Essential Tools and Materials for Harp Stringing

Specialized Pliers for Harp Work

Harp strings are delicate and require careful handling from start to finish during the stringing process. Using pliers designed specifically for harp maintenance makes a big difference compared to standard everyday pliers. Here are the essential harp pliers and their key uses:

Wire Cutters

The best wire cutters for harp work have ultra-sharp, flush-cutting blades that serve strings cleanly without crushing or pinching. This helps strings sit tightly in tuning pins for optimal tension and tuning stability. Wire cutters sized around 5 inches offer the best control and visibility during harp stringing. Models with a comfortable grip handle to prevent hand strain during prolonged stringing jobs.

When selecting harp wire cutters, here are key features to look for:

• Flush-cutting blades
• Sharp cutting edges
• 5-inch length
• Comfort grip handles
• Smooth, clean cuts
• Tight string pin seating

Avoid wire cutters with serrated, tooth-edged blades as they can tear harp strings rather than slicing them cleanly. Standard multi-purpose cutters are too large and unwieldy for the intricate harp stringing process. The short length and precision of cutters designed specifically for harp work make all the difference.

Brands like American Harp Supply and Rees Harps sell specialized wire cutters that meet these criteria. Investing in a quality pair will reward you with smooth stringing jobs for years before needing replacement. With proper care, some harpists even pass their favorite string cutters down to students!

Rosin Pliers

Rosin is applied to new harp strings to help them adhere to the tuning pins and hold tension. Rosin pliers have a split jaw design to grab strings without damaging them. Professionals recommend getting 7-inch rosin pliers, as the longer length allows you to quickly coat full lengths of harp strings with powdered rosin. The jaws also have fine ridges that evenly distribute rosin onto strings.

When shopping for rosin pliers, these are the key features to look for:

• 7-inch length
• Split jaw design
• Fine ridged jaws
• Rosin reservoir
• Comfort grip handles

The split jaw design is critical, as it grabs the entire circumference of a harp string without flattening it like regular pliers would. The ridges then allow rosin to thoroughly coat strings when pulled through the jaws.

Another handy feature is a built-in rosin reservoir in the plier handles. This stores spare rosin right inside the tool. A few turns of the handle dispense fresh powder as needed without fumbling with a separate jar.

High-quality rosin pliers like the Rosin Buddy from American Harp Supply offer all these beneficial design elements. While more of an investment, they’ll provide flawless rosin application for years of harp-stringing jobs.

Tuning Keys and Hammers

Tuning harp strings requires specialized keys and hammers for adjusting tension and fine-tuning pitches. Here’s an overview:

Tuning Wrench

A harp tuning wrench has a hollow end that fits precisely over the square shank of harp tuning pins. This allows maximum torque to be applied in order to tighten and loosen strings with control and accuracy. The other end of the wrench has a smaller hollow size for adjusting fine tuners.

When selecting a tuning wrench, inspect the hollow ends closely. The sizes should precisely match typical square harp tuning pins without excessive play or tightness. Too much play means torque transfer will be inefficient for turning pins. An overly tight fit strains the pins. As the harpist advises, “The fit should feel smooth and solid.”

Also, ensure the tuning wrench has some weight to it. Lightweight tools are difficult to keep steady when applying torque. An average 7-inch steel tuning wrench with comfortable grip handles provides excellent control.

Tuning Hammer

While tuning keys gradually tighten or loosen strings to reach the desired pitch, a tuning hammer is used for quick, precise adjustments by firmly tapping pins. Tuning hammers have a wooden handle and rubber head to protect tuning pins while providing enough force to subtly adjust string tension as needed. Using the right amount of controlled force is important to prevent damage.

The best tuning hammers for harps have a medium-weight oak handle with a molded rubber head. This combination minimizes the marring of tuning pins while still allowing a harpist to apply sufficient tapping force. Some hammers have a steelhead for more striking power, but extreme care must be used to prevent cracking pin shafts.

When shopping for a tuning hammer, test various models by gently tapping your knee to compare striking force. Heavier hammers require less effort to produce adequate pin adjustments. The head should also have a smooth finish without edges that could scratch pins or harp finishes.

Brands like American Harp Supply offer tuning hammers vetted for harp use. While the hammer itself is simple, choosing one well-suited for harp maintenance ensures good results.

Measuring Tools

Harpists rely on specialized rulers and calipers during the stringing process to ensure precision and consistency:

Rulers

String height spacing has to be exact, so harp rulers are marked with measurements needed for properly gauging string positions. This includes 1/16″ increments and millimeter markings. Rulers made of stainless steel last through years of harp jobs. For easier visibility during stringing, some harp rulers have the increments etched into black plastic.

Harp rulers come in various lengths depending on the harp size and the area being measured. For example, a 6-inch ruler works well for precise measurements of string spacing across a harp’s soundboard. But a 2-foot ruler is required for overall harp frame height and string plane alignment.

It’s handy to have multiple harp ruler sizes on hand. Some specialty stringing rulers also have depth gauges for checking string slot depths. Or useful additions like moveable stops for ensuring consistent spacing between strings.

When selecting harp rulers, durability is key since they experience years of regular use. Laser-etched stainless steel rulers maintain legibility over time. They easily wipe clean after getting string lubricants or rosin on them. Harp makers like Lyon & Healy sell specialized harp ruler sets covering all typical measurement needs.

Calipers

These measuring tools are used to calculate very precise harp measurements, like the diameter of wound strings or the depth of string slots. Digital calipers offer the convenience of an LCD screen displaying exact measurements down to .01 millimeters. Dial calipers work similarly but require reading measurements off a numbered dial. Either option works well, as long as they offer dust/water protection for durability.

The main benefit of digital calipers is the clear digital readout. This eliminates squinting to read tiny etched lines on old-fashioned dial calipers. However, some harpists still prefer the familiarity of traditional dial gauges.

When shopping for either type, look for these features:

• Resolution down to at least .02 mm
• Smooth sliding action
• The locking screw holds a stable position
• Stainless steel construction

High precision allows for measuring the microscopic thickness differences in harp strings during the stringing process. The calipers must also have a locking mechanism to keep them fixed at specific measurements hands-free.

Waterproof digital calipers provide the best durability for harp work. They withstand rosin, lubricants, and alcohol cleaning solutions without issues. Plastic calipers degrade over time. For longevity through years of use, stainless steel caliper bodies are recommended.

Miscellaneous Hand Tools

Some additional standard tools come in handy:

Needle Nose Pliers

The tapered jaws of needle nose pliers allow reaching into narrow harp spaces like string hooks and eyelets. This helps securely seat strings during installation. The plier jaws also have cutters for snipping excess string ends after attaching them.

Look for needle nose pliers with comfortable grip handles for prolonged use. The jaws should taper down to a very narrow precision tip for maneuvering harp hardware and strings. Stainless steel pliers resist corrosion and maintain smooth jaw action. Some harp technicians slightly grind plier tips to customize shapes for certain harp string hooks.

A handy upgrade is needle nose pliers with built-in wire cutters. This allows conveniently snipping excess string right after setting the terminal end. No need to set pliers down and grab cutters. Combination pliers/cutters like the Lindstrom Precision Harp & Piano Tool save hand motions and time.

Screwdrivers

Small flat heads and Phillips head screwdrivers are useful when removing harp hardware like tuning pins or pedal mechanisms for maintenance. Magnetized driver tips provide better grip on small screws and prevent dropping them into the harp!

Look for screwdrivers with hardened steel shafts for durability over time. Softer metals strip screw heads and wear down more quickly. Precision machined tips also prevent cam-out damage to screws or harp parts.

The most useful sizes for harps are #1 and #2 Phillips head drivers, along with small flat-head drivers. Having both standard and stubby length drivers improves access to recessed harp hardware and parts. Like pliers, some harp techs customize their most-used screwdriver tips on grinding wheels. This further optimizes the fit for frequently removed harp mechanisms.

Now that we’ve covered the critical harp maintenance tools required for DIY stringing jobs, let’s discuss the strings and supplies that make up the other essential half of the equation…

Strings – The Heart of Harp Sound

The strings are what give the harp its iconic voice. Harp strings come in different materials and gauges to produce warm, bright, or rich tones depending on preference. Here’s an overview so you can select the best strings for your harp and playing style:

Types of Harp Strings

There are three main types of harp strings to consider:

Gut Strings – Made from sheep or cow intestines, gut strings have a mellow, warm sound. They produce full bass tones but are less bright than other options. These strings stretch more over time requiring more tuning adjustment.

Nylon Strings – As the name describes, these strings have a nylon core wrapped with various metals like copper or silver-plated copper. This gives a strong, bright sound. Nylon strings hold their tension well through humidity and temperature changes.

Wire Strings – A steel core makes these strings quite durable and stable, while the metal wrapping enhances the projection of sound. They produce a very bright, carrying tone. Wire strings are popular for lever and pedal harps used in performances.

Beyond the core material, strings are available in different thickness gauges. Heavier gauges have louder volume, while lighter gauges offer softer musicality. You’ll need to balance your sound goals with the tension your harp can handle. Talk to a harp technician about the best string choice for your instrument.

Choosing String Gauge

Heavier string gauges create louder sounds, while lighter ones have a delicate softness. You need to select gauges that work with your harp’s tension capability range for proper functionality and to avoid frame damage. Here are some determining factors:

• Harp size/structure
• Desired sound volume
• Playing style (heavy plucking vs gentle)
• Pitch range of strings

Again, consulting a harp tech is best before switching string sizes on an existing harp. They can advise on adjustments needed, like replacing tuning pins to accommodate higher tensions.

Tips for Identifying Harp String Gauges

Harp strings don’t always have the gauge or diameter size printed directly on the string. This is especially true of bulk strings purchased by spool. So how do you identify string gauges? Here are some methods:

• Consult harp maker string charts – Most major harp manufacturers provide detailed string charts listing the exact string gauges used for each string position on every harp model. This is the definitive way to identify replacement string sizes.
• Gauge measurement tools – There are specialized gauges like the StringSizer that measure the diameter of round wound strings. This identifies the gauge number. Calipers can also precisely measure unwrapped core diameters.
• Compare coil windings – Lay an unknown string next to a known gauge reference string. Compare the spacing distance between windings. Tighter coils indicate a thinner string, while wider-spaced coils signal a heavier gauge string.

Having some method for identifying mystery strings prevents guesswork when replacing worn-out harp strings. It helps ensure ordering the proper replacement sizes.

Do Synthetic Strings Last Longer Than Gut?

Modern nylon and wire core strings offer excellent tuning stability and longevity compared to traditional gut strings. The synthetic materials resist stretching far better. However, many harpists still prefer the warm sound of natural gut strings despite needing replacement more often. It comes down to personal preference and performance needs.

Nylon and steel strings can last many years with proper care and maintenance. Gut strings may only last months to a few years at most before breaking or losing tone. But regular cleaning and application of protective string coatings help prolong gut string life moderately.

So while synthetics generally outlast natural strings by a wide margin, some harpists accept more frequent string changes as worthwhile to achieve their desired sound. It’s about balancing tone goals, maintenance tradeoffs, and budget.

Cleaning Supplies for Harp Maintenance

Even with excellent strings, harps still need periodic cleaning to look and sound their best. Here are must-have cleaning supplies:

Denatured Alcohol

A 50/50 diluted alcohol solution removes built-up rosin residue from harp strings that can dampen vibration and sound quality over time. It’s essential for cleaning strings during string changes and general harp maintenance. The alcohol must be denatured so it does not leave behind water deposits.

Denatured alcohol is sold in hardware stores, often labeled as methylated spirits outside the United States. While isopropyl alcohol works for household uses, the denatured type is specially formulated to prevent mineral residue deposits as it evaporates. This keeps harp strings gunk-free and able to vibrate freely.

Isopropyl alcohol tends to leave a sticky, waxy film on harp strings that inhibits resonance. So it’s worth tracking down the purified denatured type for the best results. Some harp supply shops also sell pre-mixed string cleaning solutions if unable to source denatured alcohol locally.

Tips for Safely Using Denatured Alcohol on Harps

While essential for cleaning harp strings, denatured alcohol does require some safety precautions:

• Work in a well-ventilated area to prevent breathing vapors
• No open flames! Alcohol fumes are flammable
• Use a spray bottle to apply alcohol rather than pouring
• Spot test finishes for any effect before widespread use
• Wear latex gloves to prevent skin drying

With some care taken to avoid risks from fumes or direct skin contact, denatured alcohol is a safe, effective harp string cleaner.

Soft Lint-Free Cloths

Use soft, non-abrasive microfiber cloths to apply alcohol cleaner to harp strings as well as wipe down wood surfaces. Lint-free cloths prevent leaving behind fuzzy residue or damaging delicate string windings. Cheesecloth also works well for general harp cleaning.

The key is using cloths gentle enough not to scratch smooth harp soundboards while removing built-up grime and rosin. Terry cloths and paper towels are too abrasive for harp surfaces. Soft microfiber shine cloths or multi-purpose cleaning cloths are ideal choices. Or as mentioned, lightweight cotton gauze cheesecloth works perfectly.

For convenience, some harp suppliers sell pre-cut packs of lint-free cloths ready for string cleaning use. Other options like camera lens cleaning cloths also work well. Avoid clothes with chemical additives or dyes that could transfer onto harp strings. Unscented, additive-free cloths are safest.

Lubricants for Smooth String Function

To reduce friction and wear on harp strings, lubricants are applied at key contact points:

Powdered Rosin

As mentioned earlier, new strings are coated with rosin before winding onto tuning pins so they grip firmly to hold tension. Powdered rosin needs to be reapplied periodically to maintain this sticking power, especially if a string loses tension quickly after tuning. Too little rosin can compromise pitch stability.

When shopping for harp rosin, pure powdered formulas work best. Some commercial violin rosins contain waxes or petroleum additives. These can leave gummy buildup on harp pins and strings over time. 100% natural powder rosins avoid this issue.

Light amber rosins tend to be softer and stickier for better adhesion. Darker rosins are more brittle. Blonde rosin provides a good balance suitable for most harps. Testing different rosin shades can help determine which grips-tuning pins are best on your specific instrument.

Conclusion

Having the right tools and materials on hand is essential for successful harp stringing and maintenance. Investing in specialized pliers, tuning wrenches, measuring devices, and cleaning supplies ensures precise, efficient work that keeps your harp sounding its best.

When selecting tools, prioritize features like flush-cutting wire snips, split-jaw rosin pliers, and comfortable grip handles for prolonged use. Durable stainless steel construction withstands years of regular stringing jobs. Rulers and calipers with etched metric markings provide the necessary precision for harp adjustments.

Quality harp strings are equally important. Choose between gut, nylon, or wire-wrapped strings to achieve your desired tone, from warm and mellow to bright and projecting. Consult string charts or use gauge measurement tools to identify the correct diameters for your instrument.

Finally, keep essential cleaning and lubricating supplies on hand. Denatured alcohol and lint-free cloths safely remove grimy buildup that dampens string vibrancy. Powdered rosin and peg dope keep tuning hardware functioning smoothly.

By stocking your harp maintenance kit with these key tools and supplies, you’ll be well-equipped to handle routine string changes and care. Not only will your harp look and play its best, but you’ll also extend its lifespan and save money by handling more of the upkeep yourself. So gather your harp care essentials and enjoy the rewarding process of keeping your instrument in top form!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of harp strings?

The three main materials harp strings are made of are gut, nylon, and wire wrap. They produce different sounds from mellow to bright.

How do I know what gauge to replace my strings with?

Consult your harp maker’s string chart, use a string gauge measurement tool, or visually compare windings to reference strings.

Is powdered rosin better than cake rosin for harps?

Yes, powder evenly coats strings without the additives in some cake rosins that can leave buildup.

What rulers and calipers work best for harp measurements?

Look for stainless steel harp rulers with etched markings and waterproof digital calipers reading .01mm.

How should I clean harp strings?

Use a 50/50 denatured alcohol solution and soft, lint-free microfiber cloths to remove rosin residue.

What lubricants help harp string function?

Powdered rosin aids tuning pin grip and peg dope reduces friction at winding posts.

How can I safely use denatured alcohol on my harp?

Work in a ventilated area away from flames, use a spray bottle and wear gloves to prevent skin drying.