Apertures (sound holes) in stringed musical instruments have been studied, experimented with, and designed for a variety of acoustic functions and characteristics. While a sound hole’s size, shape, and position certainly influence tone and volume, its appearance is what catches the eye and creates a kind of identity.

Many manufactured autoharps have simple, round sound holes while a few have no sound holes at all. Some luthier built autoharps have distinctive sound hole designs that identify their brand and are even trademarked.

I attempt to make each of my instruments unique. The sound hole treatment is one way I have of making an instrument visually distinctive while at the same time drawing attention to the fact that the instrument was custom made. I enjoy working with my customers in choosing a cut out shape, a laser cut rosette, or a custom inlay of their personal design.