Sandpiper Instruments is no longer taking orders unless the potential customer has been highly recommended by one of several professional performers who own one of my instruments.

In 1982, John Westling began working with Alfredo Ortiz to develop the Paraguayan harp, and from there Sandpiper branched out to other styles of harps as well as guitars. The ongoing development of our instruments is accomplished by working with professional musicians who help guide the changes of shape and sound, while concentrating on the business of crafting the highest quality instruments possible.

Sandpiper's harps are known for light string tension, light weight and uniquely rich sound. These characteristics are a result of experience with the Paraguayan harp and its unique enduring quality to hold together with the tension of 36 strings, and yet only weigh 11 pounds. We also build harps with tension and spacing equal to pedal harps.

Our most valued marketing is through satisfied customers, which is one reason why we strive to build an instrument that you will be proud to own, play, and recommend to others.

Sandpiper continues to exist because we receive a great deal of satisfaction in bringing enrichment and joy to each one of you who own a Sandpiper instrument. The instrument will allow you to personally experience the joy of music and to share it with others.

The instruments on this website are representative of the standard models we offer, and we hope that you will find one to fulfill your wishes, or that you will inquire about having Sandpiper build a custom instrument for you.