The movie “The Red Violin” is to be highly recommended to those interested in historic musical instruments. It is one of Samuel Jackson’s best efforts. The story centers around a violin made in the 1500’s that appears and disappears in history and the people through the centuries who have possessed it.
It is of course fictional, but a little known fact is that it is based on a true story …. the story of “The Red Wire Strung Harp”
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This mysterious harp is made of Red Elm, an enigmatic and sometimes sinister wood. Most of you woodworkers are familiar with wood scales such as the Janka and Brinell scales. Ah, yes, but do you know about the lesser known Haint scale? It is a scale to reckon the wood’s proclivity to be haunted. For example cherry wood is rated a 0.72 Haints, and black walnut is 1.05 Haints. But red elm is 13.6 Haints, one of the most haunt inclined woods available.
This harp is just a bit heavier than it’s cherry and walnut counterparts. This may be due a difference in the density of the wood, or it may be due to being weighed down by the souls of unfortunate players who have been lured to posses it.
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This harp is presented merely as a curiosity. Please do not make an offer to buy it. The person in possession of it is bound by charms to accept the first reasonable offer.