Changing Harp Strings: A Complete Guide

Welcome back to another harp educational video! In this video we'll be covering all about harp strings - types of strings, when to change strings, how to tie the harp knot, how to restring a harp, and more! I hope you enjoy, and if you do, make sure to give this video a like, leave a comment, and consider subscribing to my channel! I've been working on this video for months and am so excited to share it with you! I love making videos like this, and this one turned out to be my most time- and labor-intensive one yet. If I totaled up all the time between planning, filming, recording voiceovers, editing, and tweaking all the finishing touches, I'd say I've put 30+ hours into this video! So I truly hope you enjoy, and please share with your harpist friends or (if you're also a harp teacher) with your students! TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - INTRO 0:59 - WHY STRINGS BREAK / WHEN TO CHANGE A STRING 1:04 - Environmental causes 1:35 - Physical wear 2:12 - Age 2:44 - String changing schedule 3:35 - Moving the harp 3:38 - Shipping harp/putting harp in storage 4:29 - Restringing before a regulation 5:26 - TYPES OF HARP STRINGS AND WHERE TO GET THEM 5:57- Nylon strings 6:33 - Gut strings 6:52 - Wire strings 7:19 - Looking online for strings 7:41 - String tension 9:02 - Different brands of harp strings 9:20 - Where to buy strings 10:10 - Price of strings 10:57 - Skeleton set 12:54 - Multiple uses from string 13:32 - TYING THE HARP KNOT 13:44 - Tying the knot by itself 15:15 - Tying the knot with a string anchor 15:25 - Large-scale demonstration of tying with anchor 16:44 - Tying anchor demo 17:42 - Tying anchor demo (anchor added after) 18:41 - Dusty Strings "String Buttons" 19:36 - String Button demo 20:50 - :) 21:49 - REPLACING A NYLON OR GUT STRING 22:04 - Detailed complete string demo (lever harp) 23:02 - Creating an anti-slip string saddle 24:47 - Overview complete string demo (lever harp) 26:03 - Detailed complete string demo (pedal harp) 27:09 - Tip for trimming the string afterward 27:40 - REPLACING A WIRE STRING 28:07 - Detailed complete wire string demo 30:30 - Close-up detailed complete wire string demo 32:22 - TROUBLESHOOTING DURING STRING CHANGING 32:42 - Ensure string is winding correctly 33:00 - Check string points of contact 33:16 - Check your knot 33:58 - Try a different string 34:41 - Ask for help 34:53 - SOME FINAL TIPS! 35:03 - Recycling strings 36:06 - Keeping track of your string supply 36:43 - OUTRO Links to things I mention in the video: Basics of Harp Care video: https://youtu.be/EdxPWMAo5XE Example of string changing schedule: https://tinyurl.com/mossharpservice (under "How often should I change my strings?") Helpful article on string tension: https://heartlandharps.com/string-tension/ Bow Brand harp strings: https://www.harp.com/string-products/bow-brand-pedal-gut/ Bow Brand Burgundy harp strings: https://www.harp.com/string-products/bow-brand-burgundy/ Premier harp strings: https://atlantaharpcenter.com/premier-harp-strings Vanderbilt harp strings: https://vanderbiltmusic.com/strings/ Dusty Strings harp strings: https://manufacturing.dustystrings.com/harps/strings Dusty Strings "String Buttons": https://manufacturing.dustystrings.com/products/string-buttons ☆ Send me a tip! https://tiptopjar.com/bjacksonharp The video’s background music is my own composition, a little experimental harp lo-fi called “Lazy Stream” :) ► My Website: https://www.bjacksonharp.com/ ► My Harp Arrangements: https://www.bjacksonharp.com/sheet-music ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bjacksonharp/ ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bjacksonharp