Greensleeves, 1

Greensleeves played on the 26 string harp I designed and just finished building. I used different features from many different harps to make a hybrid that was uniquely mine - and fulfilled my needs. The harp body, pillar and neck are made from walnut I had on hand, in addition to ebony used for the turned pivot where the knee-block meets the top of the box body. The dragonfly inlay has abalone shell wings and an ebony body, with real rubies for eyes. The dragonfly was inlayed into a piece of holly wood which was framed with pink ivory and then the whole assembly inlayed into the walnut of the neck.
If you would like to see how the harp was made please look at my blog: http://dragonflyharp.blogspot.com/ where I recorded the process step-by-step.
As for my playing, well I have been practicing on my own for 4 years now and this is the best I can do. I am a better harp builder than I am a player- but I enjoy both.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• musical instrument

[DonnaMenke]

Thanks, Brenda. I am pleased with the results of my experiment. Making a harp is not easy so you should make a few easier woodworking projects first. This design was all mine, but first I made a harp from Musikits plans, using my own wood. You could start with a kit and that should make it a lot easier. Contact me privately if you want to ask some more specific questions: donpbk@yahoo.com

[DonnaMenke]

Thanks to all for the nice comments. Barb, I will try to do a video on just the harp sometime in the near future.



[brendaclee3]

Wow, Donna, what a great sound on that little harp. I would love to make a harp in my dad's shop. Did you use a kit or make it from scratch? I'm going to take one of the harp making workshops at the next SEHW.

[btrflyharper]

Fabulous, Donna.  I love it!

[BradburyGuy]

Thank you Donna. You made my morning. Filtering through three days of email, yours gave me a peaceful pause.

[RoJeanLoucks]

What an amazing accomplishment, Donna!

[donnaalto]

You never cease to amaze and inspire me!!!

[carvinmom]

wow, a woman of many talents... The harp is beautiful and a true treasure for you for many years to come. Thank you for sharing your love of music and carving.. carvinmom

[HYVsj]

Beautiful Donna.

[harprdh]

I am so impressed with your beautiful new harp. You should be proud...and I also loved hearing you play Greensleeves on it. Nicely done!!!

Nanci