Harp Guitar Build Progress

stsanford · #1 03-06-2009, 09:53 PM

After a long search, I am finally going to get my Harp guitar.
I remember being in high school at a friend's (who just happened to be a Favilla) house and being intrigued with the harp guitars they had on the wall in the living room. Real old Dyer styled models.

Then, I discover Andy McKee last year and you had to know it would be inevitable ...

It looks like I will be taking delivery in 2 months or so. Should give me enough time to scrape together the funds :-)

Thanks for your indulgence... I'm just walking around with permagrin...

DenverSteve · #2 03-06-2009, 09:55 PM

You'll have to post up pictures when you get the finished version.

cotten · #3 03-06-2009, 10:02 PM

Yes, picture AND recordings!

cotten

stsanford · #4 03-06-2009, 10:22 PM

I will be happy to, though I am suddenly thinking: "Now what the heck am I going to play on that darned contraption?!?"

Bob Womack · #5 03-07-2009, 06:38 AM

Wonderful! I've always been intriqued by these instruments.

stsanford · #6 03-07-2009, 02:34 PM

I will be adding images as I receive them.

I was just contacted with a 8 more pics so I have put them in my gallery here: http://gallery.me.com/s.t.sanford#100135

:-)

Chazmo · #7 03-07-2009, 03:53 PM

Boy, that'll be neat!

And, hey, I learned on a Favilla (and still own it). Been in my family for nearly 50 years.

stsanford · #8 03-07-2009, 04:11 PM

Neat-o on the Favila. I have always had a soft spot for them.

riverman · #9 03-07-2009, 04:34 PM

if it weren't for the guitar i have coming in the mail, I would be green with envy. I've been keeping an eye out for a harp guitar for years and have yet to see a nice one for sale for under $5k. congrats

stsanford · #10 03-07-2009, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riverman

if it weren't for the guitar i have coming in the mail, I would be green with envy. I've been keeping an eye out for a harp guitar for years and have yet to see a nice one for sale for under $5k. congrats

Thanks Riverman, I'm excited... Think my wife is now convinced that I'm way over the edge now.. She was watching Andy McKee play his and said, "You're going to look like a dork." I said, "That's okay honey, I am a dork... A dork with a harp guitar..."

I play with a female vocalist occasionally, covers and some originals, mostly covers, that harp could make some of the Jewel songs much more interesting for me to play... Am, C, G Drone... Oh yeah baby... Can't wait until the first comment. May have to steal one of Andy's lines: "Dr. Seusaphone" Love it.
Hee, hee...

ljguitar · #11 03-08-2009, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stsanford

...Thanks for your indulgence... I'm just walking around with permagrin...

Hi sts...
Sounds great. There is a lot of anticipation and joy that comes with commissioning an instrument that may change the way you play for the rest of your life...

66strummer · #12 03-08-2009, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stsanford

Thanks Riverman, I'm excited... Think my wife is now convinced that I'm way over the edge now.. She was watching Andy McKee play his and said, "You're going to look like a dork." I said, "That's okay honey, I am a dork... A dork with a harp guitar..."

I play with a female vocalist occasionally, covers and some originals, mostly covers, that harp could make some of the Jewel songs much more interesting for me to play... Am, C, G Drone... Oh yeah baby... Can't wait until the first comment. May have to steal one of Andy's lines: "Dr. Seusaphone" Love it.
Hee, hee...

I look like a Dork no matter what I'm playing (even tennis).....

. Congrats on the new build, ST. I'm sure you will love it....

Ryan

stsanford · #13 03-12-2009, 07:09 PM

Latest pictures...

Zebra wood I am told....

Side View of neck.

View of the back of the neck.

I am slightly concerned about the depth / profile / chunkiness of the neck, does that look like it would be a "fast" neck, or does it look more like turn of the century profile? I'm trying to get the profile to be as close as possible to my Martin OMC Aura. or my Breedlove, those are just so comfortable.

Thanks for enjoying the process with me...

stsanford · #14 03-12-2009, 09:47 PM

Well, I just got a little smackdown from the luthier. I won't be making any "suggestions" guess my small hands be ****ed...

I get the impression that these may be the last photos for a while....

Oh, well. Still excited, just hope I'll be able to play this thing... If not, at least I know that harp guitars look way-cool on the wall as art! (just kidding)

SuperB23 · #15 03-13-2009, 07:44 AM

Very cool stuff I have always been intriqued by harp guitars and would love to get my hands on one for a while!!!!! I will be curious to see it when its done!!! How do you normally tune one?