# Tasks & work activities — harp maker

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 49-9063.00 (Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 7312; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation.

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Play instruments to evaluate their sound quality and to locate any defects.
- **[Core]** Adjust string tensions to tune instruments, using hand tools and electronic tuning devices.
- **[Core]** Disassemble instruments and parts for repair and adjustment.
- **[Core]** Inspect instruments to locate defects, and to determine their value or the level of restoration required.
- **[Core]** Repair cracks in wood or metal instruments, using pinning wire, lathes, fillers, clamps, or soldering irons.
- **[Core]** Reassemble instruments following repair, using hand tools and power tools and glue, hair, yarn, resin, or clamps, and lubricate instruments as necessary.
- **[Core]** Compare instrument pitches with tuning tool pitches to tune instruments.
- **[Core]** String instruments, and adjust trusses and bridges of instruments to obtain specified string tensions and heights.
- **[Core]** Repair or replace musical instrument parts and components, such as strings, bridges, felts, and keys, using hand and power tools.
- **[Core]** Polish instruments, using rags and polishing compounds, buffing wheels, or burnishing tools.
- **[Core]** Shape old parts and replacement parts to improve tone or intonation, using hand tools, lathes, or soldering irons.
- **[Supplemental]** Make wood replacement parts, using woodworking machines and hand tools.
- **[Core]** Mix and measure glue that will be used for instrument repair.
- **[Supplemental]** Align pads and keys on reed or wind instruments.
- **[Supplemental]** Adjust felt hammers on pianos to increase tonal mellowness or brilliance, using sanding paddles, lacquer, or needles.
- **[Supplemental]** Solder posts and parts to hold them in their proper places.
- **[Supplemental]** Remove dents and burrs from metal instruments, using mallets and burnishing tools.
- **[Supplemental]** Wash metal instruments in lacquer-stripping and cyanide solutions to remove lacquer and tarnish.
- **[Supplemental]** Refinish instruments to protect and decorate them, using hand tools, buffing tools, and varnish.
- **[Supplemental]** Deliver pianos to purchasers or to locations of their use.
- **[Supplemental]** Refinish and polish piano cabinets or cases to prepare them for sale.
- **[Supplemental]** Remove irregularities from tuning pins, strings, and hammers of pianos, using wood blocks or filing tools.
- **[Supplemental]** Strike wood, fiberglass, or metal bars of instruments, and use tuned blocks, stroboscopes, or electronic tuners to evaluate tones made by instruments.
- **[Supplemental]** Assemble and install new pipe organs and pianos in buildings.

## Detailed work activities

- Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
- Adjust tuning or functioning of musical instruments.
- Align equipment or machinery.
- Assemble products or production equipment.
- Clean equipment, parts, or tools to repair or maintain them in good working order.
- Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
- Fabricate parts or components.
- Inspect mechanical equipment to locate damage, defects, or wear.
- Install instrumentation or electronic equipment or systems.
- Lubricate equipment to allow proper functioning.
- Polish materials, workpieces, or finished products.
- Prepare compounds or solutions to be used for repairs.
- Reassemble equipment after repair.
- Refinish wood or metal surfaces.
- Remove dents from equipment, materials, tools or structures.
- Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
- Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
- Smooth surfaces of objects or equipment.
- Solder parts or connections between parts.
- Test mechanical equipment to ensure proper functioning.
- Travel to work sites to perform installation, repair or maintenance work.