From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
If you are looking to save money and you are determined to build your own then go for a really good set of plans. Even if you do not read French the "La vielle a roue" by Michel Pignol (ISBN 2-9522433-0-1) is a VERY complete set of informative plans and diagrams. Buy the books and plans, your own wood, the metal to make the crank and axle or buy them from a good source, buy the tuning pegs and strings and in the end you are out $300 to $500. The same as the poorly designed and oft maligned kits. Then start asking questions that you can't answer from the book.
Thanks a lot for this. But let's say (since in fact this is the case) that you've already got the kit. Is there something really wrong with the design of the soundbox and keybox of the kit, that it can't be salvaged? I've already got that Alden's got a problem with the crank, no bearings, and the wheel. Would it be reasonable to take a look at these plans and modify the kit, rather than starting from scratch?
In case it's not coming across -- I am not at all dismayed by the idea of fiddling and adapting. In fact, it makes it more interesting. But I just need to know if there's a big problem with starting with this flatback walnut/spruce soundchamber that I've already got built. From what I know of harps, it seems like a reasonable construction. But then, a gurdy's not very much like a harp.
And my French is very bad indeed, but I spent about $30,000 sending my daughter to a Catholic high school where she passed an AP French exam, so maybe she can finally pay me back a little, hah, hah.
Kathy Hutchins [EMAIL PROTECTED]
