Change a harp string with me... an anxious moment!

Do you get a little stressed when a string breaks?
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[@tari-jeanlybbert8225]

I feel so much better about my anxiety over changing strings! Your commentary is almost exactly what I think and do every time! I always worry about bending the string as I tie the knot. I have a difficult time tying the knots in the thicker strings.

[@catiewells3829]

I’m laughing as I watch this. I watch the exact same video every single time I change a string, rewatching the exact same segments that you did! I’m so glad to know it’s not just I who has string anxiety! Thank for this.😄

[@ReallyJillRogoff]

Me too!

[@naomilacken152]

After all the agonising, when I took out the new string the knot was already in it! Some thoughtful person in the shop must have done it for me. Wow, very grateful :)

[@ReallyJillRogoff]

I wish they all arrived that way!

[@harphollow8304]

Christie, I was the same way. If a string broke, I would break out in a cold sweat and get heart palpitations. Then the time finally came where I had to change out all my strings because they were getting old and I wanted to switch some out to folk gut instead of nylon. So I did, but then I had a lot of issues with bad folk gut strings so I was constantly changing them. So now, a year and a half later, I can honestly say that I am not longer afraid to change any string on my harp. I have often thought that all harpists should have the opportunity to go work at a harp shop stringing harps for a week and by the end of that week we would be expert string changers. LOL!!

[@katford7286]

So glad you’re anxious too when changing strings. I watch Sylvia’s videos too every time I need to switch one out.

[@darcysalmon7781]

I'm glad that I am not the only one with string anxiety... 🙄

[@crystalliz2618]

Thank you! I'm changing my first string today. 😊

[@andrewhardy9744]

Christie you managed splendidly. Your reservations are in your head. You can always do what I did and restring a whole harp (34) strings. Then you can do it in your sleep. Any angst is replaced by sheer boredom. Thanks for a great and helpful little video cheers

[@DavidMorris-pq4jq]

Often when tuning for the initial time, I will grab the string and twist, or pull, on it, to help get that bottom knot to tighten up, and also to help (hopefully) to stretch the string quicker. At least that's what I tell myself!! It still takes several days for it to finally start holding it's tune.

[@chesterhouse1883]

Thank you so much....I thought I was the only one who had trouble tying those knots!

[@RossellaDeFalcoSoleyCelticHarp]

Thanks for this!!! You might know that we now have Dusty Strings buttons, which might help. The worst is when it breaks while playing a solo concert and then you have to change the string in front of everyone :)

[@LearningtheHarp]

Yes I need to try those!! 😍

[@ReallyJillRogoff]

I have the same problem. :-) I watch Sylvia's videos, too. Am glad it's not just me.

[@jeannieb.]

Chrysty-Lyn, I just bought a Dusty Strings Ravenna 34 a few months ago, and still very much a beginner, and last week, I saw my #25 E string had somehow popped already, even though I've been very careful not to over tighten when tuning, and been keeping the correct humidity level in the house. So now, yes, I'm stressed because I don't want to flub it up and have to buy another string or hurt my harp in any way. Thought about calling Dusty Strings to get some tips. There are some great KZbins though, and Dusty Strings now has these string "buttons" that make tying the knot look a lot easier, so I bought some of those, but then there's the rest of the stringing I need to figure out.😮 Oh well, it's a learning process. Just wasn't expecting to have to do this so early! Thanks for sharing this video and being real on camera! You are awesome! Loving your courses too!❤❤❤

[@LearningtheHarp]

Hi Jeannie! Aw I know that feeling ❤️ But it’s quite normal to break a string, and it’s basically impossible to hurt your harp by the way you change a string. The worst that can happen is you have to buy another string, which isn’t the end of the world. You’ll be ok you can do this! 😅🙌🏻

[@EmyRuth]

Yes, I had been waiting for a string video!!! Thank you, Christy!!!

[@isabelkerins2107]

Thank you Christy-Lyn for your calming video. I looked at the videos and practised for hours with string and a pencil to get the knot right. I finally managed to change the string and it tuned ok but then the next two strings snapped when I tuned them. The strings at the top end of the harp have no give in them whatsoever and now I daren't play the harp for fear of more strings snapping as it has taken ages to change all the 3 strings. I have to admit there have been tears. Glad to know I'm not the only one who finds changing a string challenging but feel that my incompetence is off the scale.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Oh dear Isabel, that sounds very stressful! It does sound like something is wrong, they shouldn’t have no give, and be snapping like that. I wonder whether you are tuning your top strings to higher pitches than they are meant to be tuned? It’s possible you could be trying to tune them to an octave higher than they should be, so that it’s the same note on your tuner, but a full scale higher. Another thing to check is whether you’re putting the right string on, that it’s the same thickness as the ones next to it. What kind of harp do you have? I’m so sorry this has been so stressful. I wish I could help more ❤️

[@isabelkerins2107]

@@LearningtheHarp Thank you for your advice Christy-Lyn! It's so kind of you to reply. It is a new 36 string harp from a company in the UK called Gear4Music. I followed the instructions not to tune them immediately because it warned that they might snap if the tuning was done too soon but I thought after a week, they should have settled. Because it is a new harp, the strings are all the correct thickness. I too thought it might have been an octave out but I have checked and it's not. I tried tuning them down an octave but then they go all flacid! I am going to send a query to the company I bought it from and hope that they can shed some light on the matter. How much movement/play do you have in your top strings? In the meantime I have tuned the strings that I use and am just leaving the top 4 or so that have are too taut untuned as I dread another one snapping! The knot tying was just so stressful, I don't know why! Thank you so much for your reply. I really appreciate it.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Aw sorry to hear about this problem! I hope it gets sorted and stops being stressful. All the best!! ❤️

[@RossellaDeFalcoSoleyCelticHarp]

@@isabelkerins2107 Hello, I think the problem is the harp, not you :) I also had similar issues with my first incredibly cheap harp. You can find relatively cheap harps online that are not top quality and have a lot of issues with tensions of strings, levers, not keeping the proper octave...I suggest using it for practising at the very beginning, then you can sell it and switch tto a proper harp from camac, dusty strings, salvi, harpsicle or other well-known companies :)

[@Intentions4u]

Great video, I have changed strings before but like you I do get anxious. I think I need to watch your video on frustration as I am really on a downer for not progressing faster than I am. Love you video's and thank you for sharing not just your skills but also your anxieties

[@jennycolley7265]

This is soooo reassuring! Thank you 😊

[@nancypastorok3219]

Thank you! I've changed many strings, but still get anxious, watch all the videos first, crawl around on the floor (sometimes with a flashlight) to find the hole for the string. Tying those knots make me nervous so I appreciated the story about your harp teacher!

[@jessicaroserose2827]

THANK YOU!

[@annettekelly1592]

How often should one change the whole set? I got my harp about five years ago. I can see the low F is worn. I will be playing in public in the next few weeks. Should I just do one at a time as needed? I have a full set that is also 5 years old. Do those strings stay like new, or not?

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

I always recycle my Strings when restringing a Harp which is amazing. I use Pirastro Chromcor & Nycor (Steel & Nylon) for all the Strings (no Corda Gut Strings at all) because w/ that many Strings to keep in Tune Nylon & Steel will last many times as long as Gut Strings, & they're going to be much gentler on the fingers which makes playing it easier. The Pirastro Strings are rather interesting they include Transitional Strings between the Plain Nylon Trebles & the Silk & Steel Copper Wound Basses, that's Aluminum Wound Nylon Strings for the 5th Octave E & D so that you get a more consistent tone.

[@3762302]

Great video as always. Thanks

[@Mezilesialan]

Really very helpful Christie. Thank you.

[@LearningtheHarp]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ancientspiritmusic]

Good video. I used to get nervous about replacing a broken string, and would have to refer to Sylvia Woods’ excellent videos for help. It gets easier over time.

[@danielskomp9072]

I used to stress about replacing strings! UNTIL I found ‘buttons’ from Dusty Strings, which eliminated the hated knot!

[@lovetoplayharp]

I just had to change that very string. I haven't had to change very many either. But I did exactly what you said. I went to Sylvia Woods' video on how to change a string and how to tie the knot. Exactly the same as yours. I forgot to look, but I'll bet she has a million views. Lol. Then this video of yours popped up. :D

[@Saxthefan]

I am new to the harp and am having struggle doing 7th String 2nd Octave B along with tuning it

[@sinloocheong104]

ah ha! I'm same as you. Always refer to you tube tutorial when I install the string. I always struggling on tie a knot. It always loosen halfway

[@ilovepedalharpstheybeautif6692]

I have learning disabilities and I would love to buy a harp and learn how to run a harp

[@DavidMorris-pq4jq]

Why do harp strings break so often, but I almost never have to change the strings on my other instruments?? But what I really wanted to say, is to use some fingernail (or better yet, toenail clippers, because they are bigger) to cut the strings. It gives a much cleaner cut. My opinion, of course. I enjoyed your video!

[@kureihii2544]

I dont own a full size harp, but your videos have been really helpful for learning how to play my handheld lyre!! There's basically no one that teaches lyre, but practicing harp techniques helps a lot!

[@LearningtheHarp]

Oh that’s so interesting! I’ve never tried a lyre.

[@Wurntje]

Good to see I'm not the only one haha

[@lalabinh4446]

I have a question for you. What is the farthest bass note that you can reach using your right hand ( on your pedal harp ). I’m assuming that you can reach C2. Thank you

[@harietahots]

I have a question about the string size : in guitar and bass, we can have wider strings if we want a deeper sound, do you think it’s possible to do that on a 22 strings harp to make her sound deeper ?

[@WaleAdeoye]

Hi Christie, thanks for this. I am about to buy my first harp, Ogden. Belongs to a child who stopped playing years ago and it's 10 years old, but half of the string is missing. They broke off at different times over the years. Is this a dangerous buy? Could restringing the harp damage the sound board? Please advise. Thanks

[@LearningtheHarp]

Hi Wale, great question! I'd encourage you to ask the maker of the harp, Lyon & Healy, what they would recommend. We also have a phenomenal Facebook group with harp players from all around the world with lots of varied experience - you could also ask there and see what the collective thoughts are 🤗. The group is called Learning the Harp Together. xx Nicole, LTH Team Member

[@Maris-W]

Ha, Ha … I do exactly the same … watch Sylvia Wood's video and follow along. She makes it look so much easier than it is (at least for me).

[@mayflowerlash11]

I can't see what you are doing under the harp. Can we have the camera on what you do with your hands under the harp? We can see what you do at the top of the string though. Thank you

[@ilovepedalharpstheybeautif6692]

I want to buy a heart when a brand new home to freaking do that for me help me buy a harp

[@wieslawszwedka5320]

Applause .

[@StaringCompetition]

Christy-Lynn did you change the channel name? My worst string changing habit is being scared to cut the excess at the top of the harp in case it breaks at the bottom too soon. I leave them :(

[@LearningtheHarp]

Yes I changed the channel name! Do you like it? ☺️ Oh that’s a funny habit, haha! Very unlikely to break at the bottom right away, but very likely to get annoying with the extra bits at the top... and maybe even cause buzzing. But I’ve seen people do that, so you’re not the only one, haha 😆

[@theoldieprojects1814]

Does anyone know if there is a tutorial anywhere for changing a wire wound bass string on my 28 string Marini Made Harp? I have now had 3 spares break before even being properly wound.....I know I must be doing this wrong, I have watched tutorials like this on how to put on a new nylon string - they're soft - the wire strings seem too hard to wind around the tuning pin. Help!

[@LearningtheHarp]

Hi there! It sounds like it would be a good idea for you to phone Sue at Marini and ask for her help. She is really responsive and helpful! I’m sure she’ll be able to give you advice on what might be going wrong. I hope you get it sorted! ❤️

[@theoldieprojects1814]

@@LearningtheHarp Thank you, I have emailed Alex - I am in Australia and there's quite a time difference. Every blessing 🙂Rae

[@theoldieprojects1814]

@@LearningtheHarp DO you know if there is a tutorial anywhere on how to change Bass strings?

[@lisaharper2975]

The strings are so long that I run the string through the front of my harp, pull it through the back, then tie the knot. I do a lot less cussing when I do it that way! ;)

[@LearningtheHarp]

Ja, that’s what my teacher always made me do... but I just don’t like doing it that way 😆

[@aidaniams9160]

Have you ever regulated your harp on your own?

[@LearningtheHarp]

Nope! I get mine serviced every two years. But maybe I should find out about this for a future video... 🤔

[@aidaniams9160]

@@LearningtheHarp There are no harp technicians near me, so I regulated my harp myself for the first time a few days ago. It was surprisingly easy, if a bit time consuming :)

[@jacomiententeije5417]

🎶🙂🎶

[@ilovepedalharpstheybeautif6692]

I have rain disabilities I wish I could get a harp don't learn how to run a heart Daniel anyway how I can do that a harp I have learning disabilities I wish I could buy a harp and I have disability and I cannot I have like Social Security disability and I cannot I work a full-time job I work part-time at Hugo's I wish I could freaking buy a harp