.
• Pillar (Forepillar): The vertical support connecting the soundbox and neck, providing structural integrity and resisting the tension of the strings.
• Strings: Typically made of nylon, gut, or metal, the strings vibrate when plucked, producing sound. Their length and tension determine the pitch.
• Tuning Pins: Located in the neck, these pins are used to adjust the tension of each string, allowing for precise tuning.
• Bridge: A small piece of wood that transfers the strings’ vibrations to the soundboard.

Materials and Tools Required

For this project, we’ll be building a small, diatonic harp, which is easier to construct than a larger, chromatic harp. Here’s a list of the necessary materials and tools:

Materials:

• Soundboard Wood: Sitka Spruce is highly recommended for its excellent resonance properties. You’ll need a piece large enough for your soundbox, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
• Frame Wood: Hardwoods like Maple, Cherry, Walnut, or Beech are suitable for the neck, pillar, and body frame. Choose a wood that is aesthetically pleasing and strong. You’ll need wood with a thickness ranging from 3/4 inch to 1.5 inches, depending on the dimensions of your desired harp.
• Neck Reinforcement: A strip of hardwood or metal (steel or aluminum) to reinforce the neck and prevent bending due to string tension.
• Tuning Pins: Zither pins or harp tuning pins, available from musical instrument suppliers. Choose pins appropriate for the number of strings you plan to use.
• Strings: Nylon monofilament fishing line or harp strings, sized according to the desired pitch range. Experiment with different gauges to achieve the desired sound.
• Bridge Material: Hardwood, bone, or synthetic material for the bridge.
• Wood Glue: High-quality wood glue for strong and durable joints.
• Finish: Varnish, lacquer, or oil finish to protect and enhance the wood’s appearance.
• Sandpaper: Various grits (e.g., 80, 120, 220) for smoothing the wood.
• Optional: Decorative wood for inlays or accents.

Tools:

• Saw: Bandsaw or jigsaw for cutting the curves of the neck, pillar, and soundbox. A hand saw can also be used, but will require more time and effort.
• Drill: For drilling holes for the tuning pins and bridge.
• Drill Bits: An assortment of drill bits, including a bit sized to fit the tuning pins.
• Router (Optional): For creating decorative edges and grooves.
• Sander: Orbital sander or sanding block for smoothing surfaces.
• Clamps: Various sizes of clamps for holding pieces together during gluing.
• Measuring Tools: Ruler, tape measure, and calipers for accurate measurements.
• Marking Tools: Pencil, marking gauge, and compass for marking cut lines and hole locations.
• Wood Rasp and Files: For shaping and refining curves.
• Chisels: For fine-tuning joints and removing excess material.
• Tuning Wrench: For tuning the harp after stringing.
• Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes from flying debris.
• Dust Mask: To protect your lungs from sawdust.

Construction Steps

Follow these step-by-step instructions to build your own harp:

1. Design and Planning

Before you start cutting wood, take the time to design your harp. Consider the size, shape, and number of strings you want. A diatonic harp typically has 7 to 22 strings, covering a single octave or more. Research existing harp designs for inspiration, but feel free to create your own unique shape.

Determine String Lengths and Pitches: The length of the strings determines their pitch. Use a string length calculator (available online) to determine the string lengths required for the desired notes. A common diatonic scale is C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C. Plan the spacing between strings to be consistent and comfortable for playing. Typically the bass strings will be more widely spaced than the treble strings.

Create a Detailed Drawing: Draw a detailed plan of your harp, including all dimensions. This plan will serve as your guide throughout the construction process. Include the overall height, width, and depth of the soundbox, the shape and dimensions of the neck and pillar, and the string lengths and spacing. Ensure the pillar is strong enough to withstand the string tension. Over-engineer it if necessary.

2. Building the Soundbox

The soundbox is the heart of the harp, responsible for amplifying the sound. The shape and size of the soundbox greatly influence the instrument’s tone. The soundbox consists of two main parts: the soundboard and the ribs (sides).

Cutting the Soundboard: Cut the soundboard from your Sitka Spruce according to your plan. The shape can be rectangular, oval, or any other shape you desire. Ensure the grain runs lengthwise for optimal resonance. If you have a choice of spruce, select a piece with tight, even grain.

Constructing the Ribs: Cut the ribs from your chosen hardwood. The ribs are the sides of the soundbox and connect the soundboard to the back. The ribs can be straight or curved, depending on your design. If you choose curved ribs, you may need to steam-bend the wood to achieve the desired shape. Multiple thin layers of wood laminated together is a common alternative to steam bending.

Assembling the Soundbox: Glue the ribs to the soundboard, using clamps to hold them in place until the glue dries. Ensure the joints are tight and secure. Reinforce the corners with small blocks of wood if necessary. Once the glue has dried, smooth the edges of the soundbox with sandpaper.

Adding the Back (Optional): While not strictly necessary, adding a back to the soundbox can enhance the instrument’s volume and tone. Cut the back from a thin piece of hardwood and glue it to the ribs, creating a closed soundbox. Be sure to leave a small sound hole in the back to allow air to escape. This hole will help to improve the resonance of the instrument.

3. Shaping the Neck

The neck, also known as the harmonic curve, supports the strings at the top and directs the tension to the pillar and soundbox. It’s a crucial component that requires careful shaping and reinforcement.

Cutting the Neck Blank: Cut the neck blank from your chosen hardwood, making it slightly oversized to allow for shaping. The shape of the neck can be straight, curved, or a combination of both. Consider the ergonomics of the neck when designing its shape; it should be comfortable to hold and play.

Shaping the Neck: Use a saw, rasp, and files to shape the neck according to your plan. Pay close attention to the curve where the strings will be attached. This curve should be smooth and even to ensure consistent string spacing and angle. Use templates to ensure symmetry and consistency.

Reinforcing the Neck: The neck is under significant tension from the strings, so it’s essential to reinforce it to prevent bending or breaking. Embed a strip of hardwood or metal (steel or aluminum) into the neck along its length. This reinforcement will significantly increase the neck’s strength and stability. Rout a channel into the neck and epoxy the reinforcing strip into place.

Drilling Tuning Pin Holes: Drill holes for the tuning pins along the neck, spacing them according to your plan. The holes should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the tuning pins to ensure a snug fit. Use a drill press to ensure the holes are drilled at a consistent angle. Consider using a jig to aid in drilling consistent holes.

4. Crafting the Pillar

The pillar provides vertical support, connecting the soundbox and neck and counteracting the string tension. It needs to be strong and stable to ensure the harp’s structural integrity.

Cutting the Pillar Blank: Cut the pillar blank from your chosen hardwood. The shape of the pillar can be straight, curved, or decorative, depending on your design. A slightly tapered pillar is aesthetically pleasing.

Shaping the Pillar: Use a saw, rasp, and files to shape the pillar according to your plan. Ensure the ends of the pillar are flat and square for secure attachment to the soundbox and neck. Add decorative elements such as fluting or carving if desired.

Attaching the Pillar to the Soundbox: Glue and clamp the pillar to the soundbox, ensuring a strong and secure connection. Use screws or dowels to further reinforce the joint. The pillar should be centered on the soundbox and perpendicular to the soundboard.

5. Assembling the Harp

With the soundbox, neck, and pillar completed, it’s time to assemble the harp. This step requires careful alignment and secure attachment to ensure the instrument’s stability.

Attaching the Neck to the Pillar: Glue and clamp the neck to the top of the pillar, ensuring a strong and secure connection. Use screws or dowels to further reinforce the joint. The neck should be aligned with the soundbox and pillar to ensure proper string tension distribution.

Final Sanding and Smoothing: Once the glue has dried, sand the entire harp smooth, paying close attention to the joints and transitions between pieces. Use progressively finer grits of sandpaper to achieve a smooth, polished surface. Remove all dust and debris before applying the finish.

6. Applying the Finish

The finish protects the wood and enhances its natural beauty. Choose a finish that complements the wood and your desired aesthetic. Several types of finishes are suitable for harps, including varnish, lacquer, and oil finishes.

Preparing the Surface: Ensure the wood is clean, dry, and free of dust and debris before applying the finish. Lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth, even base. Wipe the surface with a tack cloth to remove any remaining dust.

Applying the Finish: Apply the finish according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Multiple thin coats are generally better than one thick coat. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Sand lightly between coats to remove any imperfections. Follow safety precautions when working with finishes, including wearing a respirator and working in a well-ventilated area.

Polishing the Finish: Once the final coat of finish has dried, polish the surface with a soft cloth to achieve a glossy sheen. You can use a commercial polishing compound or a homemade mixture of beeswax and mineral oil.

7. Installing the Bridge

The bridge transfers the vibrations from the strings to the soundboard. It’s a small but crucial component that affects the harp’s tone.

Making the Bridge: Cut the bridge from your chosen material (hardwood, bone, or synthetic material). The bridge should be slightly curved to match the curvature of the soundboard. The height of the bridge will affect the string action (the distance between the strings and the soundboard), so experiment with different heights to achieve the desired playability. Grooves will need to be filed or cut into the bridge for the strings to rest on.

Attaching the Bridge: Glue the bridge to the soundboard, positioning it according to your plan. The bridge should be centered on the soundboard and aligned with the strings. Use clamps to hold the bridge in place until the glue dries. Apply even pressure to avoid distorting the soundboard.

8. Stringing the Harp

Stringing the harp is the final step in the construction process. Choose strings that are appropriate for the desired pitch range and string spacing.

Installing Tuning Pins: Insert the tuning pins into the holes drilled in the neck. The pins should fit snugly but not too tightly. Use a tuning pin setter or a hammer with a soft face to gently tap the pins into place. Ensure the pins are aligned properly and securely seated.

Attaching the Strings: Tie one end of each string to a tuning pin and thread the other end through the corresponding hole in the bridge. Secure the string to the bridge with a knot or a small bead. Leave enough slack in the string to allow for tuning.

9. Tuning the Harp

Tuning the harp is an iterative process that requires patience and a good ear. Use a tuning wrench to adjust the tension of each string until it reaches the desired pitch. Use an electronic tuner or a tuning fork to help you tune accurately.

Rough Tuning: Start by tuning the strings to a rough approximation of their desired pitches. This will help to distribute the tension evenly across the harp.

Fine Tuning: Once the strings are roughly in tune, fine-tune each string to its exact pitch. Tune the strings in order from lowest to highest or vice versa.

Settling Time: After tuning, allow the strings to settle for a few hours or even overnight. The strings will stretch and the pitch will change slightly. Re-tune the harp as necessary until the strings stabilize.

10. Playing Your Harp

Congratulations! You’ve built your own harp. Now it’s time to learn how to play it. Start with simple melodies and gradually work your way up to more complex pieces. Experiment with different plucking techniques and explore the unique sounds of your instrument.

Learning Resources: There are many resources available for learning to play the harp, including online tutorials, books, and private lessons. Find a method that works for you and practice regularly.

Maintenance: Keep your harp in good condition by cleaning it regularly and storing it in a safe place. Protect the wood from moisture and extreme temperatures. Replace the strings as needed.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Buzzing Strings: If you hear a buzzing sound when you pluck a string, it could be caused by a loose tuning pin, a poorly seated bridge, or a string that is touching the soundboard. Check each of these possibilities and make any necessary adjustments.
• Difficulty Tuning: If you are having difficulty tuning the harp, it could be caused by strings that are too old or damaged, tuning pins that are slipping, or a neck that is bending under the string tension. Replace the strings if necessary and tighten the tuning pins. If the neck is bending, consider adding additional reinforcement.
• Poor Tone: If the harp’s tone is not as good as you expected, it could be caused by a soundboard that is too thick or too thin, a bridge that is not properly seated, or strings that are not the correct gauge. Experiment with different string gauges and bridge materials to improve the tone.

Conclusion

Building your own harp is a challenging but rewarding project that combines woodworking skills with musical passion. By following these detailed instructions, you can create a beautiful and functional instrument that will bring you years of enjoyment. The process may seem daunting at first, but the satisfaction of playing music on an instrument you built yourself is well worth the effort. Happy harping!