Page One

Choosing Materials, Design & Drawing, Cutting the Body

Step 1 - Choosing Materials

The first stage in any project is choosing materials and making decisions about what approach to take. There were two possible options for construction detailed, the first consisting of one piece of hardwood with the sound chamber cut through completely, this sandwiched between a ply belly and back, the second requiring a single piece of hardwood with the sound chamber hollowed out and a ply belly. Our lyre will follow the first option.

Although the plans suggest maple or some other quality hardwood for the main body, our finances and resources limited us to pine: future lyres may be made with more exotic materials. Other materials used were linseed oil and varnish for the finish, dowel for the end peg, zither pins and of course strings.

The tools needed for this project are very much the standard kind any woodworker might already have, a jigsaw, workbench, clamps, sandpaper, sanding block, ruler for measuring, drill and various bits. Small chisels and an electric sander also proved useful.

Step 2 - Design & Drawing

The information on the site mentioned above is detailed in terms of historical measurements of various ancient lyres, however, the sketches are at best a rough guide to shape and design. Thus the first task was to work out the required dimensions and produce a design on the wood for the final shape of the instrument.

The lyre is 30" in length and 20" in width, with the handhole 10" in length, this latter measured against my hand to ensure a comfortable amount of space when playing. The cross hatched area at the bottom of the outline forms the area to be removed to create a sound chamber.

The body once cut out is used as a template for the thinner wood back and belly.

 

Step 3 - Cutting the Body

Already the lyre is taking shape, the body having been cut from the main piece of wood and the handhole and soundchamber removed. The body needs to be sanded thoroughly (not shown), ensuring the edges and surface were smooth, the curves and corners properly finished.

The jigsaw had some difficulty cutting round the interior curves, but some fine work with a narrow bladed chisel completed the job, and sanding soon removed any jagged edges. More sanding will be required at each subsequent step.

 

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