Custom Nylon Strung Harps

Each Harp I build is perfectly designed and crafted to fit the needs and desires of it`s owner and player, including my Custom Nylon Strung Harps.

 I can design and build for you a single string band Nylon Strung Harp in any size from 19 to 42 strings. The possible note ranges can go from first octave 'G', down to low sixth octave 'E'. I can also build you a Double or Cross strung Nylon harp. Please see my Cross Strung and Double Strung Harp pages for more information on these possibilities.

String tension on any of my nylon strung harps can be from as high as full  pedal harp tension, to as light as medieval or Gothic style stringing. Or any variation in between!

On my Nylon Strung Harps, the string tension can vary from a true Pedal Harp tension, to a very light Gothic type, or anywhere in between. The string spacing can also be widely varied, designed to match the harp that you currently play, or to perfectly match your hand and finger sizes. Depending on the type of sound desired, and the note range, there are a number of different choices of base-string material that can be used. If you already play one type of harp, and wish for me to build a smaller or larger harp, for you, with the same string spacing, string tension and type of sound, it can be done with no problem.

I use a custom computer harp string designing program, as an important part of my design process. With this program, I can design for you the perfect Nylon string set for your Custom harp, with just the right tension and string spacing. With the proper string tension and spacing your custom Nylon Strung Harp will be a perfect fit to your playing style.

Nylon Strings are often the best choice for beginners and those who like the nylon tone and feel. They are easier to keep in tune, cost less, and are more forgiving of technique than gut. They have a beautiful tone and a very nice medium tension.

I use bass wires, normally made from steel/fiber/ bronze for the lowest octave on my larger model Nylon harps, and then a series of wound nylon/nylon and sometimes steel/fiber/ nylon as transition strings to the bass wires. The transition from bass wires to the nylon is very gradual by using these nylon/nylon and steel/fiber/nylon transition strings, and easy on the ears and fingers.

Harp Shown above: This is a custom  carved electric-acoustic-midi harp with nylon strings, built from Myrtle wood and Black Walnut, with a stained Spruce sound board.

Design Process

Then from the string set, the number of strings and the note range you desire,  I will design your harp with the style, shape and size of structure that you fills your needs, both practically and Artistically. The possible styles and sizes that I can build your Nylon strung harp in, are almost un-limited, from very compact and light in weight, to quite large with a Kingly presence!

As with all my custom harp designs, I will draw your proposed harp, full sized, including views of the sound board, back sound holes and the side staves, for your approval, before I start to build.  I can model your harp based on any style of harp that you admire, weather one that I have created, or any historical or contemporary model. If you have a favorite harp that you play at home, or one that you have played elsewhere, I can match the string spacing, angle and tension for your new custom harp.

Any desired carving, sculpting, or painted decoration can be also shown on this drawing. In the case of painted or carved decoration, I can give you different price quotes, for different sized areas of decoration.