Official Luthiers Forum!

Hello forum,


I've taken an interesting in harp guitars as of late, and I'm wondering what some of your thoughts might be.



The idea of these instruments has always struck wonder for me, but my
interest peaked as soon as I saw an image of William Eaton's Lyraharp guitar.



For those who are unfamiliar with it, here's a picture of Worland Guitar's copy of the same design:



http://www.worlandguitars.com/projec...r%20final3.jpg



I am looking for something to learn on, but ultimately keep for a long
time as well. The Lyraharp concept (single soundhole, bass and
super-treble sympathetic strings) would meet this idea.



I'm not looking for an exact copy of that instrument either--just something of a similar idea.



So what I ask is what are your thoughts on something like this?  Any of you ever worked on a harp guitar?  I'd willingly sacrifice looks for tone, given the choice.



It is something I am looking forward towards, and not in any rush to pursue anytime soon.



I'd also prefer luthiers relatively close to Ontario--just over the border or neighbouring provinces might do as well.



Linda Manzer (out of Toronto) looks like she'd be an amazing luthier to work with (see Pat Metheny's Pikasso guitar).
Her waiting list is very long at the moment, and I'd also guess a
luthier of her reputation wouldn't be the best for cost effectiveness
(although typically in custom instruments, you pay for what you get).


Also, this is probably the best forum to ask about the following as well.  Building an acoustic guitar from scratch is always something I've wanted to pursue, but with my recent onset of harp guitar mayhem (hehe), building one of THESE from scratch seems like something I'd love to attempt. 

In all honesty, how realistic do you think it'd be to build a harp guitar from scratch, with no previous lutherie experience (I do have a woodworking background--but none in lutherie, sparing guitar repairs)? 


If any of you can recommend a good luthier to talk to--or if any of you would like to discuss this as well, I am all ears for certain.


Thanks in advance everyone.

There are several on the forum who have built harp guitars so I am sure that sooner or later someone will answer your question.

I just wanted to say WELCOME to the forum!

_________________
Reguards,

Ken H

Sounds awesome.

And thanks!  Glad to join.

Welcome to OLF, Sam.  It is a great place to hang out.  Here are a few threads on the most recent Harp guitar build on OLF.  All are of the same guitar, by Dave White.

Harp 1
Harp 2
Harp 3

_________________
Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Hi Sam,

Welcome here. If you haven't already done so go visit Harpguitars.net sign up and ask away on the forum there. As for Canadian harpguitar builders Michael Dunn and Charles Shifflett are ones to consider as well. Warning - these things won't come cheap and a custom made case is the price of a factory built acoustic guitar!

Jim Worland's harpguitar is a beauty and as you probably know he has some photos of it's buld here.

Your question about being able to build one as a first project is a bit like how long is a piece of string. You could do it but you would have to be a very resourceful person, with stubbon tenacity, no fear of failure and a willingness to do things over and over when they go wrong - as they will. You will also have to have a good knowledge of string instrument priciples, design and construction as apart from Dyer models there are zip plans available - you'll have to make your own. This could be you, I don't know. My first guitar build was my own design with a 16 fret body join and 6 piece back so I have little fear, but I didn't make a harp guitar until my 29'th instrument and thinking back to how I would have coped with it as my first I don't think I would have had enough knowledge and experience. If you had an experienced luthier as a mentor and helping you out at each stage it would be possible but there are few that could devote such effort - it's almost impossible making a living as a luthier as it is.

Good luck with your search for your dream - they are fabulous instruments.

_________________
Dave White
De Faoite Stringed Instruments
". . . the one thing a machine just can't do is give you character and personalities and sometimes that comes with flaws, but it always comes with humanity" Monty Don talking about hand weaving, "Mastercrafts", Weaving, BBC March 2010

Thanks for the advice there Dave!  Good information to know.