If you have purchase a finished harp during the winter please let the crate warm to room temperature for a couple hours before opening.  Harp strings are loosened slightly for shipping to prevent string breakage. You will want to fine - tune your harp before playing it. We like to use an electronic tuner for greater ease, speed, and accuracy; tuning wrench is provided. You may start at the lowest string and work your way up. All red strings are C’s and blue or black strings are F’s. CHECK THE  TUNING SHEET OR STRING CHART FOR HELP IN KNOWING WHICH NOTE YOUR HARP WILL START ON.

Frequent tuning will be necessary for a newly strung harp to allow for stretching of the strings and settling of the wood. When we build the harps we like to keep them for a bit so we can tune them and make sure they are settled enough for shipping. They will still need frequent tuning to adjust to the temperature and humidity levels of their new location. A new harp usually takes about 50 tunings before it is settled and ready for levers.

Unless requested otherwise, your harp has been finished with water -based Polyurethane in a Clear Gloss. You may use a dry cloth to dust the surface or a damp cloth to remove any “oops” such as food etc. Over time you may want to freshen up the finish or hide any minor scratches. A good cleaner/restorer such as Old English or Endust works well. Do not use a product that includes wax and avoid getting any polish on the strings.

On average, strings should be replaced every 2 to three years as they weaken over time due to oxidization. You will also notice that during times of humidity changes you will need to tune more frequently. For example: in North America during the Spring the humidity levels rise and the pitch in the strings will rise due to the wood re-hydration after the dry winter spell.