How to Change a String on Your Lever Harp
Changing a string on your lever harp can be tricky at first, but it gets easier each time you do it. This page will guide you through the steps to replace a broken or damaged string.
1. Things you will need
Before you begin, make sure you have the following items handy:
Tuning wrench: You’ll need this to adjust the tension of the new string.
String anchor: A small piece of thick harp string or a bead are usually used, you can also use a nail, a purpose cut small piece of mini dowel with a hole in it, a small strip of very thick leather or anything else you can securely tie your knot around. This will sit at the back of the harp's soundboard.
2. Identify the String to be Replaced
Ensure you have a new string that matches the one you need to replace - the correct guage and also one that is long enough. Different harps use different materials (nylon, gut, or wire), so you will need to make sure you have the right one. If you’re unsure, consult your harp’s string chart, you can visit the manufacturer’s website if you need to download one. Make sure that the new string fits through the eyelet in the soundboard and the hole in the tuning pin.
3. Remove the Old String
If you are replacing a string that is already on your harp, detension the string: Use the tuning wrench to loosen the tension on the old string. Turn the tuning pin to unwind the string until it is slack. This is usually counter clockwise but be sure to check.
Gently pull the string out from the back of the hole in the soundboard.
If you are replacing a string that has broken you will need to remove any parts of the broken string that remain on the harp before you can install your new one.
4. Prepare the New String
Thread the string: Insert the new string through the hole in the soundboard from the front.
Tie a knot: Tie a secure knot at the end of the string using a piece of thick harp string, bead, nail, or piece of thick leather as a string anchor. Make sure the knot is tight and won’t slip. There is a good description of a couple of different knots in the back of the "Teach Yourself the Folk Harp" book by Sylvia Woods If this is the first string you have put on a harp you may want to practise tying the knot using something other than your new string. A piece of cotton string or yarn can be useful for this.
5. Install the New String
Thread the new string through the tuning pin: I find it easiest to insert the end of the string through the hole in the tuning pin from the bottom.
Wind the string: Turn the tuning pin clockwise to wind the string around it. Leave enough slack to create a few windings.
Cross the string: Cross the string over itself once on the tuning pin to lock it down.
Tune the string: Use the tuning wrench to slowly adjust the tension until the string is in tune. Pluck the string and use your electronic tuner or compare it with neighbouring strings.
6. Trim the Excess String
Once the string is in tune, trim off any excess string near the tuning pin.
Play, play, play - now that you have your new string on you will need to play the harp to help it to stay in tune. This is a good time (it's always a good time) to practice some finger exercises and keep retuning the new string because it will drop in pitch as the newly tensioned string stretches. The new string will settle in the more you play and retune it.
Have fun and enjoy your music!
email: robyn@robynsutherland.com or phone: 021 252 7632
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