Q&A for How to Make a Harp

Most luthiers would not use oak, preferring maple, walnut, cherry etc for the neck and soundbox body. I have recently built a 30-string harp with European oak and it's really quite good; I used oak because I had some around in the workshop. You definitely shouldn't use it for the soundboard - that should be spruce, western cedar, poplar or aircraft plywood.

Black walnut is very durable. While it is susceptible to insect attacks, it has a shock resistance. It is very commonly used for making harps, so yes, it is a good choice. Just make sure it doesn't get stored where it can attract insects.

Yes. Western red cedar is popular with classical guitar makers and its especially suitable for the small Celtic harp. Cedar is known for its volume, warmth, wealth of harmonics (overtones) and 'bass-iness'. What is most characteristic of cedar is that it takes only a short time for the voice to mature, and can even sound 'played-in' when new.

Western red cedar has the warmest/darkest sound of all the woods. Engelmann spruce is also a great one.