How to Build a Wooden Toy Harp
Aeolian wind harps can sit on the wooden sill, on your deck or wherever there is wind blowing. When the wind blows through the harp strings you and your children can listen to the music as it plays. It got its name from the ancient Greek god of wind, Aeolus, and originated in Greece. Aeolian harps can be large and complicated or small and simple. You can make an Aeolian harp with your child out of wood and strings and enjoy the music together.
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Instructions
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1
Purchase wood such as cedar, pine, walnut or cedar. Measure the length of the window sill.
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2
Build a box 5 to 6 inches deep and 7 to 8 inches wide.
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3
Cut two pieces of wood, one-half inch high and one-quarter inch thick. Glue each piece of wood on each end to make bridges.
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4
Insert wooden pins into the ends of the box of two rows to wind the strings around and tuning pins on the other end.
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5
Cut a round hole in the middle of the top.
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6
Insert strings around each end of the Aeolian wind harp.
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Put the harp on the window sill or outside where you can enjoy the music together.
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Tips & Warnings
According to one website, Modern Aeolian harp makers suggest using nylon guitar strings, perhaps 4 Gs, 4 Bs, and 4 Es, all 12 strings tuned to the same note, often a low G.
References
- Photo Credit Harp Strings image by ne_fall_photos from Fotolia.com
