How to Change a Harp String

Co-authored by Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: October 25, 2021 References

Taking care of your harp and installing new strings are all part of maintaining your beautiful instrument and practicing your craft. It’s a functional skill, and it can also help you learn more about your harp and how it works. Once you know how to change a string, it should only take you 5-10 minutes to get a new one in place so that you can resume practicing to your heart’s content!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:
Removing the Old String

1
Loosen the tuning pin for the string you need to replace. Take your tuning key and twist it counterclockwise to undo the string from the tuning pin. Doing this gives the string some slack, which means it’ll be less likely to snap (if it hasn’t already broken).^{[1]
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- Even if your string already broke, you’ll still need to loosen the tuning pin to unwind the string and remove it.
2
Remove the old string and any leftover pieces from your harp. Unwind the string from the tuning pin and pull it out through the hole, so they’re no longer connected. Pull the end of the string out from the soundbox and check for any small pieces that may have broken off.^{[2]
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- Set aside the spline if you want to reuse it. The spline is a short, thick piece of string or wood used to keep the string in place in the soundboard.
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3
Turn the tuning pin so the hole is vertical. This makes it easier to thread the string through the hole. Doing it now keeps your hands free once you’re ready to thread the string and wind it into place.^{[3]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:
Tying the New String

1
Select the correct size of string for the one you’re replacing. Each string has a slightly different width. From octave to octave, you may also use strings made of other materials, like gut strings versus nylon strings. You can buy packs of strings or individual ones as needed. If you’re unsure of what type of string to use, consult the manufacturer.^{[4]
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- Depending on what kind of harp you have, you might have anywhere from 10 to 47 strings to work with.
- Be careful not to bend or twist the new string, especially if it’s a gut string. This can cause it to break more easily down the road.^{[5]
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2
Thread the string through the soundboard to tie the knot in the back. This makes it much easier to see the string and get your knot tied perfectly. Simply pass the string through the eyelet on the soundboard and grab it around back in the soundbox.^{[6]
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- Some people like to tie the knot first and thread the string up through the soundboard. That tends to be more challenging because it’s difficult to see the back of the eyelet from the opposite side of the soundboard.
3
Tie a harper’s knot on the end of the string. This knot may look complicated, but it’s relatively simple! The more you practice it, the easier it’ll become. Follow these steps to tie your knot:^{[7]
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- Hold the string in both hands with the end pointing to your right.
- Make 2 identically-sized loops about ¹⁄₂ to ³⁄₄ in (1.3 to 1.9 cm) away from the end of the string.
- Put the second loop around the first one and pull the string's end to tighten the knot slightly.
4
Push the spline through the knot and pull it tight. You could reuse the spline from the old string if you saved it. Insert the spline so that it is parallel to the end of the string, then pull the opposite end to make the knot as tight as possible.^{[8]
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- If you don’t have a spline, you can make one by cutting 1 in (2.5 cm) of string off of a .050 or .055 gauge string.
- A spline is also sometimes called a toggle. It’s essentially just a short, thick piece of string used to hold the main string in place against the soundboard.^{[9]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:
Attaching the String to the Tuning Pin

1
Thread the opposite end of the string through the tuning pin. Pull the string up toward the neck, so the spline catches against the soundboard, keeping it in place. Bring the string up through the bottom of the vertical hole in the pin. Leave enough slack that you can pull the string to the side so it stretches across 2-3 strings.^{[10]
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- Leaving some slack gives you space to wind the string and adjust the tautness.
2
Create the first loop with the string around the tuning pin. Pull the string down in front of the tuning pin, through the space between the harp and the vertical part of the string. Pull it back around the front of the tuning pin, catching the vertical string. Hold it up, so it’s pointing toward the ceiling.^{[11]
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- This starts the wrapping process that’s essential to keeping the string firmly in place.
3
Turn the tuning key to wrap the string around the pin. Hold the string in your left hand. With your right hand, twist the tuning key and guide the string as it wraps around the pin, so it doesn’t overlap at all. Make sure the string is winding toward the neck of the harp.^{[12]
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- Double check that the string is laying in the groove on the left side of the bridge pin.^{[13]
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4
Continue turning the key while simultaneously testing the pitch. Once you’ve found the right note, you can stop tuning your harp. Use a chromatic tuner if you aren’t quite sure of what you’re listening for just doing it by ear.^{[14]
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- You’ll have to tune this string more over the next few weeks as it breaks in.^{[15]
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- There are even some tuners you can download in app-form on your phone! Just search the app store to find something that’ll work for you.^{[16]
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5
Trim off the end of the string with a pair of sharp scissors. Once the string is wound around the tuning pin and secured against the soundboard, trim away the excess material. Doing so keeps your harp looking neat and tidy, and it will protect you from accidentally getting poked by it.^{[17]
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- If you’re working with wire strings, you may need to use a pair of wire cutters.
- If there’s enough string leftover, save it for the next time you need to change that particular string. If not, you can throw it away.
6
Change your strings regularly to keep them sounding as good as possible. Of course, if a string breaks or is producing a weird sound, change it as needed. But if your strings are in generally good condition, consider setting up a regular schedule to change them. The following schedule is for an occasional player. If you’re a professional, you may want to change them more often.^{[18]
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- Change the 1st and 2nd-octave strings every 2 years.
- Change the 3rd-octave strings every 3 years.
- Change the 4th and 5th-octave strings every 4-6 years.
- Change the 6th-octave strings every 2-4 years.
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Community Q&A

Question

The string doesn't sound right after I've changed it. What can I do?

Penguinpencil

Community Answer

It's probably way out of tune. Listen to a tuner and try your best to move it in the right direction.