Harp Strings 101
Harp Strings Explained at Melody’s
Know which strings you need? Click on “Harp Strings” in the top navigation menu to start ordering. Read on if you’d like a refresher course.
The Basics
Ordering strings for harps can be really confusing. When you are ordering strings, no matter from whom, you must know what kind of harp you have. That is the first and most important step. Additionally, Most harp makers will furnish a string gauge chart as part of the package, so don’t lose that piece of paper. Many times it is glued inside the sound box. We have provided a few string charts for your convenience. Scroll down for a few helpful string charts.
Monofilaments explained
Most folk/lever harps crafted by individuals use monofilament strings for the top 20, more or less, including Dusty Strings, Thormahlen, Triplett, and more. Order these by gauge and color. Your string chart comes in very handy here.
Dusty Strings Numberings
Wrapped strings of a specific size may be used on more than one Dusty Strings model. The package may say 32/34, meaning it is String 32 on one harp, but is actually string 34 on another. Your string chart is invaluable here.
Octaves
For harps made by L&H or Salvi, both pedal and lever, order by OCTAVE. Octaves encompass the following notes in backwards order: E-D-C-B-A-G-F. Depending how large your harp is, there may be up to 7 octaves. The first octave consists of the shortest and thinnest strings.
Geography
For most other harps, strings are identified by number. To know which one is needed, start counting at the smallest, shortest string (the TOP of the harp) proceeding toward the lowest, longest one. EXAMPLE: to identify a broken middle C on a Dusty Strings Ravenna 34, if you start counting at #1 (highest, thinnest, shortest string), you will find that #20 is middle C.
Sitting at the harp: When you sit at the harp, the shortest strings should be closest to your face.