Gut
or nylon
Harp
strings are made of sheep's gut or nylon monofilament. There are differences
of opinion among harpists as to the merits of gut strings over those
made of nylon. Nylon strings produce a somewhat metallic sound, while
gut strings give more mellow subdued sound. Nylon strings were much
cheaper when they were first introduced, hut the price has increased
and there is now little difference between the two. Nylon strings
have high tensile strength and good resistance to abrasion, but a
new nylon string does not stay in tune for very long. When it has
settled it stays in tune more consistently. Gut strings tend to fray
before they break and so the harpist is given a warning, but nylon
strings snap unexpectedly. Everything considered, gut strings are
still preferable.
