Did you break a string on your harp? Not to worry - it happens to everyone. When you break a string, the missing string can add additional tension on the neighboring strings. Because of this, it’s best to replace it as soon as you can.
First things first, make sure you have the correct replacement string. The shortest strings are very thin, while the longer strings are much thicker. The thickness of a string is measured as the gauge of the string.
In your Roosebeck string set, strings of similar color and gauge may be one continuous length and will need to be cut to length.
Changing a Harp String: Step-by-step
Disengage sharpening levers, by just flipping them down.
Remove any remnants of the broken string.
With your tuning tool, turn the tuning pin until the hole is straight up and down.
Thread the new string through the soundboard from the front.
Tie a knot in the bottom of the string.
To make a knot that will hold, make two loops. Insert the small loop into the big loop. Tighten the outside loop snug around the small loop.
Pull the string gently until the knot is tight against the inside of the soundboard. A loosely seated knot can cause buzzing when you play.
Thread the free end of the string through the hole in the tuning pin and pull until it’s taught.
To secure the string to the tuning pin, pull the free end of the string toward the back of the harp and tuck it under the tuning pin.
Pull the free end of the string away from the harp; around itself and up over the back of the tuning pin.
Holding the free end of the string in your left hand, place the tuning tool on the opposite end of the tuning pin and begin to turn the pin clockwise.
Make sure the string wraps around the pin toward the harp without over-laps. After one or two turns you can let go of the free end of the string.
Before you continue, push the string behind the sharpening lever. You may need to flip the lever up and down to work the string into place.
Slide the string into the groove on the front side of the bridge pin.
Continue to turn the tuning pin until the proper note is reached. Always tune up to a pitch, not down. If a string is already above the desired pitch, lower it significantly and then bring it back to the desired frequency.
Remember to pluck the string as you tune your harp, so you can hear the note change. Pluck lightly with your fingernail for a clear bell like ring. Use a piano or electronic tuner to ensure you are in the correct octave.
If you are turning the tuning pin and the note doesn't seem to change pitch, check that your tuning tool is on the correct pin. It’s a very common mistake to tighten one string while plucking and listening to another.
When the proper pitch is reached, you should have three or four wraps of the string around the tuning peg. Too many or too few wraps can affect how the string is engaged by the bridge pin and sharpening lever and the string is more likely to break. The shorter, thin strings do not stretch as much as the long strings. It’s a good idea to leave about one to one and a half inches of slack in the string when you start, to get the proper number of wraps on the pin.
After you have the correct number of wraps and the string is in tune, use scissors to trim off the end of the string, close to the pin.
If you're more of a visual learner, check out our video that walks you through each step of changing a harp string!
