Oh I think I have my harp parts jumbled up. I meant to say Stiff Tuning Pins. Those are the big metal pieces that go through the harp and hold the string. The bridge pins hold the strings in place for the levers.

Please correct me if I’m wrong. 🙂

It probably is a humidity issue since I noticed this change after moving to Maryland. Its just been getting worse over the years though. I’ll give Stoney End a call.

Thanks everyone!

I called Stoney End about several problems I’ve been having and they were very helpful.

The truitt levers are very stiff as well. I was told to apply a little mineral oil to soften them up. I’ve heard elsewhere to use sewing machine oil, so the jury’s out which to use.

The bass strings look almost rusty and he said to use steel wool to clean them up. But the harp is probably due for a new set of strings by now anyway.

As for the tuning pins? I had to loosen them because he said the strings were exerting downward pressure on the pins and causing them to stick. I think it was partly this and the humidity factor. I moved from upper Michigan to Maryland and shortly after the move I noticed them getting harder to turn.

So down my harp went for some good old harp surgery. Loosened a pin so that there was no more string tension. Padded both sides of the harp with towels. Then with towels covering the tuning pins themselves, one or two taps with a hammer on the string side of the tuning pin. Wah Lah! It slowly slid out and I adjusted it back to its former glory. Stoney End said to do one string at a time and put it back in tune before moving on to the next.

I feel like I have a brand new harp again and I’ve reawakened my desire to play more often. Amazing what some basic maintenance will do.