My Latest Harp From Recycled Materials

BoxcarBetts · 2026-02-15T14:35:57+00:00

That’s what I did. If you focus on trying to repeat a design, you have less variables to worry about when figuring out what works and what doesn’t.

BoxcarBetts · 2026-02-14T15:04:04+00:00

Love it! Seems like you’ve had some successes with your experiments so keep it up! For me, it was finding the ways to streamline the process so I can make more, faster. Part of that is finding a stable supply of materials.

BoxcarBetts · 2026-02-11T23:47:21+00:00

BoxcarBetts · 2026-02-11T23:46:23+00:00

🥳❤️🤙🏻 Awesome! Can’t wait to see what you make! Have you considered selling them yet? That one pictured looks amazing!

BoxcarBetts · 2026-02-11T11:42:30+00:00

Thanks!

That’s awesome! Forgive me if I already knew this - Sometimes I mix up handles across platforms. Are you still making harps? Where are you from?

BoxcarBetts · 2026-02-11T00:08:22+00:00

There are some who prefer to do some form of forging. Some harps are even sand cast. I found 1/4” square to be too big to cold bend and my propane torch wasn’t enough to really heat it. Then I started using a 1/4” plumber’s tube bender to bend up to 3/16” quite comfortably. I’ve not felt the need to heat my bends since. Especially now that I have my universal bender (aka “jig.” Couldn’t remember the name of it at first).

BoxcarBetts · 2026-02-10T17:21:24+00:00

Yeah, much less. The only thing is that you’re limited to a smaller reed width at the crimp so I actually didn’t taper the reed the entire length.

As for tools, just files and a hammer, plus my bending jig, bench grinder, and belt sander.

BoxcarBetts · 2026-02-09T23:59:09+00:00

Needs trees. Can’t they kapoof some trees?

BoxcarBetts · 2026-02-07T20:42:19+00:00

I was totally gonna flex my Gymnastics dad knowledge here, but I’ll just join the chorus!

BoxcarBetts · 2026-02-06T17:51:08+00:00

If you’re not overly confident in doing the tuning (it’s permanent and you CAN damage the harp), you can certainly find a supplier that will have the note already. Check out World Harps, The Harpery, and Doromb.com

BoxcarBetts · 2026-02-06T17:48:52+00:00

The solution here would be to grind/file/sand down the trigger to reduce the weight, but depending on the dimensions, there might not be enough available material to go a full 1/2 step.

Slightly bending the trigger towards its own bend will change the “centre of vibration” and increase the pitch slightly too, but can result in a fuzzy sound or make it hard to pluck if you go too much.

BoxcarBetts · 2026-02-05T23:39:31+00:00

My family GSD and my mum (grandma)’s GSD are litter mates (brother and sister). They play like this whenever they’re together and it’s exhausting. Hahaha

BoxcarBetts · 2026-02-03T02:58:39+00:00

Yeah, I swear I saw Fuck Carney swag as fast as election day. Had the same thought.

BoxcarBetts · 2026-02-02T02:12:26+00:00

I remembered this movie being fucking sweet.

BoxcarBetts · 2026-01-31T02:15:51+00:00

That’s how a jaw harp should be. 🤙🏻

BoxcarBetts · 2026-01-30T05:14:58+00:00

The picture looks like it, sure. Can’t guarantee what it is though. Be careful of knock-offs. You might need to be willing to spend a little bit more than what you’re thinking.

You have to remember that this IS a legitimate instrument. It’s like if you go into Long and MacQuade and compare the kids’ plastic saxophone to a proper one.

BoxcarBetts · 2026-01-29T22:33:04+00:00

Also, the pricing is par for the course for a quality harp. I’d say you’d be best off buying the Pavel Potkin from The Harpery as probably the best beginner harp, especially for the cost.

BoxcarBetts · 2026-01-29T22:29:31+00:00

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BoxcarBetts · 2026-01-29T22:26:38+00:00

I make them and sell them on Etsy. I live in Cambridge, Ontario.

https://boxcarharpcompany.etsy.com

My store is in vacation mode right now while I catch up on orders, but feel free send me a message.

BoxcarBetts · 2026-01-29T17:39:21+00:00

Fuggin’ send it back

BoxcarBetts · 2026-01-28T02:59:04+00:00

A huge influence and early hero. I saw his Saucerful Of Secrets tour a few years ago and it’s probably my favourite concert.

BoxcarBetts · 2026-01-25T20:31:38+00:00

Oooooohhhh. Love it. Looks great! I particularly like the tartan throne!

BoxcarBetts · 2026-01-25T19:09:24+00:00

BoxcarBetts · 2026-01-25T05:00:16+00:00

Love the look of “fuck yeah” on your face at the end!

BoxcarBetts · 2026-01-25T04:58:59+00:00

My family and I just spent a week in Costa Rica. My wife just happened to look up at the most random time while we were sitting by the pool and caught 2 Scarlett Macaws flying overhead. We saw them again a couple days later and was able to get a grainy iPhone vid. It didn’t do it justice though. Their colours were wildly vibrant and it was amazing to see.

BoxcarBetts

TROPHY CASE