How to Make a Box Harp

A box harp is actually more like a guitar or banjo than a harp. Like a guitar, it has "strings" (usually rubber bands) that run over a bridge parallel to a sound hole. The bridge transfers the vibrations from the strings into the body of the harp, and the sound hole amplifies and projects the sound. Although you can't play complex tunes on a box harp, just being able to make your own musical instrument can be a thrill.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cardboard box Glue Rubber bands Scissors Small piece of wood

1. Get a small cardboard box, such as a shoe box or a shipping box. Cut a sound hole in the middle of the top. The sound hole can be a plain circular hole, or it can be in the shape of a flower, a heart or anything else. A large sound hole will give an "open" and bright sound. A smaller sound hole will give a more mellow, warm tone.

2. Glue the lid of the box down with plain white glue. You could also use duct tape.

3. Get a rectangular block of wood and glue it onto the box, near an edge and parallel to it. It should be about as long as the edge it is parallel to, and around 1" in width and depth.

4. String the harp. Put several different-sized rubber bands around the box so that they run over the bridge. Pluck them to make a tone.

5. Tune the harp. Tie small knots in your rubber bands to tighten them and raise the pitch.

Tips & Warnings

• Orange Cuisenaire rods make good box harp bridges. See the link below.

Resources

• Cuisenair Rods