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String Harp

From "DIY Kids"
episode DIK-213

The DIY Kids show you how to make this string harp.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

Materials:

Shoebox (very sturdy)
2 wood slats: 5-1/2" x 2" x 1/2"
Craft knife
Hot glue
4 finishing nails
Brushes
Wood glue
2 pieces of card stock: 5-1/2" x 3/4"
Tape
8 thumbtacks
Drill with bits
Colored markers
8 screw-in eye hooks
Scissors
Fishing line
Hammer
Paint
Safety glasses
An adult assistant

Cut an oval in the lid of a shoebox with a craft knife or scissors (figure A). Have an adult help with this.
Cut four wooden slats -- 1/2" by 2" by 5-1/2".
Glue wood slats to the top of the lid, one at each end of the cut oval. One should be glued straight across and the other should be at an angle (figure B). Now glue the remaining two slats to the underside of the lid, one at each end of the cut oval. Line them up as much as possible with the slats on top. Hammer the finishing nails from back to front for extra strength.
On the angled slat, predrill eight small holes for the eye hooks (figure C ). The drill bit should be smaller than your screw hooks' diameter -- test this on a scrap piece of wood.
Screw eye hooks in place BUT NOT ALL THE WAY DOWN.
Push thumbtacks into straight slat, in a straight line, opposite the eye hooks (figure D). Thumbtacks should be pushed in, but not all the way.
Tie pieces of fishing line between each eye hook and thumbtack as tightly as you can (figure E).
For a bridge cut a strip of card stock 3/4" x 5-1/2". Wedge strip under the strings against the thumbtack slat. The strings will rest on the cardboard.
Hot-glue the lid onto the box.
Paint to decorate.
Tune strings by turning the eyehooks. You may need pliers for this. Turn very gradually as you go -- it doesn't take much to change the pitch.

Tips:

Have an adult supervise anytime you are using tools.
Wear appropriate safety equipment when using tools.

DIY Kids Fun Fact: Harps date as far back as 3000 B.C.

All products can be purchased at craft and all-purpose stores nationwide. No special products are needed.

RESOURCES :
Musical Instruments
Model: 0531158713
Author: Meryl Doney
(1997)