Changing Strings
All harps break strings from time to time, and any of the three materials used - nylon, gut and wire - can break with little to no warning. This doesn't mean there's a problem with your harp, or the way that you care for it. Strings on a harp are under an enormous amount of pressure and they simply let go sometimes. Consequently, harpists grow accustomed to replacing broken strings. It's always best (both for the harp and your practicing) to put a new string on right away.
Many people have questions about changing strings, even after they've done it once or twice. Part of what makes it tricky is that it's hard to practice changing strings regularly, as strings don't break on a schedule and you might go many months without breaking a string.
Here you'll find a written quick overview of string changing and a few videos that explain and demonstrate different aspects of changing strings in depth. I hope this helps!
A Quick Overview
•Changing a string is similar to a craft project. You need a few supplies, some dexterity, and quite a bit of patience.
•First you need to purchase a replacement string (if you don't already have one). The different types of strings and numbering systems can be confusing, so many harp supply companies have lists of strings for different harps.
•Next you want to remove the broken string. You can simply pull it out of the harp or unwind it at the top of the tuning peg.
•If it's a nylon or gut string, you'll need to tie a knot in the bottom of the string. There is a specific harp knot (along with some variations) that most people use. Frequently this is the most challenging part of string changing. Some people keep old strings on hand to practice their knot tying.
•If it's a thin string (middle C and above), you'll want to put some sort of anchor in the knot in it so that the knot doesn't pull up into the soundboard of the harp. Many people use old pieces of a thick string as an anchor.
•If it's a wire string, it will come with a knot and anchor already in place, so you don't need to worry about those steps. However, when you thread the string through, you'll want to leave some slack before you start to wind the string, rather than pulling it taut.
•Next you can thread the string up through the harp, and wind it up around the tuning pin at the top, using your tuning key. It can be helpful to use the neighboring strings as a visual reference to make sure you're on the correct side of the bridge pin and that everything is aligned properly.
•As you wind the string, check the tuning periodically and keep making the pitch higher until the string is in tune. Nylon and gut strings won't stay in tune at first - all new strings immediately go flat - so you'll have to tune it frequently for the next week or two. Wire strings are quicker to stay in tune.
•You can leave the tail of the string on the harp for a day or two to make sure everything is ok. Once you're sure the string is properly installed, you can trim off the extra piece of string using scissors or wire cutters.
•Professional harpists carry an entire set of replacement strings with them at all times so they can immediately replace any broken strings. Since it's impossible to predict which string might break, most beginning and intermediate students buy strings as needed.
•Students should replace their entire set of strings every three to five years for optimal sound quality. Professionals usually replace their entire set every year.
How to Determine the Correct Replacement String. Figuring out which string you need can be complicated, so this video starts discusses the different materials of strings and the numbering systems to differentiate between individual strings.
Replacing a Nylon String
This video shows how to replace both a lower (thicker) nylon string and a higher (thinner) nylon string, including tying a knot in the new string, threading it through the harp, winding it around the tuning pin, tuning it, and clipping off the excess. If you've never changed a string before, this detailed video is a good place to start.
Replacing a Gut String
This is a detailed approach of how to replace both a lower (thicker) gut string and a higher (thinner) gut string, including all of the detailed steps needed. Replacing a gut string is almost identical to replacing a nylon string. If you've never changed a string before, you can either start here or with the nylon string video.
Replacing a Wire String
This video explains in depth how to replace a wire string, including all of the steps of the process. This is quite different from changing a gut/nylon string, and the differences are discussed throughout the video. Most people first learn how to change nylon or gut strings and then work on their wire string changing skills.
Replacing a Full Set of Strings
Although harpists generally begin by just replacing strings as they break, eventually you may find yourself wanting to restring your entire harp. This video explains how to go about doing that and assumes that you already understand the basics of changing the different types of strings.