Dad is adorable...

Just sayin'. For whatever reason, several years after I initially tried to talk him (unsuccessfully) into the venture, he's launched full bore into building my a Renaissance German bray harp. ;-)

He sent me an E-mail, then immediately called today because he was confused by the stringing diagram. And is pretty geeked about how it's all coming together. I suspect part of the impetus was that he has a friend who has more furniture-making experience who lent know-how and some shop tricks. They even managed to bow the soundboard, like the originals, by creative use of moisture and heat. So now I have to order the strings (after I get paid), and find some music on Amazon to get started with. It's a 4 1/2 octave harp, that goes 2 octaves up and 2 1/2 down from Middle C. No sharping levers.

This sucker is pretty good-sized (for a period instrument), and will be made of rock maple. It promises to be lots of fun.

I already have one book of early Christmas Carols I picked up when I first tried to convince him to take on the project. Now I need to pick out which others I want. Who wants to help?

'Bethan ballads?

Early airs and dances>

General Renn Music?

More early music?

English and Scottish Ballads?

Shakespearian?

More Christmas Music?

I really wish they would list the songs in these, so I knew just what I was getting.

Off to go surf other harp sites and see if I can find more info on the books.

ETA - Indeed, I can. ;-)

http://www.harpcenter.com/page/SWHC/CTGY/BAuthSGil

Songs listed for each book.