Two questions(harp related)

Subject: Two questions(harp related)
From: Jen
Date: 19 Dec 98 - 10:12 PM

Hello! I have a little zither, and it looks like it's strung with piano wire. It makes a really nice bell-like sound. I was thinking about stringing my harp with piano wire too, cause I really like the tone of the zither. It's a wire harp. Can anyone tell me if the tension would be okay to do this? I don't want to break the harp!

Also, does anyone have a good suggestion for a beginner book for wire harping? I have one for a regular nylon harp, but some of the stuff isn't applicable. (It's a Celtic-style harp)

Thanks! Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!

Jen

Subject: RE: Two questions(harp related)
From: Helen
Date: 20 Dec 98 - 07:08 AM

Hi Jen,

I don't know anything about wire harps. (Why am I answering this thread, I hear you say? :-) ) but firstly, I think you should discuss this option with a harpmaker because you might end up putting a lot of strain on the harp's structure by using piano wire. Don't forget that pianos have strong metal frames, and are built into a box structure, and autoharps have a solid piece of wood behind the strings, not just a frame (soundboard, neck & pillar) like a harp. The harplist people might have some suggestions, or cautionary tales. (You have used the harplist before, haven't you? If not let me know & I'll give you the details for joining.

Secondly, about the book: I don't know if this book is the best wire harp book, but I know that Ann Heyman is recognised as on of the best wire harp players. I think her book is called the Harp Key, which is the same as the name of one of her albums of Scottish music.

I'm fairly certain that the Sylvia Woods Harp Center in California still stocks it. If you need me to find their contact details plese let me know, but I know that they have a website, and you can order books from there, so you can do an internet search for that.

Again, the harplisters will have suggestions, and opinions, on good wire harp books.

Happy harping, Helen

Subject: RE: Two questions(harp related)
From: Jen
Date: 20 Dec 98 - 07:47 AM

Thanks! Yes, I'm on the harp list, and I posted to there also. So we'll see what they say!*g* Who knows, they might have more suggestions, too. Thanks for the book title; I hadn't heard of that one.

Jen

Subject: RE: Two questions(harp related)
From: DonMeixner
Date: 20 Dec 98 - 10:53 PM

Contact www.musikit.com ask the nice people at Musicmaker's. They are very friendly and very helpful,

DonMeixner

Subject: RE: Two questions(harp related)
From: catlady (inactive)
Date: 16 Jan 99 - 09:10 PM

There are several harpmakers that advertize what appear to be the same harp, in either a nylon string or wire string model. It is unclear from the descriptions and photos if there is any special reinforcement or etc. of the soundboard to prevent excess bowing, warping, or even cracking. This is also true of double-strung models. It seems to me there'd have to be.

also, how do I get on the harp list?

Subject: RE: Two questions(harp related)
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Jan 99 - 09:29 PM

Are you sure it's a wire harp. I'm a luthier building hammered dulcimers, App. Dulcimers, and repairing lots of stinged instruments. I've also built seven celtic harps. Be absolutely sure it's a wire harp. Some ARE built for either, but they are in essence steel harps. Not ALL are interchangeable! catspaw

Subject: RE: Two questions(harp related)
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Jan 99 - 09:42 PM

Sorry catlady, that didn't really answer you as I was looking at the old posts. Yes there is a difference in reinforcement and to some extent the soundboard can be modified too. Often the soundbox is sized and constructed differently for nylon.

Most of the commercial makers build for steel and then string with nylon. That's generally safe but you can sacrifice some sound quality. catspaw

Subject: RE: Two questions(harp related)
From: Helen
Date: 17 Jan 99 - 12:06 AM

Catlady,

The harp list is an e-mail mailing list. You subscribe by sending an e-mail to

[e-mail]

Including the word "subscribe". If you want a digest form rather than 20 -40 individual e-mails per day then I think you say "subscribe digest"

To submit a reply or a new topic you write to

[e-mail]

The web page with the harp list archives is at

http://www.tns.lcs.mit.edu/harp/

Hope to see you on the list, Helen