OpenPedal Harp Column
Why This Was Created
olumns are usually a core feature of pedal harps — they're where all the magic runs vertically from the pedals to the action in the neck.
But OpenPedal is a bit… different.
In theory, if you ran power and signal wiring through the soundbox and knee block, you could get away without a column at all. But in the real world, we need one for structural support — specifically, it needs to withstand over 1200 lbs of compressive load from string tension.
That said, my testing (and the work of other builders) confirms: as long as the column is structurally sound, the material itself isn’t all that important. It’s not a resonant acoustic element like the soundboard, neck, or soundbox.
So for this version, I went with a pragmatic, cost-effective hybrid:
A solid pine inner structure, cut to 51mm x 45mm
A decorative 3D-printed and carbon fiber-wrapped facade bonded to the wood core
This keeps it strong, simple, and easy to reproduce — no exotic tooling or expensive materials required.
Included Files
In the ZIP folder, you'll find:
OpenPedal_Column.blend— Full original Blender sculpt of the column. This file is highly detailed and includes millions of polygons. You’ll need a reasonably beefy machine to edit it comfortably, but it gives you full control over the design. Want to swap the grape motif for pigeons? Weird… but go for it.OpenPedal_Column.stl— Unsliced full column STL. Great for scaling or modifying to suit your project — just be warned, it’s a large file and may bog down your slicer.OpenPedal_Sliced_Column_1.stlOpenPedal_Sliced_Column_2.stlOpenPedal_Sliced_Column_3.stlOpenPedal_Sliced_Column_4.stl
These four STL files are sectioned, hollow, and optimized for 3D printing. When assembled, they form a column approximately 79 cm tall — much more manageable than the full model.
Fabrication Notes
3D Printing
The sliced STLs are ideal for most consumer-level FDM printers, though they’ll need some sanding to smooth out layer lines. If you have a smaller print volume, consider slicing them further in your slicer of choice.Material Choice
PLA and PLA+ work well for the facade if you’re planning to coat it with epoxy for smoothing and added strength.
Want to skip that? Use PETG, ABS, or ASA for better temperature and wear resistance.Bonding
I recommend plastic-compatible epoxy or CA glue to join the slices. For bonding the printed facade to the wood core, I use the same epoxy — it’s clean and strong.Finish Options
Forged carbon fiber flake gives a sleek “modern meets vintage” vibe — and a bit of strength — but it’s time-consuming and pricey.
Body filler/filler primer and sanding is a solid go-to for smoothing prior to painting.
Gilding can look incredible — but make sure to coat the entire column in resin first to create a hard shell. Gilding doesn't play well with flexible materials.
Licensing & Ethos
This part — like the rest of the OpenPedal project — is released under the Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license.
✅ You are free to:
Use and modify the files
Share them non-commercially
Remix and adapt the part for your own harp project
(And if you do — please share it with us! We'd love to feature your build.)
🚫 You may not:
Sell these files or derivatives as commercial products
Manufacture this part for resale without written permission
This project is open-source to encourage collaboration and accessibility, not third-party resale. Please respect the spirit of the license — and support those who support the project.
Need Adjustments?
Need the column resized? Want a new decorative motif? Wondering why I am the way I am? Reach out via the Contact Us page. I (Matthew Finlay) will try — schedule permitting — to provide any adjustments you need. Always free of charge. All I ask is that we get to share your version to help others build their dream harps.
