AHJ, Vol. 7 No. 4, Winter 1980

Nylon Strings
A nylon string requires no special attention except
that since it is rather slick, the holding knot will
sometimes undo itself when you bring it to pitch.
Doubling or tripling the safety loop seems to help.
Also, since nylon stretches more than gut, pull the
string quite taut (making sure it passes over the nut)
before making any turns with the tuning key. This
will prevent over-coiling on the pin.
Although this article is aimed toward economy, I
strongly advise maintaining good strings on your
instrument. Don't allow your ear to become accustomed
to false or dead strings.
In the case of nylon strings you must watch for
"pitting'' of the string which is created by the disc
pins. This not only creates weakness but also puts
the string out of round and makes it false. There is
no remedy other than to change the string, since it
can never be in tune in natural or sharp.
2. Always tune your harp in the key of C-flat. If your
pitch source is A- or C-natural, tune the string to
the proper vibration, release the pedal to flat position,
return it to natural and check it against the
source. You will probably have to retune it, perhaps
even a second or third time. The greatest
amount of stretch occurs between the tuning pin,
stationary or adjustable nut and the disc pins,
thereby causing unevenness of stretch along the
entire length of the string. (It goes without saying
that your harp must be kept in good regulation at
all times.)
3. Intertwining a narrow felt strip among the strings
below the middle octave in which you set the
temperament will prevent these strings from vibrating
sympathetically (they will be heard even
when off pitch). As you tune downward, remove
the felt, string by string: your tuning of these
strings will be easier and more accurate.
Some Thoughts on Tuning
1. I suggest that you read Jane Weidensaul's book,
Scientific Tuning. It contains invaluable information
which is explained clearly and concisely.
4. The lowest three or four notes of the harp are
often rather hard to hear. Try plucking the string
with the fingernail just a few inches below the
stationary nut. (This will more intensely activate
the upper harmonic partials, making the vibrations
easier to hear.
We offer a fine range of handmade Harps based on
traditional designs, but incorporating best modern
techniques and materials. The models vary in size from
the three octave "Ballad" to the "Celtic" with over four
octaves.
Illustrated is the "Celtic Traditional de Luxe" with
artist hand-carved original Celtic design in gilted
"pokerwork."
"IRISH AIRS FOR THE HARP'" -Harp Instructions and Thiny-Three Airs arranged by
E. O'Gallagher@ $6.50 Post Free,
"SIX AIRS FOR THE HARP" by Carolan from the Bunting Collection @ $2.20 Post
Free.
THE CAL THORPE COLLECTION -37 IRISH AIRS and SONGS, many of them
award-winning arrangements Arranged by Nancy Calthorpe for the IRISH HARP @
$12.50 Post Free.
A CELTIC BOUQUET FOR THE HARP. Popular Irish Songs and Airs. arranged by
Nancy Calthrope , Post Free $6.50.
WALTONS'
DUBLIN 1, IRELAND
HARP EXPORT DEPT.
2-5, North Frederick Street Write for our free catalogue.
Winter/1980 23