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Replacing Metal Wound Bass Strings
Hello Fellow Harpists,
I have learned to manage replacing the nylon strings on my harp. However, I have terrible time putting in new metal wound bass strings. I practically break the new string before even playing it. It is so frustrating I have considered just not replacing the lowest strings at all, or replacing what I can with nylon and not replacing the rest. (Replacing one or two with nylon would leave me with 4 octaves A to A rather than 4 1/2 octaves C-A.)
So I have two questions:
1) Would it be a good idea to replace the metal wound stings with a different string, and if so, what are my options?
2) Do any of you have tips for replacing metal wound strings?Thank you!
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2 Replies
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My understanding is that the material and length of a string is chosen for each particular harp design; you may or may not be able to replace the string with a different material easily. The best way to know if this is an option is to contact the harp maker / manufacturer, or even a store that specializes in harp strings, and ask the question.
Replacing metal strings can be tricky! I haven’t had a metal string broke on me (yet), but my husband has strung plenty of mental strings between the guitars and harps that he built. The first one or two was difficult, but it did get easier with some practice! This video provide some really good information and you may find it helpful: https://youtu.be/63WFzxNsIAg Good luck!
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Thank you so much, Victoria. The video you posted was exactly what I needed.
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