Home (2022) version 2 Forums Harp Care & Maintenance Gut strings on lever harp

  • Gut strings on lever harp

    Posted by Katelyn Gil on 18 May, 2022 at 7:44 pm

    One of my strings snapped recently so I have to replace it (this would be my first time) but I have a couple questions. I looked at a youtube video recently that mentioned that nylon strings aren’t that strong sounding and on lever harps they need to be mic’ed to be heard in an orchestra. I’m part of a a diy small orchestra at my local church so I don’t really have anyone from there to ask about this. The youtube video recommended that gut strings would make the sound come out louder, but another article mentioned that it could hurt my soundboard to put gut strings that aren’t the right dimensions on it so I don’t knoww. I want to replace my string but should I try to get those gut strings so that I sound better or just invest in microphones and speakers and just get the nylon again? Any recommendations?

    Victoria Johnson replied 1 year, 10 months ago 4 Members · 6 Replies
  • 6 Replies
  • Laura Bunch

    Member
    18 May, 2022 at 8:16 pm

    I think you should check with the manufacturer of your harp to see if you can change out the strings from nylon to gut. I don’t think it is recommended for most harps.

    • Katelyn Gil

      Member
      19 May, 2022 at 6:10 pm

      Yeah it definitely seems like the safest option, thanks for replying !

  • Elisabeth Alston

    Member
    18 May, 2022 at 9:01 pm

    Kryst lyne has video on YouTube about buying your first harp and on it she talks about different types of string you should look at it

  • Elisabeth Alston

    Member
    18 May, 2022 at 9:05 pm

    The video is actually on this website just go to the video and discussion forum in the tab thing hope this helps

    • Katelyn Gil

      Member
      19 May, 2022 at 6:09 pm

      I just checked it out, thanks for that tip haha

  • Victoria Johnson

    Member
    19 May, 2022 at 7:18 pm

    The material, diameter, and length of the string are taken into consideration when designing the harp, and many harps are designed to work with a very specific set of strings which may not be interchangeable with others. Changing the strings could result in change in string tensions, which would result it structural damage of the harp. I definitely second Laura’s suggestion to check with the harp maker before you make any string substitution. If your harp can be changed to gut strings, the harp marker will be able to tell you which gut strings to use.

    I have two nylon strung (with some wire in the bass) lever harps and one of them has a much louder sound than the other because of the way it is designed. I also play a pedal harp with gut strings and my general feeling is that the gut strings produce a warmer sound compare to nylon strings but not necessarily louder.

    Would installing a pick up and play the harp with an amp be an option for you?

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