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PREPARING THE HARP FOR FINISH
____51. Any minor cracks and blemishes can be filled with your
favorite wood putty. (fig. 51a) If you have trouble find-
ing a paste filler that will match this wood, make up
your own out of fine sawdust (from sanding the harp)
and epoxy, wood glue, or super glue mixed to the con-
sistency of putty (wood glue can be thinned with a drop
or two of water.) (fig. 51b) Another option is to use filler
that is light in color and then darken it later with wood-
tone touch-up pens. You want to fill the cracks, and let
it dry, before sanding smooth. (fig. 51c)
FIG. 51A
FIG. 51B, C
____52. You are ready for your final sanding before you apply finish. If you haven’t done so already, use
a sander or plane to create a 1/4” roundover on the entire length of the body.
With the body seperated from the neck/pillar, take time to smooth all corners and remove any
machining marks from the entire harp. Start with 120 grit sandpaper, sanding with the grain
direction. Then 150 to 180 grit for the upper shoulder area to create a smoother surface on the
most frequently touched parts of the harp.
Remember to sand the neck/pillar joint flush with each other. This will make for a much nicer
looking finished harp.
Don’t forget to sand the feet! This is a part you
don’t touch as often, but it’s still important to get
every part of the instrument smooth and ready
for finish. (fig. 52a)
FIG. 52A
Optional Decorating
Hand painting or woodburning are fun ways to decorate your instrument. Light painting
can be applied between coats of varnish or lacquer very nicely and will not harm the sound
of the harp. Some people use acrylic paints, and others decorate with colored pencils or
pastels. This is a great way to personalize your harp.
