Changing Harp Strings: A Complete Guide

Welcome back to another harp educational video! In this video we'll be covering all about harp strings - types of strings, when to change strings, how to tie the harp knot, how to restring a harp, and more! I hope you enjoy, and if you do, make sure to give this video a like, leave a comment, and consider subscribing to my channel!

I've been working on this video for months and am so excited to share it with you! I love making videos like this, and this one turned out to be my most time- and labor-intensive one yet. If I totaled up all the time between planning, filming, recording voiceovers, editing, and tweaking all the finishing touches, I'd say I've put 30+ hours into this video! So I truly hope you enjoy, and please share with your harpist friends or (if you're also a harp teacher) with your students!

TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - INTRO
0:59 - WHY STRINGS BREAK / WHEN TO CHANGE A STRING
1:04 - Environmental causes
1:35 - Physical wear
2:12 - Age
2:44 - String changing schedule
3:35 - Moving the harp
3:38 - Shipping harp/putting harp in storage
4:29 - Restringing before a regulation
5:26 - TYPES OF HARP STRINGS AND WHERE TO GET THEM
5:57- Nylon strings
6:33 - Gut strings
6:52 - Wire strings
7:19 - Looking online for strings
7:41 - String tension
9:02 - Different brands of harp strings
9:20 - Where to buy strings
10:10 - Price of strings
10:57 - Skeleton set
12:54 - Multiple uses from string
13:32 - TYING THE HARP KNOT
13:44 - Tying the knot by itself
15:15 - Tying the knot with a string anchor
15:25 - Large-scale demonstration of tying with anchor
16:44 - Tying anchor demo
17:42 - Tying anchor demo (anchor added after)
18:41 - Dusty Strings "String Buttons"
19:36 - String Button demo
20:50 - :)
21:49 - REPLACING A NYLON OR GUT STRING
22:04 - Detailed complete string demo (lever harp)
23:02 - Creating an anti-slip string saddle
24:47 - Overview complete string demo (lever harp)
26:03 - Detailed complete string demo (pedal harp)
27:09 - Tip for trimming the string afterward
27:40 - REPLACING A WIRE STRING
28:07 - Detailed complete wire string demo
30:30 - Close-up detailed complete wire string demo
32:22 - TROUBLESHOOTING DURING STRING CHANGING
32:42 - Ensure string is winding correctly
33:00 - Check string points of contact
33:16 - Check your knot
33:58 - Try a different string
34:41 - Ask for help
34:53 - SOME FINAL TIPS!
35:03 - Recycling strings
36:06 - Keeping track of your string supply
36:43 - OUTRO

Links to things I mention in the video:
Basics of Harp Care video:    • Basics of Harp Care!  
Example of string changing schedule: https://tinyurl.com/mossharpservice
(under "How often should I change my strings?")
Helpful article on string tension: https://heartlandharps.com/string-ten...
Bow Brand harp strings: https://www.harp.com/string-products/...
Bow Brand Burgundy harp strings: https://www.harp.com/string-products/...
Premier harp strings: https://atlantaharpcenter.com/premier...
Vanderbilt harp strings: https://vanderbiltmusic.com/strings/
Dusty Strings harp strings: https://manufacturing.dustystrings.co...
Dusty Strings "String Buttons": https://manufacturing.dustystrings.co...

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The video’s background music is my own composition, a little experimental harp lo-fi called “Lazy Stream” :)


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