Harp Strings

Materials & Types:

• Nylon & Gut: Smooth, warm tone for melody strings.

• Wire & Wound Wire: Provides bright, strong bass notes.

• Bass Wires: Requires careful tuning; consult your harpmaker for replacement guidance.

Tuning & Pitch:

• Follow your harp’s string chart to ensure correct pitch and gauge.

• Proper tuning is essential for string longevity and overall tone.

Maintenance:

• Wipe strings with a soft cloth after playing to remove oils and dust.

• Keep your harp away from direct sunlight, heaters, and extreme humidity changes.

• Check levers and tuning pins regularly for smooth operation.

Replacement Tips:

• Always replace broken strings with the correct gauge and type.

• Refer to our Replacing Strings Guide for step-by-step instructions.

• Keep an extra set of strings on hand for emergencies.

Dulcimer Strings

Materials & Types:

• Steel, bronze, and nylon strings are commonly used.

• Different materials affect tone: steel is bright, bronze adds warmth, and nylon is soft and mellow.

Tuning & Pitch:

• Always tune gradually to avoid stressing the instrument.

• Follow the string chart provided with your dulcimer.

Maintenance:

• Wipe the strings and fretboard after playing.

• Replace strings showing signs of wear, fraying, or loss of tone.

• Store in a stable environment to prevent warping or cracking.

Replacement Tips:

• Use the correct gauge for your dulcimer model.

• Consult your harpmaker or trusted suppliers for replacement strings.

Mountain Banjo Strings

Materials & Types:

• Steel, bronze, nickel-plated, gut, and wound strings are common.

• Material choice impacts tone and feel—bright, mellow, or rich.

Tuning & Pitch:

• Use an electronic or clip-on tuner to maintain correct pitch.

• Check head tension periodically; proper tension keeps tone crisp and balanced.

Maintenance:

• Wipe strings, neck, and head after playing.

• Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity to protect wood and metal parts.

• Inspect tuning pegs, tailpiece, and bridge for proper alignment.

Replacement Tips:

• Replace strings gradually to avoid over-stressing the instrument.

• Keep spare strings for quick replacements.

Additional Tips for All Instruments

• String Charts & Reference Tables: Always follow your instrument-specific string chart for proper gauges and placement.

• Environment Matters: Keep instruments away from direct sunlight, heat, or humidity fluctuations.

• Stretching & Seating: New strings may need time and gentle stretching to hold pitch.

• Extra Strings: Store spare strings safely for emergencies.

Specialty Strings

• Harps: Wound bass strings, synthetic gut, color-coded options.

• Dulcimers: Coated vs. uncoated strings.

• Banjos: Strings designed for resonator vs. open-back setups.

Need Help?

If you have questions about which strings to use, how to replace them, or maintenance tips, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our Red Wing, MN team is happy to guide you and ensure your instrument sounds its best.

Replacing Harp Strings

It’s normal for harp strings to break from time to time, and learning to replace them is an essential skill for every harpist. Using the correct string type and gauge for your harp is crucial—refer to the string chart or list provided with your instrument. If you don’t have one, contact your harpmaker or a harp store to get the proper chart. Keeping an extra set of strings on hand is always a good idea.

Step 1 – Remove the Old String

Carefully remove the broken string from the back of the soundbox and around the tuning pin. For wire or metal strings, use pliers to avoid cutting your fingers.

Step 2 – Prepare the Tuning Pin

Harp tuning pins vary by type:

• Tapered pins (most harps): Slightly twist with your tuning key while pushing the pin toward the neck to ensure it’s securely seated.
• Threaded pins (used by Dusty Strings since 1998) or zither pins: Unscrew 3–4 turns before attaching the new string to prevent the pin from being too far into the neck.

Both tapered and threaded/zither pins are considered “through pins” when they go all the way through the neck.

Step 3 – Knot and Insert the String

• Wound and bass wire strings come with an anchor; other strings require a knot.
• Insert the string from inside the soundbox through the soundboard hole until stopped by the knot or anchor.
• Optionally, thread the string first, then tie the knot and pull it up through the soundboard.

Step 4 – Thread the String Through the Tuning Pin

Pass the string through the tuning pin hole and any sharping lever if necessary. Make sure it’s on the correct side of the bridge pin.

Step 5 – Create Slack

Slack ensures proper winding and reduces the chance of breakage:

• Highest thin nylon or gut strings: ~2″ slack
• Bass wires and thicker wire-core strings: 2–3″ slack
• Nylon or gut strings over .036 gauge, or nylon-wrapped strings in higher octaves: little to no slack needed

Create slack by pulling the string to the side or adjusting through the tuning pin hole.

Step 6 – Wind the String

• Hold the loose end with your left hand.
• Use your tuning key with your right hand to wind the string over itself, securing it.
• Ensure the string stays in the groove and on the correct side of the bridge pin.
• For tapered pins, push the tuning key toward the neck as you wind.
• Continue until the string reaches the proper pitch.

Step 7 – Trim Excess String

Once properly installed and tuned, cut off the extra string above the tuning pin. For high strings, you may save the excess for future replacements.

Bass Wire Strings

Bass wires vary widely by maker. Replace them slowly and carefully, as mistakes are difficult to correct. Consult your harpmaker, their website, or Harp Center for specific instructions for your harp’s bass strings.