The strings are the soul of the harp. Their material, finish, and position number directly determine the instrument's timbre, responsiveness to touch, and lifespan. Choosing your strings carefully is an essential step for any harpist.

The three main families of string instruments

Strings in Nylon They equip the upper registers (treble) of the vast majority of harps, both lever and pedal. Light and durable, they offer a clear sound and good tuning stability.

Strings in Gut occupy the medium register. Made from treated gut, they deliver incomparable warmth and harmonic richness – they are the choice of discerning musicians. They are available in Standard or Professional (Burgundy) finish, the latter offering better projection.

The strings spun (Nylon or gut core, metal-wound) cover the bass strings. Their metal winding amplifies the bass and ensures the power of the lower octaves.

Lever harp vs. pedal harp

On a 47-string pedal harp, the 7 highest strings are nylon, the next 26 are gut, and the final 14 are wound. On a 40-string lever harp, the distribution is similar, but varies by make and model (Bow Brand, Burgundy, etc.).

When to change your strings?

A string must be replaced as soon as it shows signs of fraying, discolouration, or if it no longer holds its tuning. It is recommended to renew all strings every two to three years for regular harpists. For gut strings, which are particularly sensitive to humidity and temperature variations, increased vigilance is required.

To order the strings suitable for your instrument or to entrust the replacement to a professional, See our online shop