NB:
as well as this specific section on strings for the Bardic harp,
there is general chapter on strings here.
The metal strings
are secured to the understring bar in the same way as they are secured
on the spinet (see fig.
6.1C). Each string has a loop at one end, and this loop is hooked
to a pin protruding from the under string bar. 17 swg [=standard
wire gauge] panel pins are used for this, and 5mm of the panel
pin should protrude from the wood. The hitching pins are placed half
way between the string holes.
The six bass strings
of the Bardic harp are made of acoustic guitar strings, metal wound,
6th, 5th and 4th. The brass rings which are normally fitted to these
strings should be slightly enlarged so that they fit over the heads
of the hitching pins. Strings no. 1 to no. 24 are made of phosphor
bronze wire, gauged as follows:
no. 1 to no. 4:
Gauge 30 (0.315mm)
no. 5 to no. 8: Gauge 28 (0.376mm)
no. 9 to no. 12: Gauge 25 (0.508mm)
no. 13 to no. 16. Gauge 24 (0.559mm)
no. 17 to no. 20: Gauge 23 (0.6l0mm)
no. 21 to no. 24. Gauge 22 (0.711mm)
String no. 1 should
sound D, and the lowest string no. 30 should sound C. Middle C is
string no. 16, and it is about 315mm long.
In
order that the strings may be recognised, it is essential to paint
the heads of the bridge pins and tuning pegs in red or blue (C and
F strings).
Where
the C and F strings enter the upper string bar, it is also a good
idea to paint a coloured ring around the holes as it will greatly
assist the fingering.
The
bell-like quality of bronze strings is fascinating at first, but in
the long run it tends to become tedious to modern ears. Bronze strings,
in our opinion, keep sounding for too long, causing chords to interfere
with one another. This undesirable effect would explain why bronze
strings were discarded in the past and replaced by gut strings.
Another
point is that phosphor bronze strings are extremely sensitive to tuning:
you turn that tuning key only a quarter turn more than you should,
and snap goes the string! A very shattering experience when you are
engrossed in the enjoyment of beautiful harmonics: gives you quite
a turn!
