tuning and retuning

[Rita Olson]

If we all had pedal harps, we wouldn't have to tune, lift levers, etc......Rita

[Leigh Griffith]

When I changed all the strings on my little harp, I didn't notice any difference, but I had read that strings should be changed every couple years (and I had never changed the strings and only broken one in 11 years). Once I got going it got easier with each string. Also, since getting my Sierra, Triplett came out with a great video (check the first link in the "Favorite Links" discussion).

[Rita Olson]

I decided after 5 years I would change my strings, well, I did the "F's" and "C's" and said, "I quit"....I did not find it easy.....I couldn't tie knots on the nylon strings. I wrote Dusty Strings asking them to consider putting knots on one end of the string, and the cork disc too....they said they would come apart in mailing (I doubt that!) and it is too time consuming, (that's more like it). My husband tied them for me seeing how frustrated I was. I don't think I will change all the strings, they sound good to me,...thought maybe it would improve the tone, but I don't notice any difference. Dusty Strings sent me several pages of instruction (after the fact)....and it is very good...if anyone wants it sent to them, just e-mail me and I'll forward it to you.

[Rita Olson]

Just as one can pedal a bike and steer at the same time, playing pedal harp isn't as difficult as it may seem. I hear that they may be making a smaller pedal harp, like 36 stings....that would be ideal, but I'm sure the mechanism would make it heavy to haul.

[Leigh Griffith]

It is true that lifting and lowering levers takes our hands away from our strings, and without even levers it means grabbing the tuner and tuning each string by hand between songs. On the other hand, I'm not sure I could train my feet (and brain) to remember which pedal was where and which position each pedal was in when I started! (I drive a standard and sometimes forget which gear I'm in!)

The other piece is portability. I know there are smallish pedal harps, but for someone like me who goes out with my harp a couple times every week and has to load and unload by myself, the added weight is just too much. I could see a pedal harp as a "home and special occasion" harp, but don't see myself learning to work pedals (or affording one) anytime soon. Maybe in my next life?....
Leigh