Advice on building a Tara harp (Robinson plan)?

[Charlie Schultz]

As the HG is getting close to the finishing stage, it's time to start thinking about the next project. Recall this topic, http://www.mimf.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=1688, she's decided on a traditional harp, so I'm going with the Tara plans from Robinson. No doubt some of you have built from that plan- any advice?

I think I'm going to try a staved back (first time) as opposed to building up the plywood (round) back. I did a model (using Sketchup) based on 10 sides and got this:

Is 10 a good number? In the model, the overall length is about 41", staves are 1/4" thick. The radius at the base is about 7.5" and at the top, about 2.5".

[Clay Schaeffer]

High Charlie,
I have made a few staved backs. I think an odd number of staves looks better than an even number. I would suggest using a fewer number of wider staves. The central stave often has elongated openings cut into it to make stringing it easier and improve acoustics (sound ports ?) .
If you have a table saw making the staved soundbox is relatively easy. Use a tapering jig to cut the top to bottom taper and set the bevel angle by dividing 180 degrees by the number of staves. Bevel the first side of the stave while it is still untapered, then bevel and taper the opposite side of the stave. Add a bit of extra length to the staves to trim off for squaring up the top and bottom after glueup. I then place the staves edge to edge, running tape across them on the "outside" side, put glue in the joints and then roll it up and pull it together with tape strips across the open side. I stand it up, check to make sure everything is reasonably aligned, and let it dry. No molds or jigs needed.

[Charlie Schultz]

Thanks Clay!