Ordering
My harps are individually hand made. As such I may not always have completed harps for sale. I very much enjoy the process of making a harp, so if I have time between making harps for orders, I will make a harp with whatever combinations of woods is appealing at the time. If I do have a completed harp for sale, or near ready for sale, I will list it on the Available page. What I want to provide to you is a harp made with the sound, look, and quality you desire.
Currently, it takes me about a month to build a harp. If the hardwood to be used in the harp is Claro Walnut, or Quilted Maple, add two weeks. I currently have no backlog.
To order a harp, you will need to specify the woods you would like for the various parts of the harp. Unless specifically requested, the soundbox outer veneer will match the hardwood species used for the pillar and neck. If you desire, the wood may be stained, except for walnut, with your selection from a variety of furniture quality stains.
The available hardwoods are:
- Curly Cherry - finished clear, or stained
- Black or Claro Walnut
- Quilted Western Big Leaf Maple
- Curly Western Big Leaf Maple
The choices of luthier-grade softwood for the soundboard are:
- Western Red Cedar - Varies in coloration due to mineral deposits in the wood
- Port Orford White Cedar - A pale yellow/white wood with a brighter sound than Western Red Cedar
- Englemann Spruce - A almost white wood, with a brighter sound than Port Orford or Western Red Cedars
The current wood selections for the harp's trim (soundbox cap, outer string rib, and binding) are:
- Any of the hardwood selections above
- Castello Boxwood
- Mahogany
- Bocote
- Osage Orange (Bois D'Arc)
For strings, both Savarez fluorocarbon and Aquila Corde Biocarbons strings are available.
For levers, either Camac or Argent Fox levers are available.
The standard lever for the Planxty Susan double strung harp is the Argent Fox Forte lever. This lever is approximately one third the weight of the Camac lever. This weight savings on the 2x24 double harp is substantial.
Also, you will need to specify the color you wish for your harp's carrying case. My harp cases come from Four Seasons Harp Covers, and are currently available in black, charcoal, navy blue, regal purple, and teal.
As the creation of your harp progresses, I will send you updates, including pictures of your harp during the building process.
Pricing
Harps Shown on the Available page - Price is shown at the bottom of that harp's description.
A Note on Comparing Prices: The price listed by some harp makers inlcudes only the harp itself. My prices also include a soft carrying case, a full spare set of strings (enough for one side for the double harp), and a tool kit. See below for the details of the items which will be included with your order.
Spiorad 34 - Full Camac levers, Savarez Fluorocarbon Strings - $4900
For Biocarbon Strings, deduct $200
For Dark Nickel or Gold Camac Levers, add $100.
For Argent Fox Forte Levers (Full Set, Gold anodized or Silver anodized), add $150.
Partial levers - contact us for price.
Planxty Susan Double 24 - Two levers per octave, Forte or Camac, Biocarbon Strings - $3500
Fluorocarbon strings - add $300
Full Forte levers - add $500
Full Camac levers (Bright Nickel) - add $380
Full Camac levers (Dark Nickel or Gold) - add $520
Harp Stand (available heights - 12"-15"/30-38 cm), currently available in mahogany or ambrosia maple - $250
Moruadh 22 - No levers, Biocarbon Strings - $1650
Fluorocarbon Strings - add $160
C & F Camac or Forte levers - add $100
Full Camac levers (Bright Nickel) - add $300
Full Camac levers (Dark Nickel or Gold) - add $375
Full Forte levers - add $400
At the time you order your harp, a US$1000 deposit is required. The balance is due when the harp is complete, before shipment.
Included with your harp:
- A complete spare set of fluorocarbon or Biocarbon strings (for the Double 24, enough strings to replace one side)
- A soft carrying case from Four Seasons Harp Covers, with two handles, shoulder strap, and zippered music/accessory pocket
- A tool kit (including a tuning key)
- An owner's manual
- A limited three year warranty
When comparing prices with other makers, look at what is included in their price.
Types of Payment I will accept
- Bank Wire transfer
- VISA, MasterCard, American Express, DIscover, JCB, and UnionPay credit cards (through Square)
- Certified Bank Check – USA customers only
- Cash (US sales only)
- PayPal
Note: Harps purchased by certified bank check will not ship until the received check has cleared the banking system.
If you have any questions about payment options, please contact me for details. Please make payments out to “Dave Boling, dba Wind River Harps”.
Payments may be mailed to:
1413 Wind River Drive
Huntsville, AL 35802-3959
USA
Packing & Shipping
The harp will be placed in its soft case first, then wrapped in bubble wrap. It will then be packed in a double-walled, double thickness cardboard box. If you ever need to ship your harp, this is the best way to safely transport it.
For more details regarding shipping (and customs if necessary), please contact me. I have also been known to drive a harp to a customer's home (within a reasonable distance), or meet them half-way in order to hand deliver a harp.
Unpacking, or Packing, Your Wind Rivers Harp:
I've created a slideshow which will assist you in unpacking your new harp, or packing it if you need to ship it for any reason.
The slideshow is here.