Strings for Stoney End Lorraine harp

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This topic has 9 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 4 years, 7 months ago by Alesha Orton.

Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)

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December 20, 2021 at 5:34 am #280531

Tara Schoepke
Participant

I just started playing the harp and bought bought a used Stoney Springs harp about 2 weeks ago. It’s an older one, I think from around 1998.

Last night the first octave B string broke. I have no clue where to buy correct replacement strings. I’m aware that the strings have to have the right thickness for the specific harp but don’t know where to look. Searching the web so far hasn’t turned up any obvious answers.

Aloso, if I go to a harp repair place just to do this for the first time, what is a reasonable cost to replace it?

Thanks for any advice.

December 20, 2021 at 6:10 am #280534

jaydg
Participant

Which country are you in?

If USA, this place supplies strings and lists your harp: http://markwoodstrings.com/harp-strings/

It’s not difficult to do, and there are assorted videos online that show you how – linked a good one in the next post.

December 20, 2021 at 6:13 am #280535

jaydg
Participant

From Teifi Harps, in Wales – how to replace a lever harp string.
https://teifiharps.com/project/how-to-change-a-harp-string/

December 20, 2021 at 12:18 pm #280575

Biagio
Participant

It is likely either 0.028″ or 0.032″ diameter (nylon), probably 0.028″. Either will do but if you want to be sure, check with either Markwood Strings or Robinson’s Harp Shop. Both will almost certainly have the specs in their files.

December 20, 2021 at 1:48 pm #280576

Biagio
Participant

PS it is helpful to know a few things…first, although the size of monofilament strings affects tension it does not affect breaking point, which may seem counter intuitive). But (secondly) a thicker string in place of a thinner one or vice versa will not sound as well as the appropriate one.

So the “lesson” is that if a string breaks and you do not have a spare, choose the next closest size. This does not apply to wound strings of course.

Stoney End lists the string set for the current Lorraine model and it is unlikely that yours will be much different in the treble range. For that one, the B is 0.028″.

December 21, 2021 at 6:03 am #280596

Tara Schoepke
Participant

Thanks to everyone for all of the responses. So helpful!

The manufacturer is going to send me a full spare set, as it appears that this harp was not service before it was sold to me (I really did get a good deal!), and who knows when the next string will break. But I’m really glad to know about these independent suppliers. I worry about having only one source of strings.

Thank you very much for the instructional video. I’m nervous about doing my first string change!

December 22, 2021 at 5:08 pm #280653

Tacye
Participant

Do you still have the broken string? Use it to have a good practice at tying the knot before you do the new one.

December 27, 2021 at 2:37 pm #280906

balfour-knight
Participant

Also, check out Dusty Strings’ new string buttons for anchors instead of worrying about tying the “harper’s knot.” They have great promise for being user-friendly. I do mine the Camac way, with little wooden dowels, which I find to be the easiest of all the ways of doing this. You can watch videos about this on Camac’s website. I use these little dowels for my Dusty Strings FH36S, also, and what an improvement, even to the clarity of the sound! Best of luck, Tara, learning to restring!

Balfour

December 30, 2021 at 6:16 am #281247

Boris Novinger
Participant

Good!

January 15, 2022 at 12:57 am #282286

Alesha Orton
Participant

It sounds like you already contacted the folks at Stoney End– they are really helpful. I have enjoyed talking to them about the Stoney End that I brought. I usually call them to get new strings as they make them the right length and send them with the string “button” or bit of leather. Ask for them to send you the info sheet on the sizes and lengths for the Lorraine so that you can use other suppliers if you haven’t already. Happy harping! =)
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