Steve Moss
Moss Harp Service
Moss Harp Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Lever Harp
What is harp regulation?
How often should my harp be regulated?
How often should I change my strings?
Can you restring my harp at my regulation appointment?
How do I keep my harp clean?
What is harp regulation?
Regulation is a periodic maintenance service designed to keep your
harp in optimal playing condition. On a lever harp, this typically
involves inspecting the harp for any necessary repairs, tightening
tuning pins and lever screws, eliminating or controlling unwanted
noises, and optimizing the intonation between the lever-up and
lever-down positions.
How often should my harp be regulated?
Lever harps do not need regulation nearly as often as pedal harps do.
I suggest having a lever harp regulated every five years, assuming you
aren't having any problems with it. Periodic regulation can nip any
looming problems in the bud before they show up during your big
concert.
How often should I change my strings?
A harp is only as good as the strings you play it with. I have heard
$15,000 harps that sounded like $15 toys because all of their strings
were worn and false. I recommend replacing the strings in the first
and second octaves once every two years on lever harps. Replacing
the bass wires ever two years if possible will help your whole harp
sound richer, as bass wires ring sympathetically even when you are
playing in the upper registers. Inspect the rest of your harp's strings
periodically for signs of wear where the strings touch the levers, as
well as where your fingers touch the strings. Replace as they become
worn.
Can you restring my harp at my regulation appointment?
It is difficult to regulate a newly restrung harp, as the new strings won't
hold pitch long enough to check the intonation. Ideally, new strings
should be on the harp for a week or two before regulation. If I am only in
your town for a few days, you can still have the harp restrung if we
arrange it ahead of time. I will change the strings during the early part of
my visit, tune them frequently, then regulate your harp toward the end of
my stay.
How do I keep my harp clean?
Wash your hands before handling your instrument. Dust your harp off
frequently using a soft cloth made for musical instruments. Check with
your harp's manufacturer to see what polish they recommend for the
type of finish on your harp.
Lever Harp
What is harp regulation?
How often should my harp be regulated?
How often should I change my strings?
Can you restring my harp at my regulation appointment?
How do I keep my harp clean?
What is harp regulation?
Regulation is a periodic maintenance service designed to keep your
harp in optimal playing condition. On a lever harp, this typically
involves inspecting the harp for any necessary repairs, tightening
tuning pins and lever screws, eliminating or controlling unwanted
noises, and optimizing the intonation between the lever-up and
lever-down positions.
How often should my harp be regulated?
Lever harps do not need regulation nearly as often as pedal harps do.
I suggest having a lever harp regulated every five years, assuming you
aren't having any problems with it. Periodic regulation can nip any
looming problems in the bud before they show up during your big
concert.
How often should I change my strings?
A harp is only as good as the strings you play it with. I have heard
$15,000 harps that sounded like $15 toys because all of their strings
were worn and false. I recommend replacing the strings in the first
and second octaves once every two years on lever harps. Replacing
the bass wires ever two years if possible will help your whole harp
sound richer, as bass wires ring sympathetically even when you are
playing in the upper registers. Inspect the rest of your harp's strings
periodically for signs of wear where the strings touch the levers, as
well as where your fingers touch the strings. Replace as they become
worn.
Can you restring my harp at my regulation appointment?
It is difficult to regulate a newly restrung harp, as the new strings won't
hold pitch long enough to check the intonation. Ideally, new strings
should be on the harp for a week or two before regulation. If I am only in
your town for a few days, you can still have the harp restrung if we
arrange it ahead of time. I will change the strings during the early part of
my visit, tune them frequently, then regulate your harp toward the end of
my stay.
How do I keep my harp clean?
Wash your hands before handling your instrument. Dust your harp off
frequently using a soft cloth made for musical instruments. Check with
your harp's manufacturer to see what polish they recommend for the
type of finish on your harp.
Looking for more
answers? Try my blog,
The Harp Herald
answers? Try my blog,
The Harp Herald